We offer the most sought after therapists in the Utica/Rome area. Our clinicians offer many years of combined clinical experience. Each therapist has special areas of focus and specific treatment techniques for approaching various mental health conditions.

We offer the following consultation services:

Our Therapists

Maria Horan, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in this area for 20 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oneonta State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Maria has worked as a School Social worker, Intensive Case Manager, Crisis Counselor, provided mentoring and clinical supervision and owned a private practice in Rome for ten years. Maria has extensive experience and expertise in working with adolescents, couples, and families. Maria has now dedicated her career to private practice and is the owner and manager of Maria Horan, LCSW-R, and Associates. Maria lives locally in Deerfield, NY with her husband and three children.

Colleen Vernold, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing since 1993, serving children, adolescents, adults and couples. Colleen has operated both in the public and private sectors of her field. Colleen received her Bachelor of Science Degree from LeMoyne College and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Colleen’s specialties include interpersonal problems/relationships, depression, anxiety, couples and trauma. Colleen utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach with her clients to assist them in effectively addressing their personal life challenges.

Thomas Wildenger, LCSW-R has been in the field of child and adolescent welfare since 1975. He has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1985 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Tom’s area of expertise includes child and adolescent issues of anxiety, depression and anger management. Tom works not only with children individually but also adults, couples and families. Tom utilizes an approach of insight oriented, cognitive behavioral therapy.

Annette Maliani-Hand, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in both the public and private sector for over 25 years. Annette obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Oswego, and Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help clients change thoughts and behaviors in order to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. She provides short term and long term therapy to adult individuals and couples. Specialties include anxiety disorders, depression, grief/loss, co-dependency, substance abuse, stress management and relationship issues.

Darlene DeIorio Benson, LCSW-R graduated in 1982 from Nazareth College with BA in Sociology and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 1993. Darlene then received her School Social Worker Certification in 1996. Darlene works with children, adults individually and as couples.  Darlene truly loves what she does and is very accommodating with her time and schedule. She is especially talented in the work she does with children of divorce and issues with low self-image. She works with clients to improve coping skills, manage peer pressure and help those with the desire to improve parent/child relationships. Darlene offers bereavement counseling and can offer strategies to clients minimize symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Steven Montrose, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master's Degree from Syracuse University and Bachelor's Degree from Utica College. Steven works with adolescent and pre-teen males, adult individuals, couples and families. Steve has experience in assisting those dealing with problematic behaviors in children and also offers services for school and work related concerns.

J. Michael Daly, LCSW-R is a 1992 graduate of Syracuse University and has been providing social work services for nineteen years in a variety of settings. Mike has a long history of serving children and their families and also has served adult with challenging personal situations. Mike is comfortable working with a range of issues including depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Kara LaFache , LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children and adults for the past 16 years. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany. Kara has worked with children and their families with issues related to anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders. Kara utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach in therapy and has had success in helping clients to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Kara also enjoys working with adults and couples and has helped many with managing chronic pain and marital issues. Kara was born and raised in this community and is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives.

Trisha Zupan, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing both publicly and privately for the last seventeen years. Trisha received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University.  Trisha works primarily with children, adolescents and their families. Trisha is especially skilled in assessing and treating anxiety, depression, parent/child conflict, behavioral problems and those dealing with grief related issues.

Paul Dischiavo, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing since 1992. He has worked with adults, adolescents, and children in a variety of settings. Paul received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Child Life from Utica College and his Master’s Degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany. Paul specializes in parent/child conflict and other parent related issues, behavioral problems in children, depression and anxiety.

Jean Murphy Baker, LCSW-R, CASAC is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor who graduated from SUNY IT in December 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and from SUNY Albany in May 1997 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Jean has extensive experience working in the mental health and education systems in Oneida County. Jean provides counseling to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse, co-dependency, anxiety and depression. Jean is an approved OASAS provider and offers alcohol/substance abuse assessments for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Interpersonal and emotional issues are addressed utilizing a cognitive and strengths based approach in order to empower individuals to make positive changes to their lives.

Christine Reister, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Buffalo and her Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University. She has worked in the public and private sector for over 30 years. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy with an interactive modality to help individuals and couples to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. In her current and past practices she has specialized in depression and anxiety disorders, addicted individuals and their families, stress management and relationship issues.

Susan Montrose, LCSW-R is Licensed Clinical Social Worker who attended Syracuse University and graduated with a Bacherlor's Degree in Social Work in 1976 and her Master's Degree in Social Work in 1990. Sue works with individual adults and couples and has extensive experience in working with adolescents.

Reviews & Comments

~ I have been coming to this practice off and on for the last 5 years. Ownership of the practice changed to Maria Horan in 2008 and I have to say the cosmetic changes in the office have made for a warm welcoming environment.

~The clinicians in this practice are awesome!

~Be sure to book your evening appointments in advance. It's obvious that these therapists are in demand in this area and it has sometimes been difficult getting appointments for my son after school hours. I have found that if I can plan a few in advance it's easier to get the times I need.

~My therapist has become one of the most important people in my life. I can always count on him for guidance and support.

~I was going through one of the most traumatic experiences one can imagine. I sought grief counseling from this practice based on a word of mouth referral. I was hesitant as I had never been to counseling before and was unsure of how "talking" would help. I began my counseling and have been seeing someone there for the last 6 months. I cannot tell you enough how this person has helped me at a time where I was devastated. Meeting with her will never replace the person lost to me but it eases the pain to share my wonderful memories with someone so eager to listen and help.

~Offices are cozy and clean.

~It's nice to always see a familiar face. This is not an office where you will see new staff every time you go in. Staff typically knows who you are and who you're seeing. It's nice to be treated as a person and not just a name on a schedule.

~Waiting room is too small.

~I searched for months to find an office that took my insurnace. After many frustrating phone calls and no's I heard about Maria's office. I called and was told that not only did they take my insurance but I could get an appointment 2 days from then!

~It's an inconvenience that they do not take credit cards. Be sure to have your checkbook!

~I couldn't have lost my health insurance at a worse time! I was in terrible need to continiue counseling. Maria was so understanding and genuinely concerned. We were able to negotiate a rate that worked for both of us. Nice to see a practice more concerned about their actual patients than about their bottom line. I can't thank you enough for all you do!!!!