About Life Lessons Therapy
Hello my name is Christie Terrell DeBruce and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I was originally certified as a Certified Social Worker in June 2000 after graduating from the Columbia University School of Social Work in May of 2000. Later, in August of 2004, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the New York State Education Department. This is how I became able to obtain third party insurance reimbursement as provided in Sections 3221 and 4303 of the Insurance Law. I recently became licensed in the states of Nevada, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Please see my curriculum vitae below for more information regarding my work experience.
Education: Columbia University Master of Social Work Degree in 05/2000
Tufts University Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations in 11/1996
Certification: “P” Psychotherapy privilege awarded in 08/29/2004, LCSW in NY
And LSW in Nevada awarded 04/6/2022
Volunteer: Graduate Student Task Preceptor, Womens’ Advisory Committee
Related Work Experience
January 2022-Present:
Life Lessons Therapy, Staten Island, NY
Psychotherapist
Provide telehealth psychotherapy to adults in a private practice setting.
July2000-Dec 2021:
VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY
Social Worker
Dec.2017- Sept. 2018
Acted as a temporary Veterans Justice Outreach Social Worker for Staten Island Veterans Court. Duties included interfacing with lawyers and judges, working with outside legal agencies such as Legal Aid Society and TASC that also provide alternatives to incarceration for people with mental health and substance abuse problems.
Provided client updates on progress in treatment. Completed psychosocial assessments and utilized case management skills. Performed brief therapy to veterans in crisis.
Apr. 2010-Dec.2021
Acted as a Grant and Per Diem Liaison between the Veterans Health Administration and the homeless veterans’ residence (Borden Avenue Veterans Residence/ICL). Duties included inspections, billing, advocacy, corrective actions, facilitation of meetings, educating and giving support to provider staff, outreach, assisting in case managing a caseload of 154+ veterans, reaching performance goals, therapy and group work.
Supervised a social worker including training, performance appraisals and time and leave. Performed brief therapy and used evidence-based tools such as Depression, substance abuse and suicide screens.
June2007- April 2010
Case managed high risk OEF/OIF vets with traumatic brain injury and battle injuries. Provided brief therapy sessions including cognitive behavioral therapy.
Participated in interdisciplinary meetings.
March 2003-June2007
Served as a primary care social worker performing psychosocial assessments and co-facilitated support groups for the elderly population. Helped connect the elderly to needed community resources such as Meals on Wheels, homecare, VNS, Adult Day Care, APS, etc.
July 2000-March 2003
Served as an inpatient med/surg and oncology discharge planner. Gave supportive and bereavement counseling to patients and their families.
Oct. 2007-Apr.2008
The Guidance Center of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY
Social Worker (Part-time)
Counseled adults and children with DSM-IV diagnoses.
Created treatment plans and quarterly assessments.
Jan. 2003- June 2003
St. Vincent’s Services, Brooklyn, NY
Social Worker (Part-time)
Counseled adults and children with DSM-IV diagnoses.
Jan. 2000-June 2000
Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, NY
Social Work Intern
Counseled children with sickle cell anemia and other chronic illnesses.
Counseled and discharged adults with mental illness and chemical abuse problems.