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Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce, LMHC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Debra 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 Debra. View 12 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in New York

Recent reviews

Super understanding, willing to work out multiple possibilities to any kind of issue.

Reviewed May 2024

She is honest and comforting all at once and it’s refreshing when someone listens to your problems and responds with honesty yet understanding of how you feel. She has helped me through this grieving journey so much with just two sessions. Her insights and advice have been so helpful. She is very knowledgeable and understanding one of the best experiences I’ve had ever with a therapist.

Reviewed August 2023

More about Debra

  • 22 years' experience
  • Female
  • LMHC

My name is Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and have a doctorate in clinical-school psychology. I am a certified school psychologist with experience in formal and informal psychological assessment. I received my doctorate from Pace University and a certificate in Crisis Management from Long Island University. In my 30 years of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a school setting, I have dedicated myself to helping clients gain insight into how their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs impact their life situation(s).

My clinical approach to treatment is eclectic and culturally sensitive. I am dedicated to working with my clients to develop effective coping strategies, by incorporating cognitive behavioral-rational emotive therapy, and psychodynamic theory, an interpersonal approach, and encourage the use of mindfulness. I have actively collaborated with clients seeking help for various concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, self-awareness, coping with life changes, family conflicts, relationship issues, and parenting issues. Once a relationship develops between us, you will see that my clinical approach is direct, respectful, empathetic, and sometimes humorous.

I am here as your ally to explore several options of how to work through your current issues and will be able to provide you with useful strategies to deal with your current stressors. I am here to help you achieve and foster stronger mental and emotional health. I look forward to working with you on your journey to gaining insight and self-awareness.

SPECIALTIES

Stress

Anxiety

Grief

Trauma

Depression

Self esteem

Parenting Issues

Teen Issues

LICENSING

LMHC #002471-01 (Expires: 2022-10-31)

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Grief Parenting issues Self esteem Depression Relationship issues Family conflicts Intimacy-related issues Anger management Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD Body image Caregiver issues and stress Family problems Guilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Multicultural concerns Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Self-harm Self-love Women's issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

Licenses

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1992328728.

  • LMHC · New York · 002471-01 · Expires November 2027

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, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

12 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Understanding Helped Thank you The best Attentive Caring Comfortable Helpful Safe

Super understanding, willing to work out multiple possibilities to any kind of issue.

Reviewed May 2024

She is honest and comforting all at once and it’s refreshing when someone listens to your problems and responds with honesty yet understanding of how you feel. She has helped me through this grieving journey so much with just two sessions. Her insights and advice have been so helpful. She is very knowledgeable and understanding one of the best experiences I’ve had ever with a therapist.

Reviewed August 2023

She is a great understanding and realitic person. Do not sleep on her she will be direct and mostly supportive. It id really needed when you needed.

Reviewed May 2023

I have worked with Dr. DeFour-Pierce for over a year and had a very positive experience. I came in with no prior exposure to therapy and didn't have a definitive idea of what I wanted to work on. The exercises she set helped me gain self awareness and identify the irrational thoughts that were holding me back. Her approach was practical, kind, and patient throughout, and she created a safe space for me to share and process difficult past experiences. I'm grateful for her help and guidance.

Reviewed August 2022

Extremely Great been with her for over a year now, i sincerely wouldn't know where i would be or the person in would be today if it wasn't for her. She is beyond helpful and always goes out her way to make sure to check in and that you're staying on top of those worksheet :) She really wants you to grow and helps you to see that its you yourself that is putting in the work for your change. Her approach is great for those that need a real change and won't have their feelings hurt in the process. Dr. DeFour-Pierce is sweet, thoughtful, caring, and is amazing at what she does and i thank her for all that she has done for me this past year. Thank you with Love! You're really the best and thank you for putting up with me and my stubbornness lol !!!

Reviewed December 2021

Dr pierce is great she attentive and i feel that she gets me. Her advise is solid and firm yet much appreciated . It better to of honest input than just be heard and told everything will be when it may not be

Reviewed August 2021

Phenomenal

Reviewed August 2021

Dr. DeFour-Pierce is unlike any therapist I've had before, and I've seen many. She is attentive, smart, informed, empathetic, and compassionate while also being no-bullshit and never being afraid to show me my truth — even when I'd rather ignore it. She has been an extremely valuable resource to me in a very upsetting time and I am so thankful to have met her.

Reviewed July 2021

I have been working with Dr. Debra for 9 months now and she has been such a blessing in my life. I knew that I wanted to see a therapist, but I had no idea what kind of therapist would be a good fit for me. She has always listened to me, understood my perspectives, and offered such great advice. Dr. Debra's style of counseling has worked really great for me. She first assesses what overall goal you should work on after a couple of sessions together. Once a goal has been established we discussed what small changes in my life I can make to achieve these goals. Additionally, she assigned worksheets for me to complete every week, which have been so great at breaking down my thoughts and feelings and to figure out what is the best way for me to act and think. Dr. Debra has always made me feel so comfortable and has always gave me such golden nuggets of advice. She is so wise, not only in the psychology realm, but also in just life. She was always professional, but still made me feel so comfortable that I felt like I was talking to a friend. Dr. Debra has helped me work through my anxious thoughts, negative feelings, and how to approach difficult conversations with others. After 9 months of therapy with Dr. Debra, I finally feel ready and equipped with all of the knowledge she has provided me to go off on my own!

Reviewed May 2021

Dr. Debra is very kind, patient, and encouraging. She is skilled in navigating a variety of problems. She takes an individualized approach and makes great analogies which are directly applicable to my situations. I felt safe to open up and share my dilemmas with her. Even after I finish treatment, I know I will remember the advice she gave to me. Thank you Dr. Debra!

Reviewed April 2021

Intuitive and patient.

Reviewed February 2021

I have only had a limited amount of sessions with Dr. DeFour-Pierce, and yet I feel I have found someone to work with that creates connection and familiarity that for me are essential in building trust in the exchange. I have found her to be caring and gentle in her approach and feel supported by her thoughtfulness.

Reviewed July 2020

How was your experience with Debra?

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce 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 Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce speak?

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce speaks English.

How many years of experience does Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce have?

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce has 22 years of experience.

Where is Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce licensed to practice?

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce is licensed to practice in New York.

Does Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce 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 Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce offer?

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

How can I communicate with Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce?

Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce 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 Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce?

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.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

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.