Meet Our Team
Ben Mushlin, LCSW, DBT-LBC, CTT2, CARC
Founder & CEO
Ben’s path to becoming a psychotherapist began with his own journey of healing from years of substance use, personal turmoil, and struggles with trauma. He was fortunate to receive selfless support from others along the way, which guided him toward hope, happiness, and a sense of freedom. Inspired by the transformative impact of those who helped him, Ben dedicated his life to offering the same guidance and compassion to others.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, Ben worked extensively in the field of substance use recovery across New York City, beginning in sober living residences and progressing to roles as a Recovery Coach and Case Manager. His passion for helping others deepened as he led a New York City Department of Health opioid overdose response team. Ben went on to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. After completing his social work training, he practiced as a psychotherapist in an outpatient substance use treatment program and later became the director of a transitional living program for adults with co-occurring disorders. Before founding Searchlight Therapy, he served as Clinical Director at a premier outpatient treatment program in New York City, specializing in the treatment of adolescents, young adults, and their families.
Ben’s approach is relational, compassionate, and deeply collaborative. He integrates evidence-based modalities—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and family systems frameworks—with an emphasis on communication, resilience, and personal agency. His work centers on helping young people and their families move from crisis to connection, building sustainable tools for growth and recovery.
Ben founded Searchlight Therapy to have a space for adolescents, young adults, and their families to receive high quality, compassionate, and customizable substance use and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment. Drawing on years of experience in both clinical treatment and family systems work, Ben has built Searchlight Therapy around a central philosophy: healing happens when the whole family is engaged, supported, and illuminated by understanding.
Media and Publications
Rachel Clark, LMSW, CASAC-T, CARC, CRPA
Chief Marketing Officer & Lead Therapist
Rachel’s journey to becoming a psychotherapist is deeply rooted in her own personal path of recovery. Having navigated her way through substance use and maladaptive coping strategies, Rachel found healing through the support of compassionate, dedicated professionals. Inspired by the care and guidance she received, Rachel felt called to give back and support others facing their own challenges.
Before becoming a licensed therapist, Rachel worked on the front lines of recovery as a Peer Specialist in NYC hospitals. She also served as a Recovery Coach and Case Manager in various substance use treatment centers, gaining firsthand experience in supporting individuals through some of their most vulnerable moments.Motivated to deepen her impact, Rachel went on to earn her Master of Social Work (LMSW) from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Since then, she has brought her clinical skills to a wide range of treatment settings throughout New York City, facilitating individual therapy, family sessions, intensive outpatient (IOP) groups, and providing clinical supervision. Her work has spanned across age groups and clinical needs, always with a focus on meeting people where they are.
Rachel’s therapeutic approach is strengths-based, holistic, and rooted in the belief that trust and connection are the foundation of meaningful healing. She draws from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to tailor treatment to each individual. Whether someone is navigating recovery, trauma, anxiety, or life transitions, Rachel provides a compassionate and grounded space for clients to explore, grow, and thrive on their wellness journey.
Media and Publications
Wendy Caplan, LMSW
Senior Clinical Advisor
With over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience, Wendy Caplan brings deep expertise in addiction treatment, trauma recovery, and family work. During her tenure as Program Director at Caron Treatment Centers, Wendy worked extensively with individuals and families navigating the complex intersections of substance use, trauma, and co-occurring emotional challenges. Her work was grounded in an integrative, relational approach that emphasizes both stabilization and long-term healing.
Trained as an experiential therapist, Wendy incorporates somatic awareness, psychodynamic principles, and attachment-based interventions to help clients access and process emotions that are often beyond words. She has specialized training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a blend of experiential, cognitive, and mindfulness-based modalities to promote resilience and self-regulation. Wendy’s clinical style is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and a strong belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship to foster change.
Wendy’s approach is rooted in the understanding that nurturance, mindfulness, and resilience are essential foundations for recovery. She supports individuals and families in developing greater self-compassion, emotional flexibility, and connection — the cornerstones of sustainable healing. In her advisory role at Searchlight Therapy, Wendy provides clinical consultation, program development guidance, and mentorship to the team, while also maintaining a limited caseload of clients