Marissa Mirbach

Marissa Mirbach

Associate Clinical Social Worker

Santa Cruz Office

We all aspire to lead lives filled with fulfillment, contentment, and mindful presence. However, the complexities of modern living often obstruct these pursuits, leaving us feeling challenged and at times, as if achieving the life we desire is an insurmountable task. The entanglement in cycles of challenging behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and anxious thoughts becomes a barrier to our well-being. As a therapist, my purpose is to assist you in navigating through this noise, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, and fostering self-love and self-compassion.

Together, we will collaborate to construct new narratives and effective strategies that support the strengthening and authentic expression of your highest self. My approach is grounded in a humanistic framework, acknowledging that you are the expert of your own life, and our partnership will define the best ways for me to support you.

With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, my experience spans working as a social worker at the Homeless Garden Project and serving as a Crisis Counselor for LGBTQ+ youth. Drawing from my background as a meditator and a student of Nonviolent Communication, I seamlessly integrate these practices into my therapeutic approach. It is both a privilege and an honor to accompany individuals on their journey of growth and transformation.

I welcome the opportunity to connect with you, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of embarking on this transformative journey together.

To Request an Appointment at Shine a Light or NPCC, please fill out this form. Please note *We respond to inquiries Monday through Friday 8AM to 8PM. All inquiries we receive on the weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day. Thank you for your patience.

Appointment Request

Do you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal coverage?

Have you been seen at Shine a Light previously?

Weekday Availability (Check all possibilities)

Weekend & Evening Availability (Check all that apply)

Virtual or In-person Preference

By which means can we contact you? (Check all that apply)

We're Merging!

Shine a Light Counseling Center is please to merge with New Perspectives Center for Counseling. NPCC has been serving the San Francisco community for thrity years. Shine a Light has been pursuing the same mission of providing quality affordable counseling in the Monterey Bay area. Now NPCC is transitioning to become the San Francisco site for Shine a Light. NPCC will retain its name, character and history, operating under the new administration of Shine a Light. For information about NPCC or Shine a Light, click these links:

New Perspectives Center for Counseling

Shine a Light Counseling Center

To Request agency Information about Shine a Light or NPCC, please fill out this form. (this is not the form for new client inquiries)

Emergency Contact

Shine a Light does not provide crisis services. If you have a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911. Or  click here  for more Crisis Resources

Telephone Contact

You can call Shine a Light at 831-996-1222, but we encourage you to use the email forms to the left. If you call, please leave the following:

  • Phone number
  • Preferred location
  • Best times to meet
  • Issue you want help with
  • What insurance you have (if any)

FAX us at: 831-417-0443

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Your fee will be set according to a sliding scale, in collaboration with your therapist, prior to your first counseling session. Total costs depend upon the number of sessions you choose to utilize.

If you have private health insurance, please be aware that your costs for therapy may be less by using an in-network provider for your insurance company. This will depend upon your plan's deductible amounts and co-payments. In some cases, counseling at Shine a Light is less costly than using private insurance.

If you hope to use "out of network" benefits through your private insurance, please be aware that many plans will not reimburse for services provided by pre-licensed therapists (most of our staff).

Click here to download a flyer for

Shine a Light Counseling Center