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Maria Cosentino LCSW, MA

Maria Cosentino MA, LCSW

Licensed School Social Worker, Certified School Counselor, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), Supervisor of LSW Clinicians, and Parenting Coordinator.


I am the founder, owner, and Clinical Director of Bergen Alliance Counseling Services LLC, in Paramus.  I am a highly trained clinician with a Master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Counseling Psychology. In addition, I continued my training at Rutgers University, School of Social Work, and earned my  Masters of Social Work, (MSW) and am currently a Clinical Licensed Social Worker(LCSW). In addition, I am i also a certified Supervisor for LSW and LCSW candidates, enjoying my work supervising others in the field.

Outside of my practice, I continue to work in a Bergen County School District as a Certified School Counselor. I feels it is important to continue my work in a school setting so that I can offer the children and families I am someone who has a deep understanding of the school system, special education, children, bullying, and how school administrations work. I guide families in how to protect their children and help get them the services that they need. I  work with Attorneys specializing in cases regarding Special Services and School Bullying, as well as work closely with a Child Psychiatrist so that I can quickly facilitate immediate appointments as needed with the physician.


I  have worked in Mental Health and with families for over 25 years in a myriad of areas. I worked as an inpatient Mental Counselor at New York Hospital- Columbia Presbytarian for several years gaining experience and expertise in Eating Disorders, Depression, OCD, ODD, Borderline Disorders, PDD, Anxiety, Adolescent Issues, Child Issues, Bipolar in children and Adults, as well as many other areas of mental health. I worked closely with authored Psychiatrists who were most prominent in their fields.

I also worked with the ARC of Bergen and Passaic County, as a Behavior Specialist. My role was to train staff, to work with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, as well as writing behavior rehabilitative plans to be used to modify difficult behavior while respecting the rights of each and every individual. I  worked directly with the adult individuals and staff in several group homes.

I proudly opened Bergen Alliance Counseling Services almost 15 years ago, and the practice has expended in offering more services, highly experienced therapists, and a second location.  A third location will open at the end of this year. I am devoted to each and every family that comes in the door and am available 7 days a week for consultation, advice, or emergencies. We are with the families as they work through difficult issues as a family or individually. I offer a warm and friendly environment, that most find cozy and safe.

I have worked primarily with children and families, but additionally I enjoy working with adults, couples, groups, and child custody issues. For several years I have specialized in women's health.  It is extremely rewarding  working with women and their specific needs.  I have spent my entire career  devoted to help all my clients find better alternatives in their lives and to live emotionally balanced and healthier lives. I  work to empower children, individuals, and families so that they are in control of their lives. I come across comes across as friendly and genuine.  I often use humor in my work and life, to lighten the moment and to make my clients feel at ease. Every family that comes to us always refers others which shows me that we at Bergen Alliance are making a difference.

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