Allison Smith-Varney, MSW, LGSW

Behavioral Health Provider

My name is Allison Smith-Varney and I am a School-based Behavioral Health Provider at Sissonville Middle School and Sissonville High School offering mental health services at our school-based health centers, Sissonville Health Center and Red Hawk Health Center. I attended Marshall University and obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice in 2019 and my Master of Social Work in 2021. I have worked as a Youth Services Worker for the state of West Virginia, school social worker, and therapist at KVC West Virginia. I am currently a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) working toward my licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and currently working on obtaining my Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) certification. I am a Certified ACEs Trainer (Adverse Childhood Experiences). 

Allison Smith-Varney

My treatment philosophy includes many different styles of treatment to focus on the whole-person care of the population I work with including, but not limited to: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Supportive Therapy, and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I focus specifically on utilizing Trauma-informed Care (TIC) in my treatment.

 I work directly in collaboration with our Primary Care Provider within the school-based health center to work toward whole-person treatment to identify medical and mental health interventions needed for the patient. Working in collaboration with the schools, I provide: 

  • Evidence-based programs to provide positive school climate and promote student skills in dealing with bullying and conflicts, solving problems, developing healthy peer relationships, engaging in activities to prevent suicide and substance use, etc.
  • Early intervention services for students in need of additional supports to deal with grief, anger, anxiety, depression, etc.
  • Develop treatment programs and services that address the various mental health needs of students
  • Aid with student/family supports and resources
  • Collaborate with school personnel such as attendance director, counselor, teaching staff, administration, school psychologists, etc.
  • Aid school staff in trainings and psychoeducation to recognize/identify the early warning signs of mental health issues with students
  • Our mental health services focus on treating a wide range of diagnoses including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, sleep issues, behavioral issues, ADHD, PTSD, and trauma.