Mary Alfinito, LCSW-R
Seasoned New York LCSW-R therapist
- 40 years experience
- LGBT and trauma support
- Flexible online sessions
About Mary Alfinito
Mary Alfinito, LCSW-R, is a New York-licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She draws on a broad clinical background to support people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, and challenges related to attention and learning differences. Her practice includes focused work with LGBT clients, those coping with career and life transitions, and individuals managing chronic illness, caregiver stress, or difficulties with self-esteem and relationships.
Mary combines practical, evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help clients address problems such as abandonment and attachment issues, codependency, communication and control struggles, and identity concerns including gender dysphoria. She also works with clients dealing with substance use, first responder stress, and complex emotional responses like guilt, shame, and emptiness. As a licensed practitioner, she emphasizes collaboration and individualized plans that reflect each person’s goals and strengths.
Mary creates an open environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely and honestly. She recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and supports clients step by step as they pursue clearer coping strategies, improved relationships, and greater emotional balance.
Mary combines practical, evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help clients address problems such as abandonment and attachment issues, codependency, communication and control struggles, and identity concerns including gender dysphoria. She also works with clients dealing with substance use, first responder stress, and complex emotional responses like guilt, shame, and emptiness. As a licensed practitioner, she emphasizes collaboration and individualized plans that reflect each person’s goals and strengths.
Mary creates an open environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely and honestly. She recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and supports clients step by step as they pursue clearer coping strategies, improved relationships, and greater emotional balance.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Mary Alfinito have?
Mary Alfinito has 40 years of professional experience.
Is Mary Alfinito a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW-R and is licensed in New York as NY LCSW-R 032697.
In which languages does Mary Alfinito provide therapy?
Mary provides therapy in English.
Where is Mary Alfinito located?
Mary is located in New York.
How can I work with Mary Alfinito as my therapist?
You can work with Mary through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Mary Alfinito work with international clients?
Mary Alfinito does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Mary Alfinito cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-Based Approaches Delivered Online
Mary uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT focuses on changing patterns that interfere with daily functioning and supports clearer problem solving and mood regulation.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers tools for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. DBT teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful communication, which can be especially helpful for people experiencing relationship difficulties, high reactivity, or chronic stress.
Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and reducing the impact of past trauma and abuse, working at a pace that feels safe for the individual and emphasizing coping strategies that restore a sense of control and resilience.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Mary works with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors the therapeutic plan, combining techniques when appropriate to create a personalized path forward.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, by phone, or through live chat and text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy lives and to maintain continuity across changes in schedule or location.