Peter Tolisano, Psy.D., ABPP

Dr. Tolisano is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist through the American Board of Professional Psychology, which is a rigorous voluntary process that demonstrates advanced competence in a specialty area.

He joined the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in July of 2013. Prior to assuming his tenure as the Director of Psychological Services, he was a campus-wide psychologist at Connecticut Valley Hospital with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). In his current role, Dr. Tolisano is responsible for overseeing and coordinating psychological services statewide throughout DDS. He interfaces with public agencies, private providers, and national entities regarding the provision of services, especially positive behavioral supports in complex cases.

Dr. Tolisano began his mental health career at St. Francis Hospital working with individuals suffering from co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse issues. As an educator, he taught undergraduate courses in the community college system for many years and he has served as a field supervisor for doctoral students. In addition to his expertise with developmental disabilities, Dr. Tolisano has extensive experience in private practice, as well as proficiencies in treating personality-related problems and forensic issues. He has specialized training and extensive experience in integrative approaches to treatment.

Dr. Tolisano earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in History, summa cum laude, from Central Connecticut State University. He completed his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hartford where he received the Streitfeld Award for academic achievement. His dissertation research examined the ways in which personality factors influence change in the recovery process for individuals with substance abuse issues. He completed post-graduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Columbia University in New York City.