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Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

703-324-5730
TTY 711

DFSinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035

Toni Zollicoffer,
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Counseling Services

Counseling Services

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers counseling services.

If you or a family member have experienced domestic or sexual violence, stalking, teen dating violence, or human trafficking, one of our trained counselors can offer you short-term services at no charge. We offer individual, family, and group counseling.

Counseling is also available for people who are secondary survivors – parents, siblings, friends, or other loved ones who have been impacted by violence. 

Counseling can help you feel safe, cope, grow, find support, and talk through your experiences.

Call us at 703-324-5730 and choose the option for Counseling Services. 

Note: During COVID-19, counseling is available by video and the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.

Teletherapy for Individual and Family Counseling

Free, short-term individual and family counseling services are now available via teletherapy.

What is Teletherapy?

  • Teletherapy is face-to-face counseling over video call.
  • Teletherapy sessions are scheduled in advance and happen in real-time.
  • It is private and secure.
  • It has the same benefits as counseling in the office.

Plus, it's easier for people who have:

  • Difficult schedules.
  • Transportation issues.
  • Childcare issues.
  • Health concerns.

Learn more about teletherapy.

Call us at 703-324-5730 and choose the option for Counseling Services. 

Domestic Abuse Survivor Group for Women

This is a free, confidential group for adults who identify as women who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse (physical, emotional, or other types). The group is led by a trained therapist specializing in domestic violence and trauma. The group promotes:

  • Safety and empowerment for self and family.
  • Understanding and healing from abuse and trauma.
  • Supportive connection with other survivors.

New groups start every several months and are offered in English and Spanish by Zoom. To enroll, please contact the following group facilitator for a private, face-to-face session:

English-Language Group

Eight 90-minute Weekly Sessions
Rebecca Albert, LPC 703-704-6731; TTY 711

Spanish-Language Group

Eight 90-minute Weekly Sessions
Jeannette Aleman 703-704-6737; TTY 711

Women's Sexual Violence Survivors Group

This is a free, confidential group for adults who identify as women who have experienced sexual violence. The group is led by a trained therapist specializing in sexual violence and trauma. The group promotes healing from sexual violence and trauma. Participants learn how to:

  • Cope with trauma symptoms.
  • Express thoughts and feelings in a safe setting.
  • Draw connection and support from other women.

This group is currently offered in English by Zoom video conference, with new groups starting every several months. To enroll, please contact the following group facilitator for a private, face-to-face session:

Tuesdays 6-7:30 p.m. (twice per month)
Kathryn Harlow, LPC 703-704-6717; TTY 711

Story Cloths Group for Survivors of Trauma

This is a free confidential group for adults who identify as women who have experienced gender-based violence. The group is led by a trained specialist in art therapy and trauma. The group promotes healing from gender-based violence and trauma. Participants learn how to:

  • Cope with trauma symptoms.
  • Express thoughts and feelings in a visual medium.
  • Draw connections from other women.

This 12-week group is offered in English and Spanish but all languages are welcome.

For interest in joining this group or questions, contact Kathryn Harlow, LPC 703-704-6717; TTY 711.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eligible?

You or a family member must have experienced domestic or sexual violence or stalking.

You must live in, work in, or have been abused or assaulted in Fairfax County or the Cities of Fairfax or Falls Church.

Children are eligible for individual counseling services.

Because counseling is short-term, it is not a good fit for:

  • People with a serious mental illness without other psychiatric care or if the condition could make our services unhelpful or harmful.
  • People in other counseling or treatments that could duplicate or conflict with our services unless services are coordinated.
  • People with a history of sexual abuse by a parent or family member (incest).
  • Teens who have been paid or sold for sex or porn (sex trafficking).

Where Do I Go for Counseling?

Normally, we would meet in person in one of many locations throughout Fairfax County based on your zip code. However, during COVID-19, we're meeting virtually. 

How Long is the Wait for Services?

Our goal is to return your call within two business days.

If you receive a voice message from us, please call back promptly so we can provide services.

Counseling can start within a few weeks or sooner from the time you speak with a counselor. When there are many requests, wait times may be longer.

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