Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo , LMHC

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York based Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with extensive experience supporting adults and their families through addiction, mental health challenges, and relationship difficulties. She also holds a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Counselor certification with a gambling endorsement (CASAC-G) and a combined OMH and NY OASAS certificate to work with clients who have co-occurring disorders (IMHATT). With 25 years of clinical practice in the Capital Region, she has developed a deep familiarity with the complexities of substance use, codependency, grief, trauma, anxiety, and the stressors that accompany life transitions.

Her approach emphasizes building a collaborative therapeutic partnership aimed at helping individuals and loved ones regain control, develop coping strategies, and move toward meaningful change. Marilyn has a long history of working with families on issues such as communication, blended family dynamics, parenting, and caregiver stress, and she provides care for a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, bipolar conditions, eating and intimacy-related issues, anger management, and career-related stress.

Known for combining clinical knowledge with practical resources, she supports clients in identifying strengths, accessing appropriate services, and taking the first steps toward lasting improvement in overall functioning and wellbeing.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo integrates evidence-informed approaches to help clients navigate distress and build meaningful change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, learn to accept difficult emotions, and take committed action toward a life they value - it is useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic understanding and collaboration, creating a space where clients feel heard and supported while exploring personal goals and relationships.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the therapeutic process. Marilyn works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic constraints. Sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter or more frequent support can be arranged via live chat or text-based messaging. These options allow clients to maintain continuity of care, access support from their own environment, and choose the format that works best for their lifestyle and therapeutic goals.