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Justin Benson, LCSW​-R

I am Justin Benson, LCSW-R, the Founder, Clinic Director, and Therapist at Positive Minds Therapy LCSW. With nearly two decades of experience in the mental health field, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice, which has been successfully serving clients for over a decade. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Adelphi University in 2007 through their Advanced Standing Program. My career began at a psychiatric hospital in Queens, NY, where I spent nearly seven years leading specialized groups for severely mentally ill adolescents aged 10 to 17. After the hospital closed in late 2013, I transitioned to the Family Service League in Shirley, providing both group and individual therapy to clients facing substance abuse and mental health challenges. At the same time, I launched my private practice in Sayville, NY, and continued to expand it even after transferring to a Family Service League location closer to home. In May 2015, I made the decision to leave the Family Service League and fully dedicate myself to growing my private practice. My passion for helping others led me to establish Positive Minds Therapy LCSW in 2023—a space where I continue to provide high-quality care while leading a team of dedicated therapists who share the same commitment to client-centered, compassionate therapy.

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Founder
Clinic Director
Licensed Therapist

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t." - Steve Maraboli

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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.

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Licensed 
Therapist

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier 

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Kelly Bennett, LMSW

As an LMSW, my foremost priority is to deliver compassionate, ethical, and person-centered care to every individual I have the privilege of working with. I recognize that life presents a wide range of challenges—whether they stem from mental health struggles, substance use, family dynamics, trauma, or socio-economic barriers—and I am deeply committed to supporting clients as they navigate these obstacles. I approach my work with empathy, understanding that every individual’s story is unique and shaped by their lived experiences. In addition to my role as a social worker, I am also a wife, sister, and daughter—relationships that have profoundly shaped my understanding of family dynamics and the significance of secure attachments. These personal experiences have provided me with invaluable insight into the complexities of human relationships, the challenges that families often face, and the deep emotional bonds that influence personal growth and well-being. Throughout my career in social work, I have learned the value of meeting clients where they are, without judgment, and empowering them to recognize their own resilience. I firmly believe that every person possesses inherent strengths and capabilities, even in their most difficult moments. My role is to help individuals identify and build upon those strengths, fostering personal growth, stability, and self-determination. In every interaction, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. I am dedicated to advocating for their needs, promoting access to resources, and working collaboratively with them to develop individualized strategies for achieving their goals.

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Licensed 
Therapist

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

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Meet The Team

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