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PATCHOGUE, NY
Justin Benson LCSW-R
I’m Justin Benson, LCSW-R, the Founder and Clinical Director of Positive Minds Therapy in Patchogue, NY. I specialize exclusively in individual therapy for adult men across Long Island who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, emotional regulation, and major life transitions. Many of the men I work with are high-functioning and dependable — they show up for work, for their families, and for others — but internally feel overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted. Some struggle with anger or irritability. Others feel pressure to always stay strong and handle things on their own. Therapy provides a space to step back, gain clarity, and develop practical tools for meaningful change. My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. I focus on helping clients identify patterns, increase emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and build strategies that translate into real-world results — not just insight, but action. I earned my Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and have nearly two decades of experience working in psychiatric and community mental health settings. Those early years shaped my grounded, realistic style and reinforced my belief in meeting clients where they are — without judgment, pressure, or unnecessary clinical jargon. As Clinical Director, I oversee a team of licensed therapists who work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. While the practice serves a broad range of populations, my personal clinical focus remains dedicated to helping adult men navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Founder
Clinical Director
Licensed Therapist
Katherine Arita LMSW
As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I am dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s challenges with empathy and a focus on psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral principles. My therapeutic approach helps clients explore emotions, identify patterns, and work towards meaningful change. Beyond my role as a therapist, I am also a wife and mother, which has given me valuable insight into family dynamics and the importance of secure attachments. I integrate trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and strength-based approaches to address anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma, emphasizing resilience and empowerment. I am committed to professional growth, always seeking new learning opportunities to enhance my skills and provide the best care. I strive to create a non-judgmental, supportive, and collaborative environment for my clients, fostering self-compassion, balance, and emotional regulation. I feel privileged to be part of my clients’ healing journeys and look forward to continuing to grow both professionally and personally.
Licensed
Therapist
Natasha Cruz, LMSW
As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I support individuals across Long Island as they navigate life’s challenges with care, intention, and compassion. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I strive to create a space where you feel safe showing up exactly as you are. My approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, integrating mindfulness-based techniques to help clients slow down, better understand their emotions, recognize patterns, and build practical tools that support meaningful, lasting change. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, relationship stress, life transitions, family conflict, and the impact of past trauma. As a Latina clinician, I am deeply aware of how culture and generational experiences influence the way we process emotions, communicate, and relate to others. I value the strengths within family systems and approach therapy with cultural humility, creating space for clients to explore their experiences in ways that feel respected and understood. In our work together, we focus on strengthening boundaries, emotional regulation, and self-awareness in ways that feel realistic and applicable to everyday life. Being invited into someone’s growth process is a privilege I do not take lightly. I remain committed to offering steady support and genuine care so that change feels both meaningful and sustainable.
Licensed
Therapist
Doris Minder, LMSW
As a bilingual therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor–Trainee (CASAC-T), I provide a supportive and welcoming space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with comfort and trust. I work with people across the lifespan who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and attachment challenges, and life transitions. My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-informed strategies to help clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. I also have experience working with school-aged children and adolescents (K–12) in educational settings, supporting social-emotional development and helping families navigate school and life challenges. As a Puerto Rican therapist of color, I value cultural awareness and aim to create a space where individuals from all backgrounds feel respected, understood, and supported. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make that first conversation feel comfortable, welcoming, and supportive.
Licensed
Therapist
Jack McEnroe
I am a clinical psychology graduate student with a specific interest in psychosis and patient care within large mental healthcare institutions. In my role as Office Manager, I help ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the practice by overseeing administrative and back-end processes that support both clinicians and clients.
Office
Manager