Catarina creates a warm and supportive environment for individuals of all ages where clients can feel genuinely seen and heard. She is bilingual, native in both English and Portuguese.

Her career has enabled her to support individuals as they navigate various challenges including anxiety, depression, relational issues, disordered eating & body image issues, and perinatal mental health. Given the diverse needs of her clients, Catarina uses a relational integrative approach, drawing upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, and mindfulness techniques. She values each client's unique experiences and provides a personalized, collaborative approach that respects their life experiences, relationships, and family systems.

Catarina’s career in mental health began by earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology from New York University.
She has worked in family services and educational settings, where she developed a strong interest in supporting children and adolescents. This experience reinforced her belief in their remarkable capacity for growth when provided with appropriate mental and emotional support.

In her transition to healthcare, Catarina gained valuable experience at NYU Langone Hospital’s inpatient pediatric unit and outpatient adolescent medicine center, offering comprehensive and compassionate care to address the complex mental and physical health needs of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Her career path continued at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Social Worker, supporting individuals, couples, and families. In this role, she provided trauma-informed care, addressing perinatal mental health needs, complex relational issues, family dynamics, and grief. These experiences have deepened her expertise in fostering resilience and creating nurturing environments for individuals of all ages facing high-stress situations and challenging life circumstances.