Fairfax is a small town in Marin County, California with a population of about 7600 and is named after Lord Charles Snowden Fairfax. It is the only town in America that has a Green Party majority in their town councils, which promotes green politics. The community believes in gender equality, LGBT rights, anti-war, anti-racism, social justice, environmentalism, and nonviolence.

Fairfax is also known for its cutting-edge technology and health care, including mental health care at its finest. Therefore, if you or someone you love is having any kind of concerns about mental or emotional issues, there are many counselors in and around the Fairfax area who can help.

This is Courtney Comstock's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Comstock

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 8 years of experience. I have met with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger, behavioral issues and ADHD. I have worked with clients who have experienced emotional and/or physical abuse. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families with various backgrounds and beliefs, as well. My counseling style is gentle, integrative, and collaborative. I believe in treating every client with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I strive to create a warm, safe, trusting and positive therapeutic relationship and environment free from judgment. My approach combines client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, family, and solution focused therapeutic approaches. I strive to tailor therapy to fit each individual according to their unique situation and goals. If you’re feeling stuck or stressed out, looking to make changes in your life, or need to unload pain in a safe place, talking with a therapist might help. Feel free to contact me, if you’d like to give it a try. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

This is Bethany Minick's avatar and link to their profile

Bethany Minick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

Please read before reading below: Please message me first before booking a time slot so that you and I can determine the next best step. Thanks! Hi, and thanks for visiting! My name is Bethany and I am glad to meet you! I was raised in a very eclectic city, thus I have an appreciation for culture, arts, music and outdoor activities! Did I mention I really love food and cooking? I do! I can be described as easy-going, understanding, down to earth and goal-oriented. I find myself constantly thinking about current goals, new goals and old goals. Don’t worry-I also know what it’s like to be kind to yourself when energy isn’t exactly matching goals. We all need a break sometimes! Sometimes we need a break from work, others or even ourselves. My goal is to help you find your path on your journey and help find what uniquely works for you! I have experience working with disadvantaged youth, couples, families, individuals with disabilities, support systems, advocacy, group homes and day programs and helping individuals manage psychiatric symptoms through collaborative efforts. I am able to work with: Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Feelings of loneliness Grief Trauma Personal processing Interpersonal processing Individuals in caregiving positions Couples and Families My approach to therapy is Person-Centered. I practice Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals. I follow Emotion-Focused Therapy and Gottman Theory for couples. I also have a niche for helping find alternative life strategies and helping to structure healthy routines. I am ready to hear your story and join with you on your personal process! *Note: Option for messaging only: If you are interested in having “live messaging only” therapy as an option, I am open to that and we can discuss what that would look like. *Note: You may send messages in between sessions. I check my mail 1-2 times daily and will respond to your message by 6 PM Monday-Friday. *Note: When it is time to schedule and depending on what time you select, I may also ask you to readjust that time up to 15 minutes if I have a client before or after you. This may be done to ensure that you get the proper time that you deserve. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. Information shared with my counselor is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information.

This is Dr. Paul Fisher's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Paul Fisher

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, teen issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you're the expert of your story and that you have strengths that will assist you in working through your current issues. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is a sign you desire to improve your life and relationships.

This is Marissa Cota's avatar and link to their profile

Marissa Cota

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Krista Edwards's avatar and link to their profile

Krista Edwards

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I've been licensed in the state of California for 6 years. With 20 plus years in helping clients with trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. I have worked with individuals with child abuse and neglect cases. I also have experience working with mental health issues. I have been working with children and families for about 20 + years. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Jessica Sin's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Sin

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
7 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, with 7 years of clinical work experience. I started my career as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, working in both abstinent based and harm reduction settings. I employ a humanistic, strength-based approach to treatment, while incorporating other useful modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I believe the foundational principles of acceptance and surrender are essential to finding peace and serenity within oneself. My approach to therapy represents a blending of traditional recovery wisdom and modern holistic practices. I have an inquisitive spirit and welcomes the unique challenges that each person brings. I enjoy watching the therapeutic alliance evolve as people discover their strengths, gain self-efficacy, and move towards the ultimate destination of inner peace. My ultimate goal continues to be providing safe and compassionate care to people by meeting them where they are at and helping them achieve meaningful change. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I am only here as a map, providing with you information and guidance; ultimately, you are Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Dorina Stern's avatar and link to their profile

Dorina Stern

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that knowing yourself is most important factor in healing and in helping you create the life that you want. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a risk worth taking to make the changes for a better life. I am here to support you in that process and make sure that you have a safe and positive healing experience.

