Dr. Covino joined the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in January, 1987.  He holds Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Psychology from St. John’s University, Jamaica, New York and a Doctorate in Psychology from The University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. After completing a Master’s degree, Dr. Covino was employed, for two years, as a Clinical Assistant in Psychiatry at Mercy Hospital, Rockville Center, New York.  In 1974, he began doctoral studies, and completed a clinical internship at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Richmond, Virginia.  After graduating in 1977, Dr. Covino returned to Indiana, completing a three year Post-Doctoral tenure at The Southlake Center for Mental Health, Merrillville, Indiana where he served as Director, Inpatient and Emergency Services.  Returning to Connecticut in 1980, he began a solo private practice in psychology in Vernon, CT.

 
In 1987, he joined the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as a staff psychologist while continuing in his private practice.  In 1992, he assumed the position of Supervisor, Psychological Services.  In 1996, in addition to supervising psychological services, he also developed the original Family Support Service and functioned as Director of Case Management. In 2003, Dr. Covino was promoted to Supervising Psychologist 2 (Manager) where he functions as Director of Clinical Services in the North Region.  Among his duties in that capacity, he serves as the Regional Forensic Liaison to Courts, tracking cases in the judicial system and providing or overseeing restoration training for competency to stand trial.  In addition, he chairs the regional Program Review Committee and oversees the professional members of the Program Review Committee.  Further, he serves as Liaison to mental health agencies and psychiatric hospitals.  Finally, he provides consultation to private agencies on clinical issues and performs redetermination of eligibility reviews for the region.