Dr Brandy Benson, Chief Psychologist of TBPA, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral health and wellness of First Responders. Her clientele ranges from law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, federal agents, and family members. She has worked closely with various police and fire rescue agencies across the State of Florida, as well as agencies under the Department of Justice and the Department of Corrections.
Dr. Benson’s areas of service include crisis intervention, trauma therapy, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) development and provision. She also specializes in fitness-for-duty, pre-employment, post-incident, and psychological clearance evaluations. Most recently, Dr. Benson has been hired by several agencies to assist with consultation and development of Officer Wellness and Safety programs to support increased utilization of mental health services by employees, as well as overall resiliency and prevention efforts of PTSD, Suicide, and other psychological conditions impacting the First Responding Community. Dr. Benson is also a published author on topics of commercialized sexual exploitation of children with the FBI and police suicide.
Dr. Benson earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her clinical internship with the Federal Bureau of Prisons where she worked with incarcerated men and women with serious mental illness. Prior to this, she completed formal trainings at the Family Violence Program, the Miami VA Healthcare System, and the Miami Federal Detention Center, as well as informal trainings in psychoeducational evaluations and pediatric therapy. Dr. Benson has engaged in outpatient practice since 2012, both in Fort Lauderdale/Miami and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
In therapy, Dr. Benson utilizes a variety of techniques to cater to the unique needs and histories of each individual, family, and couple. Therapy commonly integrates solution-focused and process-oriented interventions, positive psychology, and therapeutic life skills with the intention of creating a more balanced and meaningful sense of life and health.
