Michelle has given me the thoughts and reasoning that is helping me to make better choices in how I respond to situations in my life.
Michelle DeFino, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Michelle is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Michelle. View 10 reviews
- Great news, Michelle is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in New Jersey and New York
Recent reviews
Amazing help. Supportive and understand. 100 %
More about Michelle
- 3 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
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.
Specialties
Addictions
Grief
Anger management
Depression
Coping with life changes
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Bipolar disorder
Aging and geriatric issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Codependency
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Impulsivity
Money and financial issues
Social anxiety and phobia
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Michelle DeFino's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1861820607.
- LCSW · New Jersey · 44SC05618700 · Expires August 2026
- LCSW · New York · 090260-01 · Expires August 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Michelle DeFino
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Michelle has given me the thoughts and reasoning that is helping me to make better choices in how I respond to situations in my life.
Amazing help. Supportive and understand. 100 %
She was a big help in our first session.
Michelle DeFino thank you so much for welcoming me warmly. You never judged me for obstacles that had happened in my life and always made me feel like I was somebody and worthy. Thank you so much for your time! And hope to talk to you again soon!
Understanding and listens to me, no matter what it is
Michelle is excellent, knowledgeable & truly listens. It’s been an honor to work with her
Michelle is such a kind and inspiring soul. She always welcomed me with a smile and song... she will be not only a mentor and guide, but a friend. Thank you, Michelle!
Michelle has been exceptionally patient and helpful. She's really helped me find myself and enabled me to stay grounded. A very positive influential force!
Michelle is a very kind and enlightened therapist. She listens intently while providing actionable strategies for her patients to help achieve their goals.
I was definitely apprehensive about speaking to someone but after the first five minutes with Michelle I forgot that I was supposed to be scared. She’s so patient understanding and adaptive you have to be with me unfortunately. She not only has made me feel better but i truly believe she cares. I’d definitely recommend better help and Michelle as I have already.
Frequently asked questions
Does Michelle DeFino offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Michelle DeFino works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Michelle DeFino speak?
Michelle DeFino speaks English.
How many years of experience does Michelle DeFino have?
Michelle DeFino has 3 years of experience.
Where is Michelle DeFino licensed to practice?
Michelle DeFino is licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York.
Does Michelle DeFino accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Michelle DeFino does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Michelle DeFino offer?
Michelle DeFino offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Michelle DeFino?
Michelle DeFino can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Michelle DeFino?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.