Timothy Gerard Benson, MD is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with a passion for using strength-based approaches to support and empower individuals in high stress conditions, especially those undergoing difficult transitions.  As a result of his years of experience working with elite athletes and entertainers, Dr. Benson founded InnerGame Inc., an executive coaching firm that supports professionals as they strive towards achieving their next desired level of success.

Dr. Benson received his undergraduate education from Hampton University. Awarded a 4-year full football scholarship, he was a 3-time NCAA Football Academic All-American and in 1992 was named National Leader of the Year by Toyota and Black Entertainment Television (BET).   In 1993 he was one of 12 athletes in the nation inducted into the College Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation as a scholar athlete.  Upon graduation, he was awarded Hampton University’s highest honor, The President’s Cup.

After college, Dr. Benson pursued his dream of becoming a doctor by accepting a Dean’s Scholarship at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.  In 2000, he entered Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital adult psychiatry residency program where he served as the chief resident of addictions in his final year.

As one of the 2% of African American psychiatrists in this country, Dr. Benson prefers preventative and strength-based approaches to mental health and psychological wellbeing.  He speaks nationally on topics of resilience and mental health disparities.  Dr. Benson has also served as a keynote discussant at both Harvard Business School and Wharton School of Business on the pressures of being the “First in the Family” to break through certain academic, social and economic barriers.  

As a clinician, speaker and resilience coach, Dr. Benson strives to both empower individuals and create growth communities that will transform the world.