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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 7 ratings

Michele Bussell, MA

LMFT, 6 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Empowering

About me

Hi! I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and registered professional clinical counselor. I received my master's degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and have six years' experience working with children, adolescents, TAY (Transitional aged youth), and adults. My experience bridges mobile crisis interventions, short term and long-term residential treatment programs, school-based counseling programs, adult drug court substance programs, and behavioral health centers.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

During our initial session, we will begin with introductions, provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions, and then delve into the reasons you are seeking therapy, what has been beneficial for you previously, and your objectives for therapy. This approach will enable us to work together to develop a customized treatment plan for subsequent sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I hold the belief that each individual is unique and the foremost authority on their own life experiences. In my practice, I offer a secure environment to freely explore emotions with unconditional positive regard and without judgment, welcoming every aspect of oneself into the therapeutic space.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I take pleasure in offering psychoeducation on mental health, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. My clients seek immediate relief and aim to enhance their functioning in affected areas. I believe that knowledge is essential for healing.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders

Other specialties

Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
Substance Misuse
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues

I identify as

Black / African American
Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)
Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Eclectic

While the reasons for seeking therapy may be common, I understand that each individual is unique. As an integrative therapist, I tailor therapy to the individual's needs. My approach is client-centered, characterized by empathy, reflective listening, and unconditional positive regard. This means: • The client is considered the expert on their own experience. • The client is recognized as doing their best with the resources available to them. • The client is encouraged to explore their feelings without judgment, allowing their whole self to engage in the process. I employ evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to illustrate the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and the capacity to experience dual emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Additionally, I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting to address unresolved issues.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

California

Accepts

Aetna
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - WebTPA
All Savers
Ambetter from Health Net
Anthem
Blue Cross
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield (MHSA) Magellan
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Cash - $140 per session
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 7 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

May 20, 2025

Michele Bussell is amazing! She is just the therapist I need. We’ve only had a few sessions so far. Her knowledge mixed with being observant has helped me a lot. Thank you so much! Talk to you soon! 😊✨

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 8 with Michele

April 14, 2025

I never feel out of wack after speaking with Michelle. She gives me helpful points to look over to help with my mental journey.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 5 with Michele

February 13, 2025

extremely thoughtful, she gave me a chance and is so sweet

Verified client, age 18-24

Review shared after session 1 with Michele

Michele Bussell, MA is fully booked.