"The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives." 

Sara Letizia, MSEd, LPC, is the founder of Bonafide Therapy, PLLC. Following a transformative journey of self-discovery in 2012, Sara felt called to pursue a career in mental health, dedicating her work to helping others heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Sara is a multiculturally competent therapist who values, honors, and respects diversity, and recognizes the unique perspectives and experiences that shape each client’s identity.

Sara began her academic journey at Pace University in Westchester County, New York, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology and Human Relations. She went on to earn her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in Manhattan, New York. Her education, combined with her personal journey, shaped her passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior, emotional well-being, and the healing process.

Her clinical journey began at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where she worked as a research assistant on a study exploring Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for children with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). This research was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2017. This research was the basis of the development of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children (DBT-C), developed by principal investigator, Dr.Francheska Perepletchikova. This experience deepened her understanding of evidence-based treatment and the importance of providing children with effective tools to navigate emotional challenges.

Following her undergraduate research experience, she began working for a neuropsychologist in Bedford Hills, New York, where she assisted with neuropsychological testing and report preparation. This experience strengthened her appreciation for the importance of maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professional ethics.

Throughout her training, Sara also had the opportunity to become the first mental health counseling student intern at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. Here, she provided individual, group, and family therapy to clients receiving treatment for substance use and mental health issues within programs focused on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her experience at the hospital, along with her work alongside a clinical neuropsychologist in private practice, expanded her clinical perspective and strengthened her commitment to providing thoughtful, individualized care.

Since graduating in 2018, Sara has practiced in Florida and Texas, providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy across a variety of clinical settings, including dual-diagnosis treatment centers, behavioral health hospitals, and private practice. These diverse clinical settings allowed her to work with individuals facing a wide range of challenges and helped shape her therapeutic approach. After gaining valuable experience, Sara took the next step in her professional journey by establishing her own practice, Bonafide Therapy, PLLC.

The name Bonafide Therapy, PLLC reflects a commitment to honesty, integrity, authenticity, and good faith. Rooted in the meaning of bona fide—genuine and made in good faith—the practice is built on trust, transparency, and a commitment to doing right by people.

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