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Shani Ben-Dov, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Shani is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
Great news, Shani is accepting new clients!
She is normally fully-booked.
Speaks English and Hebrew
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Connecticut

More about Shani

  • 3 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

You may be someone who looks like you have it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or exhausted underneath. Maybe your mind doesn't shut off. You replay conversations, question yourself, anticipate what could go wrong, or find yourself repeating patterns you understand intellectually but still can't seem to change. Therapy can be a place to slow those patterns down, understand what's underneath them, and begin responding differently.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, major life transitions, and the effects of chronic or high-stress environments. My clinical background includes crisis response, behavioral health, substance use and co-occurring disorders, and work alongside first responders. I also work with individuals experiencing compassion fatigue, burnout, and the emotional weight that can come from caring for others while struggling to make room for themselves.

My style is warm, collaborative, direct, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches, but I don't believe therapy should feel like something being done to you. We'll work together to understand the thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns affecting your life while building practical skills that make sense for who you are and what you actually need.

I believe meaningful change often begins with understanding rather than judgment. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy, and you don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to change. Sometimes recognizing that something isn't working anymore is enough of a place to begin.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Depression Compassion fatigue Abandonment Attachment issues Caregiver issues and stress Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic violence Family of origin issues Family problems First responder issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Veteran and Armed Forces Issues Mood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stress Self-harm Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Insurance Accepted

  • Cigna
  • GEHA
  • Optum
  • UMR
  • UnitedHealthcare

Licenses

Shani Ben-Dov's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1629929328.

  • LCSW · Connecticut · 16868 · Renews November 2026

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Shani Ben-Dov offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Shani Ben-Dov works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Shani Ben-Dov speak?

Shani Ben-Dov speaks English and Hebrew.

How many years of experience does Shani Ben-Dov have?

Shani Ben-Dov has 3 years of experience.

Where is Shani Ben-Dov licensed to practice?

Shani Ben-Dov is licensed to practice in Connecticut.

Does Shani Ben-Dov accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Shani Ben-Dov accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Shani Ben-Dov accept insurance?

Yes, Shani Ben-Dov accepts Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does Shani Ben-Dov accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Shani Ben-Dov does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

How can I communicate with Shani Ben-Dov?

Shani Ben-Dov can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Shani Ben-Dov?

Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible