Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo , LMHC

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a credentialed alcohol and substance use disorder counselor who also holds a gambling certification (CASAC-G). She also holds combined OMH and New York OASAS certification to work with clients with co-existing disorders (IMHATT). With over 20 years of experience working throughout the Capital Region, she focuses on supporting adults, family members, and loved ones facing challenges related to addictions, substance use disorders, and mental health concerns.

Her practice concentrates on areas such as codependency, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, and other life stressors. She brings experience addressing a wide range of concerns including parenting and family dynamics, eating and intimacy-related issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, caregiver stress, and substance or behavioral addictions. Marilyn integrates multiple clinical approaches to meet each person where they are and to address both immediate coping needs and longer term goals.

Marilyn emphasizes the development of a collaborative therapeutic partnership aimed at increasing coping skills, strengthening relationships, and helping people move toward the life they want. She also connects clients with resources that can support recovery and ongoing growth, and frames seeking help as a positive first step toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic approaches for effective online care

Marilyn draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to tailor online care to each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and learning practical skills to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful action - it can be helpful for chronic stress, anxiety, and patterns that get in the way of living fully. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental stance so clients feel understood and can discover their own solutions - it often supports work on relationships, self-esteem, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve functioning - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and coping with change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Marilyn works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques as progress is made so care remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexibility for scheduling and for connecting from different locations. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity of care during transitions, and access support when in-person meetings are not possible.