Peter DeNigris

Dr. Peter DeNigris earned his Psy.D. in clinical psychology in 2004 from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. He is co-founder and co-owner of Somerset Psychological Group, PA, in Martinsville, New Jersey.  His general practice includes evaluating and treating adolescents and adults.  Two of Dr. DeNigris’ primary areas of interest include anxiety and mood disorders. An additional area of specialty is forensic psychology, including therapy with those involved in the legal system as well as evaluations assessing level of risk and fitness for duty.  In addition, Dr. DeNigris is a member of the Medical Staff at Morristown Medical Center. He has taught at GSAPP and at Drew University and has supervised countless students at GSAPP.  In 2017, he received the GSAPP Outstanding Clinic Supervisor Award.    

Many of Dr. DeNigris’ clinical experiences involve working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. His research includes developing and implementing a model for treating adolescents affected by trauma who were resistant to traditional modes of psychotherapy. The model, called “Community-Based Intervention for Trauma-Affected Adolescents (CITA),” was applied to adolescents who were directly affected by the terrorism at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Dr. DeNigris remains active with traumatic response.

Dr. DeNigris was the longest serving president of the Alumni Organization (AO) in GSAPP's history.  He has served on the Dean's Strategic Planning Committee, was the Chair of GSAPP's 40th and 45th anniversary galas, created an achievement award in memory of one of his classmates that continues to benefit current students each year, assisted on numerous Interview Days, and was appointed to two search committees in the hiring process of GSAPP's Dean.  During his tenure as AO president, the Rutgers University Alumni Association recognized the GSAPP AO for its student mentoring program, which Dr. DeNigris oversaw at the time.  The GSAPP AO received the Rutgers Excellence in Alumni Leadership (REAL) Award, which highlighted exceptional volunteerism and student-alumni engagement.  Dr. DeNigris accepted this award on behalf of the AO.  Dr. DeNigris is currently serving on the planning committee of GSAPP's 50th anniversary gala.  

In 2021, Dr. DeNigris was elected President-Elect of the New Jersey Psychological Association.  He began his term as President in 2022.  As a result of his numerous accomplishments, he was named the 2023 Psychologist of the Year by the New Jersey Psychological Association.