Maria Catalfamo, LMFT

Maria Catalfamo completed her Bachelor of Arts from California State Dominquez Hills in 2001 and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the same University in 2004.

During her graduate program, Maria worked as an Education Specialist for Mild/Moderate Disabilities for children preschool to 8th grade. She worked closely with individuals diagnosed with Autism and Asberger’s Disorder. Maria developed the “Music and Movement” program, which was aired on an NBC special titled “Autism, the Hidden Epidemic”.

While residing in Los Angeles, Maria completed her pre-graduate internship at the Harbor Free Counseling Clinic in San Pedro. The early internship exposed Maria to a wide range of ethnic groups which included individuals from Central and South America, Asia, Australia and from all over the United States. In addition, she counseled a small populous of LGBTQ clients. Maria understands that each person is unique and such uniqueness should be regarded and respected when doing therapy. This means that Maria is trained to be culturally sensitive and will modify her pace and tone as needed to provide comfort and to build trust. Maria has also incorporated the basic philosophies of yoga and meditation (stretching and breathing) for anxious, impulsive, and self-medicating youth.

Maria returned to New York State in 2006 and became licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy.
While earning hours towards her LMFT, Maria gained experience working with at risk youth in Schenectady. At a non-profit shelter Maria counseled youth who were homeless and runaways as a direct result of physical and sexual abuse in their homes. Maria worked both in and out of shelter where short term counseling was often needed at local jails and in schools.

Practicing Locations:

• Scotia
• Loudonville
• North Greenbush