As a psychotherapist with a private practice in New York and Portland, Maine, I provide a safe and supportive space for individuals and for couples to navigate life’s challenges, learn healthy ways to cope, and foster personal growth. Reach out today to begin your journey.
I hold a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in New York, along with a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Rome, “La Sapienza,” Italy. My clinical experience includes working in an outpatient mental health clinic and a hospital psychiatric unit.
I moved to the United States from Italy 28 years ago. I worked as a language teacher, waitress, and personal assistant before studying clinical psychology. I have learned a lot along the way, from all my jobs, and especially about cross-cultural communication.
My personal journey has enabled me to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. I have an intimate understanding of the complexities surrounding cultural transition and identity, which I bring into my therapeutic practice. Most importantly, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and understood, regardless of your background or experiences. I am bilingual in English and Italian.
Compassionate, tailored therapy for individuals and couples, navigating emotions, relationships, and life’s challenges together
In my practice, I work with both individuals and couples to navigate diverse challenges. Some of my patients are troubled by emotions concerning new situations, while others try to understand bad experiences from their past that have left emotional scars. We talk them through together.
I offer couples therapy, grief counseling, culturally sensitive therapy, and career counseling. I also work with individuals facing eating disorders or depression.
The success of therapy depends on the relational dynamic between therapist and patient. I believe in the importance of respecting the dignity of the patient, and I expect similar respect in return. In my practice my method is flexible, tailored to your needs, strengths, and therapeutic goals.
For all my patients I offer empathy for emotions like sadness, loneliness, and anxiety, and understanding for situations of powerlessness, marginalization, and unexpected change. My approach includes building a safe and supportive environment where we can work together on your specific concerns.
Lastly, I have a deep interest in understanding how social forces such as class, race, and societal norms shape one’s personal life. These influences can have both subtle and profound effects on our well-being. Our inner lives are often tied to our social context.
Empowering you through therapy-safe, collaborative, and tailored support for growth, self-discovery, and emotional well-being
Everyone faces difficult situations in life when self-reflection becomes especially important. Therapy is a collaborative process to understand those situations, address your uncomfortable feelings and work on behaviors that may trouble you. By exploring your challenges through therapy, you will be able to manage life’s difficulties, embrace who you are, and better appreciate the value of your life experiences.
In my therapy practice, I work with a wide range of patients. Mental health support and therapy should be available to everyone. Getting good mental healthcare is a basic right that helps both people and communities.
My work also rests on setting boundaries so that each patient knows what to expect. This includes basic boundaries such as session times, fee setting, and collections of fees.
In addition, boundaries set growth into motion as each patient comes to know themselves more deeply.
During our sessions, we will engage in a meaningful collaboration in which I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We will approach each life situation with understanding and kindness, recognizing the challenges you may be facing. Ultimately, an authentic therapeutic relationship can help you establish a firm foundation for emotional growth.
Through therapy you can understand uncomfortable feelings and try to resolve them. You may have behavior patterns you want to correct. Sometimes there may be specific life problems that you want to discuss. Therapy can help by assisting you to improve your abilities in specific areas:
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Many individuals experience a sense of alienation. The therapeutic journey emphasizes self-acceptance and recognition of one’s intrinsic worth. As painful shame is reduced, therapy helps patients take steps toward establishing a sense of self-worth and belonging.
Transitional phases in life, such as adolescence, new parenthood, or retirement, often bring about questions of identity. Similar questions can arise if you face severe illness or injuries. Therapy can help you find the answers.
For some, experiences on the job can lead to unpleasant feelings including anxiety and uncertainty. Therapy helps patients ask questions about their professional goals and begin a dialogue about reaching them.
Together we can explore your individual goals in the context of your cultural identity and experience.
We can address any of your internal conflicts or external societal pressures. Our dialogue should assist you on a path toward clarity about what you really want.
Therapy helps you pose questions about any emotions that may be standing in your way and holding you back. Instead of limiting yourself, it is important to become open to new opportunities in relationships, in your career, and in life in general.
The work of therapy is not just about feeling better right away. Therapy is also about being pushed to grow and change. This can be hard work. As you gain a deeper and more honest understanding of yourself, you can experience greater freedom, and find more purpose and satisfaction in life.
Psychotherapy does not offer quick and easy answers to your questions. Instead, I provide support, challenges, and insights that can help you reach answers. The therapeutic process may feel confusing at times. Some times it may feel slow or even stalled. But there is a way forward. We can work together to try to find it.
Through therapy you can understand uncomfortable feelings and try to resolve them. You may have behavior patterns you want to correct. Sometimes there may be specific life problems that you want to discuss. Therapy can help by assisting you to improve your abilities in specific areas:
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Individuals may seek therapy to understand their personal identity better and navigate their own personal journey.
