“This Takes the Ceiling Off of Care”: An Interview with Victoria Bonanno, RSW and PMVC Member
Interview by Nandini (PM Co-op Student)
At Psychotherapy Matters, we believe that collaborative care transforms what’s possible in mental health treatment. For Registered Social Worker Victoria Bonanno, this transformation is more than a concept—it’s something she sees every day in her practice. We sat down with Victoria to learn about her experience working with psychiatrists through the Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC) and how it has reshaped the care she can offer her clients.
Nandini: What initially drew you to working with Psychotherapy Matters?
Victoria Bonanno: I was part of a clinic already when I joined PMVC, but honestly, I wish more of my colleagues would do this. Collaborative care is so important. As a therapist, I have a long-term rapport with my clients—I hear their stories and see their symptoms unfold over time—but I’m not a diagnosing or prescribing professional. I hit a ceiling.
Working with a psychiatrist through PMVC allows us to blow through that ceiling and provide comprehensive care. For clients who may need to consider medication, that conversation happens directly with the psychiatrist, always through informed consent, never pushy. The psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy recommendations that I really take to heart: things like behavioral activation, sleep hygiene, or trying a DBT approach. Their input helps guide and strengthen the work I’m already doing.
Nandini: Can you give an example of how this model has helped with complex cases?
Victoria: Yes, absolutely. Working with individuals who have personality disorders has been one of the most challenging aspects of my practice. I hit that ceiling quickly and often felt stuck. But with the support of Psychotherapy Matters, that’s changed.
In one case, a client was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Within two to three months, they had been assessed, diagnosed, and referred to a DBT skills group. That timeline is unheard of in traditional systems. I remember thinking, Is this real? It felt revolutionary.
Nandini: What three words would you use to describe your experience working with psychiatrists through PMVC?
Victoria:
- Expansive – My understanding has grown so much with their input.
- Compassionate – The care is rooted in compassion, and it goes both ways.
- Respectful – I feel respected by every psychiatrist I’ve worked with. That mutual respect isn’t always a given in traditional medical hierarchies, but it’s central to this model.
Nandini: How many clients have you referred to PMVC so far?
Victoria: Since we started, 24 of my clients have been assessed through PMVC. Right now, I’m actively following up with about four or five. For some, they got exactly what they needed and moved on with the tools in hand. In other cases, we’ve used PMVC’s ADHD or ASD assessment pathways as a next step. In each instance, the care has been timely and client-centered.
Nandini: Have you had the chance to explore any of PM’s provider resources?
Victoria: Yes! I’ve attended one Collaborative Care Conference live and watched another on YouTube—one was specifically about the DBT skills group. These sessions are valuable and informative, and I’ve even submitted feedback because I want this program to keep growing. It’s that meaningful.
Nandini: Last question—how has PMVC changed how you approach a suspected diagnosis?
Victoria: Before PMVC, I often felt stuck. I’d have a strong clinical hunch, but nowhere to go with it. Now, if I suspect a diagnosis, I can discuss it with the client and offer a real pathway forward—one that includes proper assessment and coordinated support. That kind of care used to feel out of reach. Now, it’s part of my regular practice. This is a revolutionary service. Like I said, I used to hit the ceiling. PMVC takes the ceiling off the care I can provide.
Interested in learning more about collaborative care through PMVC?
Visit psychotherapymatters.com.