Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryellen Collamore.
Hi Maryellen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in being a “helper” and while growing up, I was open to various career pathways to do so. I started my career as a music therapist and worked across all age groups, from neonatal infants to end-of-life hospice care. I also had the opportunity to live in Amman, Jordan and provide music therapy services to Iraqi refugees. During that time, I noticed that the music would open up therapeutic doors that I was not yet equipped to handle, so when I returned to the U.S, I continued my education at Simmons University and received my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work. I interned at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and from there, oncology social work became my speciality. In 2019, while still living in Massachusetts, I opened my private practice, M. Collamore, LICSW and have been working in private practice since that time. I take pride in being the owner of my business as well as providing continued clinical care to adults in need in my community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think most business owners would agree that the road is not always smooth. I opened my practice in April of 2019 and within a few weeks, found out I was pregnant with my second child. I went on maternity leave in January of 2020 and we all know how Covid impacted our lives starting in March of 2020. I was not sure how I would re-enter the clinical field with a toddler and infant at home, but with the support of my husband, I was able to set up my practice to be fully virtual Telehealth from 2020-2025. Within that time, we relocated to Cary, North Carolina in 2022 (which we love!) and I ran into some licensing delays, technology issues with Telehealth, and ongoing scheduling challenges. However, it has led me to continued learning and resilience. In 2025, an opportunity presented itself to join an office space in Cary which has allowed me to thrive in a hybrid, in-person/virtual practice. Deep breaths, patience, and perseverance have kept me at it and I love what I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
M. Collamore, LICSW is a therapy practice located near Downtown, Cary North Carolina. I am the practice owner and primary clinician. I work with individuals who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, and adjustment to life transitions; specializing in cancer, chronic illness, and caregiver support. My speciality area includes oncology, with additional services available through my Oncology Therapy Center.
I practice with an integrative treatment approach to therapy, tailoring my approach to each individual. My core focus combines person-centered, psychodynamic, and strengths-based frameworks. Additionally, I incorporate modalities such as mindfulness, guided meditation, breathing exercises, and music therapy interventions when appropriate.
I hope to reach members of our community who need support and want to normalize therapy, as everyone can benefit from therapy at different moments in their lives.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have lived in Boston, San Francisco, Amman Jordan, and now Cary, NC. I love the accessibility of Raleigh and the Triangle as a whole. I can get from Raleigh to Durham to Chapel Hill and back in a day, and enjoy so many cultural resources, events, and great restaurants. I also have no trouble accessing medical and mental health services along the way. I appreciate the more mild winters, beautiful spring and fall, and the ability to travel to the coast and to the mountains easily. I very much appreciate how inclusive Raleigh, Cary, and the surroundings areas are. As a social worker, this is so important to me.
I would have to say the thing I like the least is the pollen (yikes!). I honestly can’t name much more that I don’t like. We are so grateful to have been able to move here in 2022.
Pricing:
- $200 for an Initial Intake Session
- $180 for ongoing therapy sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcollamorelicsw.com
- Instagram: @oncologytherapycenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryellencollamore
