Dr. Banken is a top notch expert in his field. Not only did he provide truly life changing and meaningful advice, but he did it in a way that felt like he truly cares about my well being. He is very personal, polite, and professional.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Joseph
See what other clients sayAccepted insurance & self-pay
About Joseph
Dr. Joseph Banken is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) with over 30 years of experience in military, academic, and clinical settings. Dr. Banken embodies a compassionate approach to treating men's issues, mood disorders, stress depression, anxiety, and the adjustment challenges of life
Dr. Banken completed his Ph.D. at The University of Southern Mississippi. He completed a clinical psychology residency at Wilford Hall USAF medical school. Dr. Banken is a military veteran and a former medical school professor. He uses evidence-based interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) treatments.
Life sometimes gives us more than we can manage alone. You may not know where to turn, what to do, or who to turn to. Dr. Banken will help you navigate the stormy seas of life. He will listen to you and help you develop life skills and find solutions that are likely deep within yourself. When ready to face life's challenges, schedule your appointment with him.

"As a Clinical Psychologist with 30 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings, I meet each person where they are at and help guide them toward meaningful life changes."
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
I appreciate that I feel safe and unjudged. I can be myself.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Joseph
I appreciate the fact that I can talk about what I'm dealing with and not feel judged.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Joseph
Dr. Banken is one of the best therapists I've had the pleasure of working with. He's incredibly supportive, wonderfully insightful, and extremely accommodating. He always has great....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Joseph
I like my therapist there's a connection I've been looking for for many years.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Joseph
Get to know Joseph
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
From early in my life I have been interested in how the mind works. Why people do what they do and how they do it has always been fascinating to me. I have always wanted to develop a better understanding of the complexities of human behavior.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I have a particular interest in helping adults define personal challenges and try new solutions, and then learn to assess their own effectiveness in working through challenges related to depression, anxieties, medical conditions, and the ongoing adjustment to life changes. Although I am flexible in meeting the needs of my clients, I work best with clients who are interested in making and applying thinking and behavior changes to everyday life.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with clients who are motivated for change and yet ambivalent about how to best move forward. It is rewarding to work with clients who are willing to take small calculated risks in life.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish all clients knew the true resilience of each person and how each of us have tremendous value and capacity for positive change. Our hardships can make us stronger, somewhat like metals that become strengthened through repeated trials of heating and cooling . In human terms, I firmly believe that most everyone has the intrinsic capacity to become stronger with experiences in which they were once feeling, overwhelmed, weak, and broken.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks impresses me as an exciting, innovative company. From my first interaction with personnel at Thriveworks, I felt a positive work culture. The level of professionalism and a focus on quality client care attracted me to the company. I also appreciate how the company models innovative ways to meet the needs of clients through values of integrity, honesty, and seeking to do good.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty of nature, sacred art from times past, and classical music, particularly Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony. New experiences and the almost limitless strength of the human spirit inspire me.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In the first session the client will get to know me and my style of working with them. Also, I will learn much about the client's values and goals for counseling. The client can expect feeling valued as a person, understood, and that I am meeting where they are at the time of coming into therapy. Clients can expect to quickly feel a sense of partnership.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I want to get to know and understand the client and help the client come to understand me as a person and therapist. I want to understand what is most important to the client and for the client to feel a sense of trust in the evolving therapy relationship. I also would like to plan tentative goals on which to focus when the client comes back.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
Clients will know that working with me from the beginning will help them feel a sense of purpose and optimism about addressing life's challenges. I want the client to understand that the real answers are likely within themselves, but may not ideally manifest until skills in thinking and behaving are first accomplished.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I enjoy traveling and watching vintage movies. I also like to dream of buying a new Corvette.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I love dogs and enjoy learning about dog behavior. I have strong family interests. I enjoy cycling around rural areas of Edmond Oklahoma, wind permitting, acknowledging this is somewhat of a risky hobby.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 30 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Graduating degree
- Ph.D.