Many individuals experience a sense of alienation. The therapeutic journey emphasizes self-acceptance and recognition of one’s intrinsic worth. As painful shame is reduced, therapy helps patients take steps toward establishing a sense of self-worth and belonging.
Transitional phases in life, such as adolescence, new parenthood, or retirement, often bring about questions of identity. Similar questions can arise if you face severe illness or injuries. Therapy can help you find the answers.
For some, experiences on the job can lead to unpleasant feelings including anxiety and uncertainty. Therapy helps patients ask questions about their professional goals and begin a dialogue about reaching them.
Together we can explore your individual goals in the context of your cultural identity and experience.
We can address any of your internal conflicts or external societal pressures. Our dialogue should assist you on a path toward clarity about what you really want.
Therapy helps you pose questions about any emotions that may be standing in your way and holding you back. Instead of limiting yourself, it is important to become open to new opportunities in relationships, in your career, and in life in general.
The work of therapy is not just about feeling better right away. Therapy is also about being pushed to grow and change. This can be hard work. As you gain a deeper and more honest understanding of yourself, you can experience greater freedom and find more purpose and satisfaction in life. Psychotherapy does not offer quick and easy answers to your questions. Instead, I provide support, challenges, and insights that can help you reach answers. The therapeutic process may feel confusing at times. Sometimes it may feel slow or even stalled. But there is a way forward. We can work together to try to find it.
Selecting the right therapist is important. It may take you a while to find the right one for you. One of the most important factors for a successful therapy experience is the quality of connection that you can develop with your therapist.
When choosing a psychotherapist, you can consider things like:
What do you want to accomplish in therapy?
How well do you connect with the therapist?
Do you prefer to meet in person or via Telehealth?
Does the therapist have experience with your concerns?
Does the therapist have the relevant license?
What are the fees, and are there sliding scale options?
What kind of therapy does the therapist offer?
Where is the therapist located, and what hours are available?
Does the therapist participate in your insurance plan?
Fees and insurance
My rates are competitive for both individual and couples therapy. Contact me directly to discuss current fees and payment options.
I offer a complimentary consultation via phone, Zoom, or FaceTime. This allows us to evaluate our potential therapeutic fit while discussing your concerns and treatment goals.
Understanding that therapy should be accessible, I offer sliding scale fees for a limited number of sessions. Rate reductions are subject to regular review and adjustment every three months. These reduced rates are available for individuals experiencing financial hardship or other special circumstances.
I am in-network with Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in both New York and Maine, as well as Point32 Healthcare in Maine. For all other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider.
In order to facilitate effective utilization in insurance coverage, I commit to:
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
For your convenience, I accept multiple payment options:
Payment is due at the time of service or monthly. While I will assist with insurance claims, you are responsible for the full session fee and managing reimbursement from your insurance provider. I try to make this process as smooth as possible by providing all necessary documentation promptly.
A 24-hour notice is required for all cancellations. Otherwise you will be charged for the session.
Already after our first session I knew Monica was the right fit she was attentive, non-assuming, open minded, non judgmental, understanding and very kind. I didn’t at first necessarily get her approach, but I trusted her so I continued seeing her.
Very professional and challenging with a soft, open spirit. Truly looking forward to my next visit. Our interactions transcend the superficial, challenging me to delve into the depths of my self-perception and confront the complexities of my identity with bravery and honesty.
It was during the initial, free consultation with Monica that I sensed an immediate match, a rare offering in the field that many others do not provide, which allowed me to gauge our compatibility before any commitment. Monica embodies authenticity and insight in her approach.
Already after our first session I knew Monica was the right fit she was attentive, non-assuming, open minded, non judgmental, understanding and very kind. I didn’t at first necessarily get her approach, but I trusted her so I continued seeing her. She is getting to the core of the problem and starting to work from there. Unlike my previous therapist who was focused on quick-fixes of the symptoms, those “relieves” aren’t really a long term solution. Monica has a holistic approach to each patient. Now it’s been almost a year since, and I’ve grown to trust her with all of my pains and troubles. She’s been the major player in my healing and I feel grateful to be in such good hands.
Very professional and challenging with a soft, open spirit. Truly looking forward to my next visit.
It was during the initial, free consultation with Monica that I sensed an immediate match, a rare offering in the field that many others do not provide, which allowed me to gauge our compatibility before any commitment. Monica embodies authenticity and insight in her approach. Our interactions transcend the superficial, challenging me to delve into the depths of my self-perception and confront the complexities of my identity with bravery and honesty. Her guidance isn’t about finding comfort in avoidance but about embracing truth and self-awareness. She stands out not only for her therapeutic techniques but also for her genuine commitment to accessibility. Monica's willingness to adjust her fees according to a sliding scale demonstrates an unparalleled dedication to providing care, making mental health support more attainable for those with financial constraints. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I recommend her for the first step of a transformative journey.