Beth Epstein

Dr. Beth Epstein received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut and is a licensed psychologist in Connecticut, New York,  and New Jersey.  She is an expert in the use of CBT and other evidence-based strategies in psychotherapy.  In addition to years of experience treating a range of disorders, Dr. Epstein has a strong specialty in assessment and treatment of Addiction. She is also a nationally recognized National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant-funded psychotherapy researcher developing CBT treatments for addiction and related problems (depression, anxiety, family distress). She and her colleagues  have developed and tested a Motivational Enhancement/CBT couple/family therapy model for addiction, and a gender-neutral as well as a female-specific CBT group and individual protocol for alcohol and drug use.  These have been published in the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work series.  

Dr. Epstein has worked with patients struggling with depression, sadness, anxiety, stress, alcohol or drugs, gambling, bipolar disorders, marital problems, unsatisfying relationship patterns, emotion regulation, challenges related to life-transitions (divorce, separation, illness, grief, relocation), low self-esteem, perfectionism, illness or substance use of a loved one, and adult ADHD.  She works with each patient as a team to understand and resolve symptoms, unwanted habits, and unhealthy patterns as well as to identify strengths and resources so that patients can identify and attain their life goals.  She is experienced in Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Schema Therapy, and elements of mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies (ACT and DBT).  She provides individual, couple, family, and group therapies. Dr. Epstein is a compassionate and careful listener who makes patients feel safe and comfortable during treatment.

Dr. Epstein has trained and supervised over 100 clinical psychology graduate students and has taught graduate level courses on Adult Psychopathology; Lifespan Development; Cognitive Behavioral Assessment and Treatment; Assessment and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders. Professional association memberships include the American Psychological Association, the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, and the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Clinical Practice

2019 to Present:          CBT of Fairfield County, New Canaan, Connecticut

2015-2019:                  CBT Westport, Westport, Connecticut

1999-2015:                  Freehold Psychology Group, Freehold, New Jersey

2007-2011:                  Director, Program for Addictions Consultation and                  Treatment, Rutgers University

1994-1999:                  Faculty Practice, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University

1989-present:              Principle Investigator or co-Investigator on 8 National Institutes of Health clinical trials developing CBT psychotherapies

Academic Work

*University of Massachusetts Medical School
        2015-present:      Professor, Department of Psychiatry (Division of Addiction Psychiatry)
* Rutgers University
        2015-present:      Professor Emerita, Center of Alcohol Studies
        1989-2015:          Research Professor/Director of Clinical Division, Center of Alcohol Studies
        2007-2014:          Affiliated Faculty, Graduate School, Department of Psychology

        1990-2014:          Affiliated Faculty, Graduate School for Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP)