What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Dr. Dave was truly a great listener and offered advice in a way that was encouraging verses accusatory. He was relatable and realistic. I felt comfortable to share my story/ testimony without discouragement. Being able to understand areas in my life that sometimes cause stress due to unfulfillment and/or lack of patience, I am able to take the necessary steps to work through these challenges with his help. He is truly a blessing! ?”
Donovan T. S.March 17, 2026Video visit
“David is honestly the best therapist I’ve had, and not to self disclose too much, been in and out of therapy for years! Thank you for your insight! He’s a VET in a VET it’s a plus! ”
RRLess than 6 months ago
About David Bess
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Compassion Focused
EMDR
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know David Bess
David Bess is a social work practitioner, educator, activist, and advocate grounded in the core values of service orientation, social justice, dignity and worth of every person. He is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, who obtained undergraduate education in psychology and social work from Rutgers University, graduate clinical social work studies at New York University, and extensive postgraduate certifications, licensure, and trainings in clinical techniques, community organizing, management, and leadership. David’s 25+year history has allowed him to work across the macro, mezzo, and micro systems delivering his service mission ‘to assist individuals and groups to obtain their human rights, increase social justice, and to make healthier decisions’.
Having a social work career as a military firefighter, public social worker, corporate human resource executive, life/executive coach, and university professor, David has traveled, taught, and practiced in many global locations and this diverse experience influenced his philosophy and practice of social work greatly.
What should a new client know about working with you?
David’s specialization areas of practice, research, and teaching are in social justice, human rights, trauma, recovery and spirituality. His belief and approach are founded in the belief that providing healing, raising critical consciousness, and self-awareness in these areas will have a positive ripple effect in establishing and sustaining an inclusive, just, and oppression free society.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The first session with David is about you, the client. While David is getting to know about you and your needs, David is more interested in you getting to know David. To build a working relationship, both need to work on elements of a solid relational foundation, such as, communication, respect, honesty, and trust, David believes this first meeting is essential for the client to be able to gauge aspects of these, and other, relational elements.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $125 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $125 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Currently accepting:
Cigna
Horizon BC/BS of NJ
Carelon Behavioral Health
Aetna
AmeriHealth
Quest Behavioral Health
Independence Blue Cross of Pennsylvania
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- New York University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
Awards and publications
- Handbook of Social Work Research Methods
NPI number
1336789288
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
12 reviews
Most relevant
David is compassionate and kind. His knowledge in regards to spirituality as really helped me in my journey!
Less than 6 months agoJJ
So easy to talk to. Therapy was intimidating for me but David assured me I’m safe and in the right place!
Less than 6 months agoJG
Highly respectable, highly knowledgeable. Provided me with such relief during my times of need!
Less than 6 months agoFJ
Dr. Dave was truly a great listener and offered advice in a way that was encouraging verses accusatory. He was relatable and realistic. I felt comfortable to share my story/ testimony without discouragement. Being able to understand areas in my life that sometimes cause stress due to unfulfillment and/or lack of patience, I am able to take the necessary steps to work through these challenges with his help. He is truly a blessing! ?
March 17, 2026Donovan T. S.Verified patientVideo visit
David is honestly the best therapist I’ve had, and not to self disclose too much, been in and out of therapy for years! Thank you for your insight! He’s a VET in a VET it’s a plus!
Less than 6 months agoRR
I enjoyed speaking with a Vet who understands my journey and what I’ve been through. He listens attentively and provides wonderful feedback and guidance.
Less than 6 months agoAA
What a great counselor!!
Less than 6 months agoCM
David was understanding and took the time to get to know me and my struggles with addiction. And an A plus since he’s a vet! He gets it!
Less than 6 months agoJG
David is one of the best therapists I’ve had. His knowledge, bed side manner and ability to understand what I’m going through is hands down, comforting! I’m so glad he’s my therapist!!
Less than 6 months agoDJ
January 11, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoJJ
Less than 6 months agoLJ
How soon can I make an appointment with David Bess?
Generally, David Bess has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see David Bess's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is David Bess accepting new patients?
David Bess generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see David Bess's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does David Bess accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if David Bess is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with David Bess online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with David Bess using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does David Bess work with?
David Bess works with Phoenix Rising.
What are common reasons for patients to see David Bess?
David Bess frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for David Bess on their profile.
What languages does David Bess speak?
David Bess speaks English.
How do patients rate David Bess in reviews?
12 patients have reviewed David Bess. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.