Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Fairfax, VA covered by Cigna

As a licensed therapist with over three decades of experience, I am dedicated to making a difference in the well being of my clients' lives. Over the years my clients have included individuals, couples, and Family from diverse backgrounds, spanning various ages, and life stages. My areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, life and work stress, parenting issues, conflict management, and issues relating to family life. I approach therapy from a humanistic and interpersonal perspective, as well as use strategies from cognitive behavioral theory. I am compassionate, strive to be a supportive person in my clients' lives. I approach every client feeling eager to get to know them so we can address what they need from their therapy experience .

When navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, it is easy to assume that something is fundamentally wrong with you. If you are struggling with low self-concept, anger, or substance usage, you might view these obstacles as personal failures. My goal is to completely shift that narrative. Together, we will look at what is going on with you, rather than what is wrong with you.

Since 1993, I have spent over 30 years helping individuals recognize their innate strengths and leverage them to overcome life’s hardest hurdles. Throughout my career, I have developed deep clinical expertise, obtaining specific, formal certifications across multiple states to ensure you receive highly credentialed and adaptive care.

Taking that first step to reach out for support can feel intimidating. Because of this, our introductory session is designed to be a safe, collaborative space. We will explore what is currently going well, examine the challenges you are experiencing, and align on your expectations for therapy. My primary objective is to establish an empowering professional relationship built entirely on your strengths.

Now accepting new clients. I am a transgender man and queer identified. Before becoming a therapist, I had previous work experience and years of study as a creative professional and educator. I value authenticity, a willingness and openness to learn, grow, heal, and live an empowered and sustainable life. I enjoy working with people from all stages of life from adolescents to older adults. I have in person availability on Mondays and Tuesdays to work with clients in person in Charlottesville. I offer virtual sessions via telehealth for clients throughout the State of Virginia and California.

I have a range of experience working within higher levels of care and Asian mental health community settings with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders, identity-based challenges, academic and career-based stressors, and overall challenges around life transitions.

I believe therapy should be a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being honest about what you are experiencing, while also feeling supported and challenged to grow. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, emotional regulation difficulties, stress, and other challenges. I take a strengths-based approach and believe that you already possess many of the tools needed for change sometimes we just have to uncover them, strengthen them, and learn how to use them differently. I strive to make therapy relatable, meaningful, and practical so that what we discuss in session can make a difference in your everyday life.

I am Dr. Darlene Anderson, A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, a Nationally Recognized Board Certified Counselor (NCC), and an approved Supervisor for Virginia Board of Counselor residents. I have worked with clients through various issues and concerns, which includes depression, anxiety, substance issues, low self esteem, relationship issues, family conflict, codependency issues, trauma, stress, grief and loss, and life transitions.

I have 30 years of experience working with young adults, individuals, couples, and families in various settings such as community mental health facilities, home, schools, hospitals, detention centers, and private practice. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, my masters degree in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC, and my doctorate degree in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.