

Thank you for taking the time to take a look at my profile!
I’ve been working in the mental health field in New Jersey since 2007, when I began my career toward becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I soon settled into the role of clinical therapist, being recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors, with a tendency to most frequently work with those coping with anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
In 2020, I left the community clinic I had been working with to form a private practice. Here, I can meet with and focus on my clients, providing each with the attention they deserve. One of the primary purposes of coming to therapy is to be heard. I am here to listen.
Not just listen, though! We work together to come up with a solution to the problem or issue you are working through. As we discuss what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past, we learn to tell the difference between a healthy, productive way to cope and a less-than-desirable way to deal with your problem.
Therapy should be uniquely tailored to each person. I work with clients to identify patterns of behavior that may have contributed to difficulties in relationships—with family, friends, or at work or school—and help find ways to create positive change. We learn to change our perspective on life, our past, our entire reality, and recognize that we really can control how we think and what we think about.
Debra McKinney-Hill is a seasoned mental health and addictions therapist with over 20 years of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families through the challenges of mental health and substance misuse. Her extensive background includes working with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to complex addiction recovery, always with compassion and a solution-focused mindset.
NYU Graduate and Post- Graduate Clinical Professor
Director of the Post- MAster's Program in Addictions- NYU
Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in a safe and supportive relationship, where you can show up just as you are and feel genuinely seen and understood. Whether you’re moving through anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or the weight of cultural and generational trauma, I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space to explore your experience with care and curiosity.
You’re not here to be “fixed” because you’re not broken. You’re here to reconnect with your inner wisdom, reclaim clarity, and build a life that feels rooted and whole. I’m here to support you in that process, every step of the way.
My ideal client is someone who has been carrying a lot of anxiety that feels constant, sadness that lingers, or the impact of past experiences that still shape their day-to-day life. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. What they want most is to feel understood, supported, and capable of navigating life with more ease. They want relief from the weight they carry, but they also want to reconnect with their strengths, build confidence, and live in a way that feels authentic to them. My ideal client doesn’t need to have all the answers they just need the courage to take the first step.


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