Cara Banafato, LCSW

Portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing a black blazer and a blue top, against a dark gray background.

My relational style is down-to-earth, engaging, and collaborative. I am here to support with a listening ear, as well as empower with skills and strategies to navigate obstacles and setbacks. I believe humor is a helpful tool in life, so you can expect moments of levity and laughter along the way!

I have extensive training and experience in treating trauma, grief, and anxiety among adults and adolescents, as well as building and leading successful and supportive professional teams. Additionally, I specialize in working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community and am dedicated to creating inclusive spaces.

I have worked in a variety of settings (community-based, residential, and outpatient), which has allowed me the unique opportunity to observe how the places and people we interact with on a daily basis impact mental health and overall life satisfaction. With this in mind, I recognize the need to address mental health on multiple levels. I enjoy working directly with individuals, couples, and families, as well as bringing a clinical and integrative perspective to broader community-based and organizational settings in order to promote collective wellbeing.

  • Violet-Verified Cultural Excellence in LGBTQ+ Care

  • Certificate in Trauma Response and Crisis Intervention (Rutgers University)

  • Certificate in Familial and Traumatic Loss (Stockton University)

  • Certificate in Clinical Supervision (Rutgers University)