This is Tracy Flug's avatar and link to their profile

Tracy Flug

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

Self care is important and it is time to put YOU first! Working as a team we will address the challenges that you currently face. Just by looking for a new therapist, you have already proven that you have the motivation to change and improve your life. It's time to be seen and heard. You matter! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 23 years of experience specializing in the the field of health. I mainly work with adults and seniors. I specialize in treating loss, grief, end-of-life issues, those with traumatic hospitalizations, chronic illnesses, emotional/physical/sexual trauma, and PTSD. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Grief Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I believe in taking a strengths-based, client centered approach to therapy. My style is to provide a judgment-free space for you with complete honesty, integrity, and transparency on my part. Please feel free reach out to me if it seems like we would be a good fit.

This is Bryan Busse's avatar and link to their profile

Bryan Busse

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
28 years of experience

Hi. My name is Bryan Busse and thank you for considering me for your counselor. People look to BetterHelp for many reasons and desire many different outcomes but one of the most important factors in successful counseling is establishing rapport and trust. It is with that in mind I share the following. I diligently work to build and maintain the kind of empathic relationship where you explore, work through, and resolve the issues that are important to you. As everyone is unique, I take an eclectic approach to counseling, using skills acquired from 28 years of licensure and a lifetime of personal experiences. If you’d like more specifics, continue reading, if not you can skip to the next to the last paragraph for important "housekeeping" information. I hold a Master’s degree with honors from my graduate Counseling Psychology program. Interning exposed me to substance abuse and addiction therapy working in a methodone treatment center for opiate users and in a high school setting for adolescents who were experimenting. Those two programs led to interning at a county school for emotionally disturbed, at-risk youth and later practice with the same population for a county-mandated residential care program. Afterward, a professor contacted me to work with him in a neuropsychology practice treating traumatic brain injuries, brain disorders, dementia, and pain management. It was there I trained in neurofeedback and biofeedback which exposed and trained me in a more medical model of counseling in addition to utilizing psychology. Shortly thereafter I sat for the California State Board Exams and was fully licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in 2004. I have worked in private practice and clinical settings but it was as a caregiver for, and survivor of, a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease dementia that inspired me to specialize in geriatric care. I have worked with hospice care, home health, personal assistant services, independent and assisted living communities, and memory care. Personally, I am a father of one and stepfather to another, both adults now. I have been married and divorced as well as coming from a divorced family of origin. I am a survivor of a parent with life-limiting dementia and cancer as well as another with alcoholism, emphysema, and early childhood trauma. I have lived well and had to pick myself up from the floor and move forward at times. I’ve traveled the world, mostly to developing countries, and gained the insight, perspective, and respect that international travel affords. Lastly, I had a previous career in business and finance which grounds me in reality and solutions. As I am new to the BetterHelp platform, I have purposely limited my availability to M - F in 45-minute time blocks during specific hours. Should you want to schedule other times or decrease your sessions to 30 minutes, please discuss that with me. I suggest a minimum of 1 scheduled video session per week but have found it more productive to schedule 2, especially as our relationship begins. Of course, our session frequency and duration will always be open to adjustments as needed. Feel free to reach out to me on the BetterHelp platform when issues arise that you think have some urgency. I do shelter time for my family and friends but will try to answer any communication within 12 to 24 hours unless I am away from internet connectivity. At those rare times, I ask for your patience and understanding. I will respond as soon as I am able. If an emergency arises, please call 988 or 911 for immediate help, and if possible, leave a message for me here on the BetterHelp platform as soon as you are able. From these lenses, experiences, perspectives, and practicalities I can offer assistance. It is said, “The first step in problem resolution is recognition”. The second is reaching for help. You are already on your way. I look forward to our first session and those that follow. Warm Professional Regards, Bryan Busse, LMFT

This is Sheba Shiver's avatar and link to their profile

Sheba Shiver

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
15 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. What I enjoy most about providing mental health services is assisting people with finding their voices. That usually happens with establishing and communicating clear, healthy boundaries in relationships. I start that process with how you might relate to me--working to develop a therapeutic alliance, building trust, and working collaboratively. I learn as much from you as I might be able to teach you. I don't profess to be an expert on your life because it is your experience. I am privileged to be on your journey to wellness. No matter what may be causing disruption in your life--anxiety, depression, trauma, or the like, I will meet you where you are in your process.

How to find counseling in Fairfax

Finding the best therapist close by in Fairfax can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Fairfax. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Fairfax, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Fairfax or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Fairfax area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Fairfax, elsewhere in Marin, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Fairfax area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fairfax therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Fairfax due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Fairfax may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Fairfax, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Fairfax above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Fairfax helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Fairfax therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Fairfax therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Fairfax therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 94978 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Fairfax counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Fairfax licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Fairfax, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Fairfax has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Fairfax.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Fairfax:

94930, 94978

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist