Daryl Austin, LMFT

Daryl Austin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with a long history in the mental health field. He brings over 40 years of varied mental health experience, including roles that began as a mental health worker and later included case management in a county outpatient clinic. Earlier in his career he also worked four years in an acute in-patient setting, and he spent a decade practicing as a therapist prior to transitioning into his current work.

He returned to school in his 50s to earn a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from National University in Fresno, California, after completing undergraduate studies in Recreation Administration at Fresno State University. That mix of academic training and practical, on-the-ground experience informs an eclectic, client-centered approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. He has particular experience helping people who have histories of trauma and abuse and has served as the primary facilitator for short-term Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups for several years within the county system.

After retiring from the county mental health system in June 2022, his current goal is to offer therapy that can integrate Christian faith for those who want it while remaining respectful of different beliefs. He is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental space where thoughts, feelings, and matters of faith can be discussed openly. He works collaboratively with people taking their first steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the individual’s perspective and strengths, creating a supportive environment where the therapist listens, reflects, and helps the person explore their own goals and values. This approach is helpful for people seeking a collaborative relationship and support in navigating life changes or emotional struggles.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and goal-oriented, often used for anxiety, low mood, and managing stressful patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships - approaches that can be useful for intense emotions and trauma-related difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Daryl works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around work and family life, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of support even when in-person meetings are not possible. Licensed professionals can adapt evidence-based techniques to remote formats, helping clients access consistent care in ways that fit their routines.