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"Building Brighter Lives and Stronger Families"

About David: start with Background and Experience, then see his Credentials, Affiliations and Awards. Read more to know What is an Accredited Clinical Social Worker? and find out Am I the Right Therapist for you?.

David Benson is a highly skilled Clinical Social Worker with extensive child and adolescent treatment experience in outpatient and residential settings. He also provides therapy to adults and couples.

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David's Background And Experience

David is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice since 2004. David has been in the Social Work Field since 1993 with a wide variety of experience. His journey has taken him through working in residential settings for children and adolescents, adolescent detention/treatment facilities and inpatient/outpatient mental health settings. David has years of experience as a Clinical Director of children/adolescent programs.

David has worked in both public and private agencies that provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults. David has experience providing anger management to individuals/groups, sex-offender treatment and court assessments.

David has provided marital and family therapy in outpatient settings and in private practice. In working with many children and adolescents, family therapy is often necessary. Additionally, David has lectured at colleges and the local school system.

Through his experience working in a Community Mental Health setting, as well as Henry Ford Cottage Hospital's Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, David has diagnosed and treated adolescents and adults with the most severe mental health issues.  Additionally, Mr. Benson worked in the Emergency Room at St. John Providence Hospital assessing patients' psychiatric needs. In conjunction with a network of psychiatrists, David is proficient in recognizing the symptoms of mental illness, as well as a strong familiarity of medications.

As a Clinical Social Worker, the focus is on the client's environment, family system, family history, genetics and other social conditions and theories. However, there are times when medication is necessary.

 
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Credentials

  • Bachelor of Social Work, 1995 - Eastern Michigan University
  • Master of Social Work, 1999 - Eastern Michigan University
  • State of Michigan License, 2001 - Present. State of Michigan License # 6801078089
  • Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) 2003 - Present

Affiliations

  • National Association of Social Workers, 2001 - Present

Awards

  • 1997 Michigan Association of Children's Alliances, Hugh Whipple Award Nominee for Direct Service Excellence
 
 

What is an ACSW?

The Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have:

National Association of Social Workers professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

What is a Clinical Social Worker?

Clinical social workers provide mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain their patients' physical, psychological, and social function.

Educational Requirements

Clinical social workers must have a master's or doctorate degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical experience. They must undergo a supervised clinical field internship and have at least 2 years of postgraduate supervised clinical social work employment. Clinical social workers are approved providers in most insurance and managed care plans, and practice in the following settings:

  • Private practice
  • Medical facilities (e.g., hospitals)
  • Mental health clinics
  • Child welfare agencies
  • Schools
  • Community organizations
  • Places of employment

Clinical social workers may be licensed by the state in which they practice. Requirements are prescribed by state law and include education, supervision, experience, and a written examination.

 
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Am I the Right Therapist for You?

Choosing the right therapist is very important for appropriate treatment.  Not only is experience, knowledge and techniques important in treatment, but your comfort level with your therapist will help you progress through your difficult times. Some people prefer to have a male therapist and some prefer female therapists. You will have to decide what is best for you.

I utilize a very innovative and interactive approach as a therapist with my clients. I am very involved and available 24 hours a day for emergencies and crisis. When working with children or adolescents, I believe communication with the parents is crucial to appropriate, effective treatment. I communicate with the parents via telephone, e-mail and in-person visits before or after sessions. There are many circumstances which require "homework" for the child/adolescent, as well as techniques for the parents to utilize. Progress is constantly updated through our frequent communication. I am available by cell phone when unable to take your call on the business phone line.

I help people with a wide variety of concerns.  Some of the most common issues/reasons children and adolescents seek my services include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Anger Management
  • Delinquent Behavior
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Adolescent Struggles
  • Social Difficulties
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
  • Adoption Support
  • Problems with Relationships
  • Inattentiveness/Hyperactivity
  • Childhood Trauma
  • History of Child Abuse/Neglect

Some of the most common issues/reasons why adults seek my services include:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Marital Difficulties
  • Couples Therapy
  • Grief and Loss
  • Help with Parenting
  • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Anger Management
  • Sex Offender Treatment (S.O.T.)
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Anxiety

If you have any questions or would like ot explore if I am the right therapst for you or your child, please feel free to contact me.