Michelle DeFino , LCSW

Michelle DeFino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York who focuses on helping people navigate addiction, mood disorders, trauma, relationship strain, and life transitions. With three years of clinical experience, she supports adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, anger, parenting stress, and difficulties with self-esteem and coping. Her practice also addresses caregiver strain, aging and geriatric concerns, codependency, impulsivity, financial stress, and social anxiety.

She draws on a blend of evidence-informed methods to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. Her approach includes cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, motivational interviewing to build readiness for change, and mindfulness practices to strengthen focus and emotional regulation. She also uses client-centered principles to keep the work collaborative and grounded in the client's goals.

Michelle aims to create a practical, solution-minded space where clients can explore patterns, develop coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. She prefers video sessions to facilitate rapport but is comfortable offering phone, live chat, and text-based messaging when that better fits a client's schedule or needs. She is currently accepting clients in New York and does not work with international clients.