OUR TEAM AT TURNING POINT
Our practice of Rockland County therapy providers are here to help you through all of life's challenges.
Co-Founders

Laurie Cargulia, LCSW
Laurie earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and a certification in the Specialization of Children and Their Families. She began her career as an Assistant Supervisor at St. Agatha’s Residential Center, working with emotionally disturbed children. She later gained further experience in the East Ramapo Central School District and at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center (RCPC), supporting individuals with challenges such as high-risk behaviors, trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
In 2013, Laurie co-founded Turning Point Behavioral Health Center, where she has been dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. Her extensive experience encompasses working with clients across all age groups, ranging from adolescents to senior citizens, and addressing a wide variety of mental health challenges. Laurie provides both individual and family therapy, offering personalized support to individuals and fostering stronger, healthier relationships within families. In individual therapy, she works closely with clients to explore their personal struggles, set goals, and develop effective coping strategies. In family therapy, Laurie facilitates open communication and helps family members navigate challenges together, strengthening their connections and improving overall dynamics. In addition, Laurie facilitates a variety of therapeutic groups, including those focused on building self-esteem, addressing depression and trauma, and supporting seniors through life transitions and aging-related challenges. She creates a safe and supportive environment where participants can engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and develop strategies to improve their mental well-being.
Laurie’s expertise lies in Trauma Therapy, and she is highly skilled in using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques. By integrating a variety of therapeutic modalities, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring comprehensive and effective care. Her commitment to personalized care ensures that each client receives the support and strategies needed to navigate their unique challenges and achieve meaningful growth.

Patrice Carrieri, LCSW
Patrice earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University, where she cultivated her passion for helping individuals and families achieve emotional well-being through evidence-based behavioral approaches. With extensive experience at West Bergen Mental Healthcare and Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center, Patrice has worked with children, teens, adults and the LGBTQIA+ community facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral disorders.
As Co-Founder of Turning Point Behavioral Health Center, Patrice takes a preventative and skills-focused approach in her practice, empowering clients to address obstacles at every stage of life. Her expertise lies in applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to support teens, adults, couples, families and seniors manage maladaptive behaviors, overcome trauma, and develop practical coping strategies. In addition, Patrice has assisted families and individuals through the journey of sobriety and navigating recovery.
In session, Patrice will explore the past events, family dynamics, and relationships that have influenced your life. While focusing on change and facilitating movement, she creates a safe space for processing and self growth. In group settings, Patrice encourages active dialogue, member support, challenge of differences, transparency and embracing challenges at each stage of life.
Patrice works from a "strengths" based perspective by fostering confidence, sense of self and providing healthy tools to lead a productive life. Patrice’s compassionate and solution-oriented methods help prioritize emotional growth and balance.
Meet Our Clinicians
Our highly skilled therapy providers are among the top Rockland County has to offer.

Michael Aitchison, LCSW-R
Michael received his Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work. His 34 years experience includes working in private practice with youth, families and couples, especially in the areas where addressing marital issues or family dysfunction informs the treatment needs of children. Michael has extensive experience in working with behavioral problems, including along the autistic spectrum in children, youth, and adults. He also has expertise in 12 step programming and its applications to the addictive, compulsive and behavioral symptoms of teens and adults.
In his years of clinical practice, Michael has developed expertise in the areas of trauma, addiction and mental illness, including personality disorders. He is experienced in Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing. Michael has a client centered approach taking the context for hope and direction out of the client’s own experience and life path.

Lora Mattiaccio, LCSW-R
Lora received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University. She has 28 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families in residential, inpatient and outpatient settings. Lora was responsible for creating and implementing a program at West Bergen Mental Healthcare in North New Jersey, targeting those struggling with ADHD. She also worked with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder while at West Bergen. She is currently a clinical social worker at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center, where she works with a challenging client population.
This includes adolescents with suicidal and self-injurious behaviors along with depression, anxiety, aggression and psychoses. She has extensive experience in both family and group therapy and has been a staunch school advocate, helping parents navigate the special education system to obtain the services their child needs. Lora is an intensively trained Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT) working with adolescents and adults both in individual and group settings. Lora has been certified to supervise both master level and postgraduate social workers.

Dawn Serrano, LCSW
Dawn Serrano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. With over 10 years in the field, Dawn has developed a strong foundation in various therapeutic approaches. Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge working with youth and adults through depression, anxiety, and trauma disorders.
Dawn specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), while focusing heavily on the Strength Perspective and client-centered therapy. Dawn uses these approaches to help empower clients in identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Dawn is deeply committed to helping her clients navigate through their journey by facilitating discussions that encourage connection, understanding, and empowerment. Dawn believes in the inherent resilience of her clients and works collaboratively with them to uncover and harness their strengths.