Maria Perdomo-Torres
LCSW-S, MHA, CFSW
I’m a licensed therapist specializing in work with high-achieving women navigating anxiety, burnout, and inner pressure.
Women who are capable, reflective, and ready for deeper work.
My Path to Becoming a Therapist
From an early age, I was drawn to understanding people. Not just what they felt, but why. I found myself noticing patterns, unspoken dynamics, and the ways life experiences shape behavior over time. That curiosity deepened in college, where my interest became more intentional. I pursued psychology as my major.
When I joined the U.S. Army as an active-duty soldier, I chose the Mental Health Specialist military occupation. I completed my training at the Fort Sam Houston Academy of Health Sciences. During my time in service, I rotated through inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health clinics, and substance abuse clinics. These settings required steadiness, adaptability, and clinical discernment.
I later worked at North Texas Psychiatric Hospital, a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital. This work further strengthened my ability to remain grounded, clinically discerning, and attuned in complex, high-risk settings.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland and went on to pursue a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Washington. I later earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland. To become a licensed therapist, I completed over 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work and passed the national ASWB clinical exam.
Clinical Background
Over the years, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with individuals across different life stages, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. This includes work with members of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, as well as clients from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
I have also worked closely with specific populations, including military service members and their families, individuals living with chronic illness and their caregivers, and women navigating pregnancy and early motherhood.
My clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed care and draws from modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I also integrate somatic-informed and mind-body approaches when appropriate, with attention to nervous system regulation and emotional awareness. Additional details can be found on my Treatment Philosophy page.
My work is also informed by systems-level thinking. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I understand how financial stress, access to care, and systemic barriers shape emotional wellbeing and long-term stability.
Learning is ongoing in this work. Psychotherapy is an ever-evolving field, and I stay engaged through continued study, professional training, and conferences to remain thoughtful and current in my clinical approach.
Personal Life
I am a first-generation Latina immigrant, fluent in English and Spanish. I was born and raised in Cuba, and my dad and I were granted political asylum when I was 16 years old.
That experience shaped much of who I am today. How I understand resilience, belonging, and what it means to rebuild a life with both courage and hope. If you're curious to learn more about my journey, you can read some of my personal reflections here.
I'm married and have two wonderful daughters in their early 20s, who continue to keep me grounded and inspired. At home, you'll also find my three miniature wiener dogs: tiny, opinionated, and fully convinced they are the center of the universe.
In addition to supporting emotional healing, I've developed a strong passion for financial empowerment and wellness. Money touches many parts of our lives, and understanding it, both practically and emotionally, can be a powerful source of agency and freedom. I continue to deepen my knowledge in this area as I prepare to offer additional services for first-gen women.
Outside of work, I'm happiest when I'm reading, traveling, or spending time outdoors. I also love experiencing different cultures through art, history, and food.
At my core, I'm a lifelong learner. Curious. Reflective. Open-minded. I am deeply committed to showing up with authenticity, compassion, and meaningful connection, both in my work and in my life.
If you’d like to continue exploring, you can learn more about the issues I commonly support clients with.