About Debra Aquino
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Coaching
Compassion Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Debra Aquino
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth in individuals, families, and communities. With a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care that honors each person’s unique experiences and strengths.
I specialize in supporting clients through challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. My practice integrates modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to promote healing and empower clients to achieve meaningful change.
With a strong foundation in social justice and advocacy, I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I believe in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and am committed to walking alongside my clients as they navigate their path toward greater self-awareness and emotional health.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Guiding Principles
Strengths-Based Perspective: Focus on clients’ resilience, resources, and capabilities.
Person-in-Environment Framework: Understand clients within the context of their social, cultural, and environmental systems.
Trauma-Informed Care: Prioritize safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity.
Social Justice Orientation: Advocate for equity and challenge systemic barriers affecting mental health.
Assessment & Treatment Planning
Initial Assessment: Use biopsychosocial-spiritual model to gather comprehensive client history.
Goal Setting: Collaboratively develop SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Cultural Formulation: Integrate cultural identity, values, and explanatory models of distress.
Ongoing Evaluation: Use validated tools (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) to track progress and adjust interventions.
Therapeutic Relationship
Build rapport through active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a warm, collaborative alliance.
Use reflective statements and validation to deepen client insight and trust.
??? Core Modalities & Techniques
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and reframe negative thought patterns.
Use behavioral experiments and homework assignments.
Effective for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
2. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Enhance client motivation for change through empathy and collaboration.
Useful for substance use, ambivalence, and behavioral change.
3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Emphasize goals, exceptions to problems, and future-oriented thinking.
Ideal for short-term interventions and crisis work.
4. Narrative Therapy
Help clients re-author their stories and separate themselves from problems.
Useful for identity work and trauma recovery.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Typical Client Process:
1. ?? Initial Contact & Intake
Client Inquiry: The client reaches out via phone, email, or referral.
Screening: LCSW conducts a brief screening to determine appropriateness for services.
Scheduling: First appointment is scheduled; intake paperwork is sent (consent forms, HIPAA, demographics).
2. ??? Assessment & Rapport Building
Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment:
Presenting problem
Mental health history
Medical history
Family dynamics
Social supports
Substance use
Trauma history
Risk Assessment: Suicide/self-harm, abuse, neglect, or danger to others.
Establishing Rapport: Building trust and safety is foundational.
3. ?? Treatment Planning
Collaborative Goal Setting:
Short-term and long-term goals
Client strengths and barriers
Modality Selection:
CBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused, etc.
Frequency & Duration: Weekly sessions are typical, but may vary.
4. ?? Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Intervention & Support:
Evidence-based techniques
Psychoeducation
Skill-building
Emotional processing
Monitoring Progress:
Reassessing goals
Adjusting interventions
Documentation: SOAP notes after each session.
5. ?? Collaboration & Advocacy
Coordination of Care:
With psychiatrists, primary care providers, or other professionals.
Referrals: For specialized services (e.g., inpatient care, support groups).
Advocacy: Navigating systems (insurance)
6. ? Termination & Follow-Up
Planned Termination:
Reviewing progress
Preparing for independence
Relapse prevention strategies
Unplanned Termination:
Outreach attempts
Closure documentation
Follow-Up: Optional check-ins or referrals for future support.
?? Ethical & Legal Considerations
Confidentiality: Adhering to HIPAA and state laws.
Informed Consent: Clear explanation of services and limits of confidentiality.
Cultural Competence: Respecting diverse backgrounds and identities.
Licensure & Supervision: Maintaining credentials and seeking consultation as needed.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Louisville, Master's in Social Service
NPI number
1023527421
How soon can I make an appointment with Debra Aquino?
Generally, Debra Aquino has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Debra Aquino's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Debra Aquino accepting new patients?
Debra Aquino generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Debra Aquino's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Debra Aquino accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Debra Aquino is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Debra Aquino online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Debra Aquino using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Debra Aquino work with?
Debra Aquino works with therapy LCSW.
What are common reasons for patients to see Debra Aquino?
Debra Aquino frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Debra Aquino on their profile.
What languages does Debra Aquino speak?
Debra Aquino speaks English.