About James Fortin
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Couples Therapy
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transition
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Family Issues
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Emotionally Focused
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Family / Marital
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Gottman Method
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know James Fortin
I’m James “Jamie” Fortin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering in-person therapy in Santa Barbara and online therapy throughout California. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, identity, and relationship concerns.
My approach is humanistic and person-centered. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you explore the feelings and patterns that shape your life. Together, we can make room for greater emotional awareness, clearer communication, and changes that feel meaningful to you.
Depending on your needs, our work may include cognitive behavioral tools, attention to the body and nervous system, and exploration of attachment and relationship patterns. With couples, I draw on the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Your pace, choices, and feedback guide the work.
My practice welcomes LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, consensually nonmonogamous relationships, and kink and BDSM communities. I offer a respectful, sex-positive space to discuss identity, intimacy, and ways of relating. For clients who find it helpful, animal-assisted therapy with Sophie can offer another source of grounding and connection.
I hold the AATI — Animal Assisted Therapy Interventionist certification. I hold a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara and also serve as a clinical supervisor. You don’t need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.
What should a new client know about working with you?
You’re welcome to begin with questions, uncertainty, or simply a sense that something needs to change. You don’t need to prepare a complete account of your life or know exactly what to say.
I offer a warm, thoughtful, collaborative space where we can explore what feels difficult and what you hope might be different. I’ll listen carefully and take an active role in helping you notice patterns, understand your feelings, and consider new ways of responding. We’ll respect your pace and talk openly about what feels useful.
Before our first appointment, you’ll receive intake paperwork to complete online. Our first conversations include your concerns, goals, confidentiality, and whether working together feels like a good fit.
My practice is private pay. I can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement; coverage depends on your plan and is not guaranteed.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
We begin by talking about what brings you to therapy, what is working in your life, and what you hope might change. Together, we identify priorities and discuss a pace and session frequency that fit your needs.
Sessions offer room to explore current experiences and the patterns connecting them. We may work with thoughts and behaviors, notice bodily responses, or explore relationships, emotions, and attachment. When useful, we practice tools for grounding, communication, and responding differently to familiar situations.
For couples and families, we make space for each person’s perspective and look at the patterns that develop between you. We can practice expressing needs, listening, and approaching difficult conversations with more care.
As the work continues, we revisit your goals and discuss what feels helpful or needs to change. Progress may include greater self-understanding, clearer boundaries, more connection, or more choice in how you respond. Your questions and feedback are part of the process.
James Fortin, LMFT is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Ongoing session: $300 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
My standard rate is $300 per hour. Most sessions are 60 minutes. I offer an income-dependent sliding scale; please inquire about reduced-fee options.
I am a private-pay provider, and payment is due at the time of service. I provide superbills for clients to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your insurance plan and is not guaranteed.
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Antioch University Santa Barbara, Master's in Clinical Psychology
Professional memberships
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
NPI number
1649704594
How soon can I make an appointment with James Fortin?
Generally, James Fortin has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see James Fortin's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is James Fortin accepting new patients?
James Fortin generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see James Fortin's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does James Fortin accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if James Fortin is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with James Fortin online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with James Fortin using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does James Fortin work with?
James Fortin works with Jamie Fortin, LMFT.
Where is James Fortin's office located?
James Fortin's office is located at 106 W Msn St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
What are common reasons for patients to see James Fortin?
James Fortin frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for James Fortin on their profile.
What languages does James Fortin speak?
James Fortin speaks English.