LCSW

Debra Sarno, LCSW

Therapist in New York

Debra is a LCSW therapist in New York.

30+ years of experience
Focus areas include Stress, Anxiety, Grief
Approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

See availability and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Debra

Debra Sarno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with three decades of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, grief, relationship and family challenges, mood concerns, and life transitions. She completed her clinical training at the Columbia University School of Social Work and furthered her study at the New York Milton H. Erickson Society for Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. She is also a certified School Social Worker, and her career has included roles in clinics, hospitals, and schools, giving her a broad base of clinical and practical experience.

Debra blends a holistic framework with evidence-informed strategies, drawing on Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address symptoms and strengthen coping skills. She also brings training in Ericksonian hypnosis to her work when appropriate. Her approach emphasizes a supportive, nurturing therapeutic environment as the foundation for change, and she collaborates with clients to develop clear treatment plans tailored to individual goals and life circumstances.

With an emphasis on maximizing life potential, Debra works with people facing parenting and caregiving stress, chronic illness or pain, workplace and career concerns, intimacy and relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, mood disorders including bipolar disorder and depression, ADHD, and other challenges. She frames therapy as a partnership designed to identify practical strategies, restore balance, and support meaningful progress over time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathetic environment where the client is the expert on their own life. This approach supports self-exploration, strengthens self-esteem, and helps people clarify their values and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it can be effective for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday concerns. Hypnotherapy, informed by Ericksonian principles, uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access resources for change and can complement other interventions for habit change, stress reduction, and symptom management.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Debra works collaboratively with each client to assess needs, try different techniques when appropriate, and tailor a plan that aligns with the client’s goals and preferences. This collaborative process helps ensure the methods used fit the person and the presenting concerns.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and therapists can also work with clients through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, and other commitments, increase accessibility for those with mobility or health limitations, and support continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Debra Sarno have?

Debra Sarno has 30 years of experience in clinical social work and psychotherapy.

Is Debra Sarno a licensed therapist?

Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details: NY LCSW 028988.

In which languages does Debra Sarno provide therapy?

Therapy is provided in English.

Where is Debra Sarno located?

She is located in New York.

How can I work with Debra Sarno as my therapist?

You can work with Debra Sarno through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Debra Sarno work with international clients?

Debra Sarno does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Debra Sarno cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.