[5] The song's title is a play on the phrase "denial is (not just) a river in Egypt", popularised online by a viral excerpt from The Wendy Williams Experience.

"[7] Kyann-Sian Williams of NME called it proof that "Doechii is a witty, comical songwriter who can tell you vivid stories with little effort, and this approach allows that side of her to shine".

[3] Reviewing Alligator Bites Never Heal for Rolling Stone, Conteh Mankaprr remarked "The standout is 'Denial is a River,' in which Doechii gives an Oscar-worthy performance as both herself and a therapist of sorts in an immaculate display of her quirks, relatability, and tenderness.

"[4] AllMusic's Andy Kellman stated, "The humorous if vulnerable 'Denial Is a River' is storytelling on the level of MC Lyte and Slick Rick with late-'80s production touches to match.

[14] The video features cameos from Baby Tate, DJ Miss Milan, Earl Sweatshirt, H Wood, Schoolboy Q, SiR and Teezo Touchdown.