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Vetted

Amy Bender(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Connecticut
Anxiety - Couples counseling-Infertility counseling- Relationship issues-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

*As of May 2025: Accepting new clients for in-person (Westport, CT) or virtual appointments*

Please message me to setup a free consultation call.

Amy teaches mental health skills that empower people to live the life they envision for themselves. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Amy takes a person-centered approach to explore client’s beliefs about themselves, and works to uncover strengths, healthy coping mechanisms, and negative thought patterns.

In addition to validating and listening to clients, Amy provides directives and assigns homework, so sessions feel interactive. One of her strengths is looking at the “big picture” of someone’s life, seeing where their behaviors are misaligned with their values, and understanding how that impacts them today.

To Amy, miracles happen when people start using mental health tools. By incorporating a few simple life skills, suddenly "all the lights turn green." As clients make better choices, they start to attract good things into their lives. They start to live the life they want to live.


Message to clients

Have you ever thought there was a more authentic version of yourself? One that is under the surface, but held back by the things that have happened to you? Maybe you’ve glimpsed this version of yourself in the eyes of someone who loves you, like a grandparent, a teacher, or a friend. They see only the best in you, and bring out the best in you, too. Around them, perhaps you feel strong, confident, content. Spoiler alert: this can be you all the time!

The way we think about ourselves is influenced by many factors. These thoughts can become ingrained, and they are often automatically negative. Working together, we’ll look closely at these thoughts and examine the ways they influence your feelings and behaviors.

We’ll also look ahead to the life you want to be living and build up skills to reach your goals, as well as understand the strengths you already have. These skills can help you better handle life’s ups and downs, and build healthy relationships in all areas of your life. I envision for all my clients a future where they feel loved and accepted, where their work is meaningful and rewarding, and where they recognize the good things in life, and know that they are meant for them. Our work will take place in a safe and unconditionally accepting space. In a world that pulls our focus in so many directions, we will focus on just you.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 4 years

Resilience Lab, Psychotherapist, 2022 - Present
Silver Hill Hospital, Residential Counselor, 2021 - 2022

Fordham University, Master of Social Work, 2021

Licensure

Florida: SW22731 - Connecticut: 14781

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Couples counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love

Infertility counseling - Understanding infertility interventions and solutions; support during decision-making processes; coping with fertility problems and pregnancy loss

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna (in-network in CT)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network in CT)
  • Optum (in-network in CT)
  • Oscar Health (in-network in CT)
  • Oxford Health Plans (in-network in CT)
  • United Healthcare (in-network in CT)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (50min)
  • Sliding scale:$100 - $150

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • As needed