Dr. Ben Tabak
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Depression
Everyday and relationship stress
Fatherhood stress and adjustment
Sleep
My Role as your Psychologist
I work with clients using research-backed psychological methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and focus on real-world strategies that can help you achieve meaningful change. People I work with value honesty, structure, and strategies they can use. In therapy, I take a down-to-earth, client-centered approach and emphasize collaboration to ensure that the support you receive is both effective and tailored to your needs. I draw on proven techniques to help you reach your emotional and mental health goals. I recognize the significant step it takes to begin this process and would be honored to provide the guidance and tools necessary for you to work toward your personal goals.
A Little About Me
I grew up in Upstate New York—closer to Toronto than Manhattan—where my childhood revolved around sports, music, and finding humor in long, gray winters. From an early age, I was deeply curious about how people understand one another and how much our relationships shape our well-being. When I discovered psychology, it felt like a natural fit: a way to explore those questions more deeply while helping others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Education and Training that Informs my Practice
I earned my BA in Psychology from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and went on to complete my MS and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. As part of my doctoral training, I completed an APA-accredited clinical internship in the Psychiatry Department at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Following graduate school, I completed a five-year postdoctoral fellowship in the UCLA Department of Psychology, where I received advanced training in evidence-based psychotherapy and neuroscience-informed psychological treatment.
Before moving to Orange County, I was an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of the Social & Clinical Neuroscience Research Lab at SMU in Dallas, TX. Throughout my academic career, my work focused on understanding interpersonal stress, conflict resolution, and the social and biological factors that contribute to anxiety and depression—issues that show up every day in people’s lives and relationships. My research has been cited more than 3,000 times. I’ve also served as a consulting editor for leading psychology journals and received a teaching award. Alongside my private practice, I also serve as a Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Sciences at UC Irvine.
Education
PhD Clinical Psychology, University of Miami
MS Clinical Psychology, University of Miami
BA Psychology, Skidmore College
Training
Postdoctoral Fellowship, UCLA Psychology Department
APA-accredited Pre-doctoral Clinical Internship, Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center
Faculty Appointments
Associate Professor of Psychology with Tenure, SMU
Assistant Professor of Psychology, SMU
License information
License Number PSY35798
NPI #1265224158
FAQs
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Dr. Ben Tabak charges $300 for a 50 minute therapy session.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will cost.
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We accept credit cards, debit cards, and direct ACH bank transfers.
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As Out-Of-Network Providers, we do not accept insurance. However, we are happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance if you receive any benefits from Out-Of-Network providers.
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We require 24 hours notice for cancellations to avoid being charged.
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We do not prescribe medication, but can provide you with referrals to exemplary local psychiatrists.