Marriage and Family Therapy Associate

Pronouns: He/Him

​David Barringer is a Marriage and Family Associate (MFT-A) who began his career in the mental health field in 2011 when he recognized that his community needed more mental health professionals who were passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in psychology, which he received from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2011. 

Over the next decade David proudly served as an Officer in the United States Air Force Reserves while he pursued his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University, graduating in 2020. 

During this time, he gained valuable experience working with children and adolescents, and their family systems. David has worked in a residential behavioral health hospital and at a Camp in the Ozarks providing treatment for youth and teens with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), as well as their adopted families. 

As a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFT-A) David has refined his experience and passion into working with individuals ages 5 and up, couples, and families, and has benefited from the guidance and mentorship of Linda King, LMFT, Mercy Dennis, LMFT, and Ashley M. Barrera, LMFT. 

David’s professional experience also includes facilitating addiction and substance abuse recovery groups for adults. In his daily practice with clients, he utilizes a systemic-based approach to treatment which includes Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for treating concerns related to anxiety, depression, ADHD and behavioral concerns in children/adolescents, as well as post-traumatic stress responses, and grief and loss. 

Constantly seeking to enhance personal competency and remain current in scientific research and evidenced-based treatment modalities, David has completed training in The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). 

David believes that therapy and self-healing can come in many forms. A few of his own favorite therapeutic activities are hiking, snowboarding, painting, exercise, and spending time with his wife and young daughter. He also remains active with the United States Air Force Reserves as an Equal Opportunity Officer.

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*An MFT-A is a person who has completed their graduate schooling and is in the process of completing 1500 clinical hours of supervised practice to become a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. The State of Alaska Board of Marital and Family Therapy is responsible for granting an MFT-A his/her license once they have competed the requirements set forth by the Board. David practices under the clinical supervision of Linda King, LMFT, and the mentorship of Ashley M. Barrera, LMFT.