I am Ernie Germano, a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  I have lived in the Elmira area since 1976 and raised my family here.  I’ve been in service in the mental health field for the past 35 years, giving me valuable experience in understanding the needs of people.

I was raised on Long Island in the community of Bethpage.  My parents and their families lived in Brooklyn.

I graduated from Alfred University in 1974 with a Bachelors in Psychology.  I then attended The George Washington University, graduating with a Masters in Health Care Administration in 1976.  I worked 31 years for New York State as an administrator in mental health and juvenile rehabilitation.  As my New York State career wound down,  I returned to school, again at Alfred University, obtaining a Masters in Counseling in 2007.

Since 2008, I have worked as an outpatient mental health therapist here in Elmira, learning much about the needs of families in this community.

I am a member of the New York State Mental Health Counselors Association.