Maria Perdomo-Torres, LCSW-S, MHA, CFSW
My Path to Becoming a Therapist
I’ve always had a keen ability to understand and sense other people’s feelings. My friends and family would often describe me as kind, compassionate, and wise. From an early age, I truly enjoyed helping others. I first became interested in understanding the intricacies of the human mind while in college. Pursuing this interest eventually led me to choose psychology as my major.
Later, when I joined the U.S. Army as an active-duty soldier, it made sense to choose the Mental Health Specialist military occupation. I completed my training at the Fort Sam Houston Academy of Health Sciences and gained valuable work experience rotating through inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health clinics, and substance abuse clinics.
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. To become a licensed therapist, I also completed over 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work and passed the national ASWB clinical exam.
Professional Experience & Specialized Training
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings with a wide range of client demographics, from children to older adults, members of the LGTBQ+ and/or BIPOC communities, and all levels of education and socioeconomic status. I have also worked closely with special populations, to include military personnel and their families, individuals with chronic illnesses and their caregivers, and first-time mothers/pregnant women.
I have completed specialized training in trauma-informed care, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectic behavioral therapy), motivational interviewing, social learning theory, narrative therapy, and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), among others. Visit my Treatment Philosophy page for more details.
Additionally, my passion for increasing access to healthcare and overcoming economic disparities led me to complete a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and becoming a Certified Financial Social Worker. I am also a Board-designated Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in the state of Texas.
The learning is ongoing though, as psychotherapy is a fascinating and ever-evolving field. There is always exciting research, new treatment approaches, or theories worth learning more about. I am often reading books and articles or attending conferences, webinars, and trainings to stay up to date with new developments in the field.
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 personal journey, you can read some of my personal reflections here.
I'm married and have two wonderful daughters, now 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 so many parts of our lives, and understanding it (both practically and emotionally) can be a powerful source of freedom. I'm always learning more about personal finance as I prepare to offer first-gen women additional services in this area.
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, and open-minded. I am deeply committed to showing up with authenticity and compassion, and to connecting with others in a meaningful way.
Let's Get Started!
Are you ready to take the first step towards a better life? You can schedule a consultation call here, or visit our Client Portal to register as a new client.
If you have any questions, please contact us below:
Key Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Maryland
Master of Social Work, University of Washington
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in AZ, CA, FL, NM, TX, and WA
Board-designated Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in the state of Texas
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, University of Maryland
Certified Financial Social Worker
Fluent in English & Spanish