About Me

Hello, I’m Ben Dickstein, a clinical psychologist based out of Cincinnati. Thanks for visiting my website. I know that it can be difficult to find the right therapist, and I hope that this introduction helps you decide if we would be a good fit. I have listed my education and credentials below but also wanted to say a bit about me and describe my approach to treatment.

I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and have been living in Cincinnati since 2012. Although I have had the pleasure of spending some years in Boston and Philadelphia, I find Queen City to feel most like home. I originally moved here to complete a psychology internship at the Cincinnati VA and was hired on at the end. Seven years later, I transitioned into private practice, settling into an office space downtown.

Why I Do This Work

For me, psychology is more than a profession. Serving as an in-person and online psychologist in Cincinnati, OH adds a lot of meaning and a sense of connection to my life. I get to spend my days talking with others about their most pressing issues and work to find ways to effect change. I am genuinely grateful to the hundreds of clients I have served over the years and their willingness to trust me with their care.

Being in my position, I am constantly reminded that making the decision to see any therapist or psychologist in Cincinnati, OH can be hard. I have watched twenty- and eighty-somethings alike enter treatment after putting it off for years, sometimes half a century, unsure of where to start or what to say. Yet, despite their reservations, many experience a level of relief they never thought possible. One of the best compliments I can receive often comes at the end of therapy and goes something like, “To be honest, doc, I really didn’t think this was going to work!”

My Goal with In-Person & Online Therapy across 40+ PSYPACT States

I am dedicated to getting my clients the relief that they need in a solutions-focused, non-judgmental space that is tailored to them. To this end, I use the best available treatments and provide them in a manner that will land with a given individual. I believe that humor has an important place in therapy and that effective therapists and psychologists are willing to share themselves and be genuine with their clients. I don’t believe in sugar-coating or withholding my thoughts. As part of this, I rarely accept the words “I can’t,” and instead urge my clients to substitute the words, “It’s really hard, but...”

I believe that growth happens outside one’s comfort zone and that, if you’re waiting to feel ready to make big changes, you could be waiting indefinitely. If it would help to talk by phone before committing to an appointment, please schedule a free phone consultation. And if I’m not the right fit but can refer you to a trusted colleague, just let me know! Again, thank you for stopping by!

When I Am Not in The Office…

When I’m not in the office, I love hiking, kayaking, traveling, and music. One of my major life goals is to visit all of the U.S. National Parks. The favorite I’ve seen so far is Olympic National Park in Washington State – I highly recommend it! Over the past year, I’ve also been studying French. If you ever pass me on I-71, you’re likely to find me repeating French phrases I’m learning through Duolingo! 

Ben Dickstein, PhD - Training & Experience

• B.A. in Psychology - Ohio University (2005)

• M.A. in Psychology - Boston University (2008)

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology - Boston University (2013)

• OH License #7277

• Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT #13712), issued by the PSYPACT Commission of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)

• E.Passport Certificate Holder (ASPPB)

• Through PSYPACT, my APIT credential authorizes me to provide telepsychology services to residents of 40+ participating states without holding a separate license in each state.

• Clinical training was acquired through the National Center for PTSD, Boston University’s Psychological Services Center, and the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

• Staff Psychologist at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center’s Trauma Recovery Center from 2013-2020

Where I Work

I see clients two ways:

• In person at my downtown Cincinnati office (currently accepting Ohio-resident therapy clients and Ohio-resident assessment clients).

• Online with adults in 40+ PSYPACT participating states for therapy, ADHD evaluations, autism (ASD) evaluations, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is an agreement among state psychology boards that allows psychologists holding an APIT credential to provide telepsychology services across state lines — letting me see clients in Texas, Florida, California-adjacent western states, the Northeast, and most of the Midwest and South. Learn more about virtual assessments.