Testimonial Reviews

When you become a patient of Dr. Benson’s you don’t just get a place in her schedule, you get a place in her consciousness. She thinks of her patients between each session. Constantly considering the difficulties they are facing in their lives. She checks in with me often and encourages me to reach out to her. She is willing to put forth as much time and energy as need be. All she asks form her patients in return is the same level of commitment.  

Before meeting Dr. Benson I was tackling life alone. My parents and friends could not understand “what was going on with me” well enough to support me. Dr. Benson’s expertise made me feel like someone finally understood what I was going through. For the first time, I found someone who had the knowledge and patience to help me. She is quick to remind me that we are a team, and while I am the one who is experiencing my life, she is there to help me process it. Shortly into my treatment, I started to see my true potential and began developing the confidence to harness it. I was able to leave a career that I had felt trapped in for fifteen years. Working with Dr. Benson is the best thing I do for myself. She has changed my life for the better and I am deeply grateful to be a patient of hers.

A.F

I came to Dr. Benson as a professional Athlete that was struggling with an eating disorder and severe depression.  I have been in treatment with Dr. Benson for over a year now and my life has radically improved as a result of my treatment with her.  Dr. Benson's approach forces you to look within and understand long standing psychodynamics that were built in at a young age that are currently causing problems in your daily life.  I was at the brink of death when I met her and today, I am happy to say, my life force has kicked in and I am embracing life like I never imagined I could.

Christina H.

I have been through several therapists in the past two decades. Give or take. I started seeing Dr. Benson a little over a yr. ago. I never thought that t would find someone that understood me, my struggles and my dual diagnosis.

Dr. Benson has walked me through many ups and downs in the past yr. Looking back, I don't know how I did this thing called life before coming to her. Dr. Benson listens without judgement, has understanding and empathy, all while giving me refreshing perspectives and pushes me to be better than I was yesterday. I've had the pleasure of not only working with Dr. Benson but her incredible team as well.

I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity to be under the care of Dr. Benson who continues to give me valuable insight about myself and manages to give me tools to help me shine through any storm that comes my way. For that, I am forever grateful.

Melissa F.

Dr. Kim Benson has been the most influential "teacher of life" I have ever had.  Not possible to put into the framework of words all that she has done to guide me.  Dr. Kim has been my therapist for nearly 10 years.  She has helped me get through some of the biggest life storms, jump over life's greatest hurdles and has helped me celebrate and honor some of my milestone accomplishments. I know that much of who I am today and who I aspire to become was done and will be done with Kim by my side.  I am grateful for God opening up my mind to seek "Life" help and grateful for the willingness to continue to do so. 
Thank you Kim.  
C.E.B.

This is, hands down, the best addiction treatment center in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area.  Cole, Dave, and Dr. Benson comprise the most knowledgeable and committed treatment team that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Their attention to and care for their clients is evident every step of the way.  Their passion for recovery is unmatched.  They truly go above and beyond the call of duty for all those seeking recovery.  Absolutely top notch; I cannot overstate my appreciation and gratitude for the level of care that I've received from SAS.

Joshua I.

I first met Dr. Benson over 15 years ago when she was a graduate student at Argosy University, and I was on the faculty in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Benson received her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling, and her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. I also was Chair of her doctoral dissertation.

Dr, Benson was a talented student, and it was a real pleasure to be part of her growth and development. She came to the university with a strong background in art. She graduated from the Ringling School of Art and was an adjunct professor at this renown school of art for over a decade.  She is a talented and creative artist, as well as an excellent therapist. She has combined her talents and provides her clients with a remarkable approach to therapy which utilizes expressive arts therapy if appropriate. She has demonstrated that she is not only a very talented and creative artist, but also that she brings this creativity into her therapeutic work with clients.

Regarding Dr. Benson’s dissertation research, I had the honor and privilege of working with her on an amazing project. Her dissertation research involved working with a group of adolescent females in a remote African village. She traveled to Africa and spent several weeks involved in a hands-on research study that she designed and carried out. She utilized a qualitative research design, and expressive arts interventions, to explore personal psychological factors of a small group of adolescent females who lived in a remote rural village in Africa. She also engaged some of the parents of these adolescent females in her research. Her study remains one of the most intriguing and memorable dissertations that I have had the pleasure to be involved with. As long as I have known her, Dr. Benson has always been on a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery. Her pursuit of self-awareness and self-understanding is always an important aspect of her life.

DR. J. Reynolds

Never have I seen the dedication and commitment as well as the professionalism and knowledge that Dr. Benson exemplifies. She has been the lead therapist in a team of professionals working to assist my son. I have the utmost respect as well as admiration for her. I would not hesitate to recommend her.

Mimi C.

The Sarasota Addiction specialists team is an amazing group of genuine, understanding, compassionate and most importantly, realistic specialists in addiction. They have turned their hardships into a gift in which they use to help others. I felt loved and supported not only during my 10 weeks in this program but ever since graduating the program. These people are people that you will never want to leave. I, as an addict highly recommend this program for anyone who is struggling with addiction. I rediscovered myself as well as the root of my issues well surrounded with beautiful souls. Thanks to this program I am continuously growing and blooming into the best individual I can be. Much love always for this team.

Megan L