Michelle DeFino

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years.

I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration.

I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

Years Experience: 3

Location: New York, United States

Accepting New Clients: No

Gender: Female

Accepting international clients: No

NPI Number: 1861820607

Credentials: NJ LCSW 44SC05618700, NY LCSW 090260-01

Languages Spoken: English

Licenses: LCSW (New Jersey) #44SC05618700 exp 2026-08-31 • LCSW (New York) #090260-01 exp 2026-08-31

List of Specialties: Addictions, Grief, Anger, Depression, Coping with life changes, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Parenting, Self esteem, Bipolar, Female therapist, Christian, Older, Non-religious

Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp

Therapist of color: No

Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Start with Michelle DeFino

Michelle DeFino

Practical support for recovery and change

Addictions support
Trauma-informed care
Video-preferred sessions

Start with Michelle DeFino

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Michelle DeFino is a licensed clinical social worker based in New York who brings a practical, recovery-focused approach to therapy. She holds clinical social work licenses in both New Jersey and New York and has three years of experience working directly with people facing substance use and co-occurring challenges.

Her background includes supporting individuals with addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, grief, stress, anger management, relationship and parenting concerns, self-esteem struggles, and coping with life changes. She applies evidence-informed approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused techniques to help clients change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Mindfulness strategies are also part of her toolkit to help improve focus and present-moment awareness. Michelle recognizes how difficult it can be to ask for help and approaches each person with respect and a goal-oriented mindset. She is open to different formats for care but prefers video sessions because they make it easier to see and get to know each other. Michelle looks forward to collaborating with clients who are ready to work toward the life they want.

Location: New York, United States

Years Experience: 3

Gender: Female

Languages Spoken: English

Therapist of Color: No

Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus: Addictions, Anger, Coping with life changes, Depression, Grief

Other areas of experience: Aging and geriatric issues, Bipolar, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Disaster relief therapy, Impulsivity, Money and financial issues, Parenting, Relationship, Relationship, Self esteem, Social anxiety and phobia, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse

Therapeutic approach: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy

Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp

Currently Accepting New Clients: No

Accepting International Clients: No

Start with Michelle DeFino

Credentials & Verification

Credentials: NJ LCSW 44SC05618700, NY LCSW 090260-01
NPI Number: 1861820607
License: LCSW (New Jersey) #44SC05618700 exp 2026-08-31 • LCSW (New York) #090260-01 exp 2026-08-31

Is Online Therapy the Right Choice for Your Mental Health Journey?

Many people wonder whether connecting with a therapist online can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person care for most people. A major benefit of remote therapy is its flexibility – clients can choose the format that fits their life and comfort level, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This versatility makes it easier to maintain consistent care around work, family, and other commitments. All therapists referenced here are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to change therapists if they feel a different fit would be better. Online therapy offers a practical way to access qualified care without sacrificing the proven methods that help people manage common mental health and life challenges.

How much experience does Michelle DeFino have?

Michelle DeFino has 3 years of experience in providing therapy services.

Is Michelle DeFino a licensed therapist?

Yes, Michelle DeFino is a licensed therapist with NJ LCSW 44SC05618700, NY LCSW 090260-01.

In which languages does Michelle DeFino provide therapy?

Michelle DeFino provides therapy in English.

Where is Michelle DeFino located?

Michelle DeFino is located in New York.

How can I work with Michelle DeFino as my therapist?

You can work with Michelle DeFino through Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging.

How much does therapy with Michelle DeFino cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Start with Michelle DeFino