Licensed to practice in California and accepts 54 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, Depression, Family Therapy
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a decade of experience specializing in treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I work with dual-diagnosis clients, where I provide therapy to clients facing complex challenges, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, family and couples therapy, and interpersonal relationships helping clients uncover the underlying emotional and relational patterns that contribute to their struggles.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can begin exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. In our first session, we will focus on getting to know each other, discussing what brings you to therapy, and identifying your goals for treatment. You can expect me to ask about your personal history, current struggles, and past experiences with therapy (if any). We will also talk about what has worked for you in the past, what hasn’t, and any concerns or hesitations you may have. If you're unsure where to start, that’s okay—I will help guide the conversation in a way that feels comfortable for you. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about my approach, the therapeutic process, and what therapy will look like moving forward. My role is to listen, understand, and work collaboratively with you to create a plan that supports your healing and growth.
As a therapist, I take a depth-oriented, trauma-informed approach to treatment, helping clients uncover the root causes of their struggles rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms. With a strong foundation in psychodynamic therapy, I guide clients in exploring how past experiences, unconscious patterns, and relational dynamics influence their present challenges. My expertise lies in working with dual-diagnosis clients, particularly those facing substance use disorders, PTSD, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with histories of trauma, including military veterans, first responders, and survivors of abuse, creating a safe space where they can process emotional wounds and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I also specialize in working with high-risk or resistant clients, including those in pre-contemplation or denial about their substance use, as well as individuals who struggle with oppositional behaviors, paranoia, or emotional dysregulation. Through patience and clinical skill, I help clients gain self-awareness, manage their triggers, and navigate their resistance to change. Recognizing the profound impact of family dynamics in addiction and recovery, I incorporate relational and attachment-based interventions, helping clients address issues such as codependency, enabling, and unresolved attachment wounds. By fostering deeper emotional insight, I support clients in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Beyond direct client care, I am passionate about clinical leadership and advocacy, ensuring that therapists, especially interns, receive proper training to handle the complexities of dual-diagnosis treatment. I advocate for higher standards in clinical practice, balancing my work with supervision, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the quality of care in residential settings. Ultimately, my goal as a therapist is to help clients achieve deep, lasting transformation—guiding them beyond symptom relief toward meaningful self-discovery, emotional resilience, and long-term recovery.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with individuals facing the complex intersection of substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges. My practice is rooted in a psychodynamic approach, helping clients uncover the deeper emotional wounds and relational patterns that drive their struggles.
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
IHSS Healthy Workers
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
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
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on how unconscious thoughts, past experiences, and unresolved conflicts influence present behavior, emotions, and relationships. It is particularly effective in helping clients gain deeper self-awareness and understand patterns in their lives that may contribute to emotional distress or dysfunction.
18 ratings with written reviews
June 19, 2026
I find Michael to be very kind and compassionate. He is a very good listener and genuinely cares about the wellbeing and improvement of his clients as well as assisting them in reaching their goals and living their best lives
June 17, 2026
At first my partner and felt as if he was a bit awkward. But as time went on, we both realized that he was just being kind, listening very well, and offered so much gentle feedback. We both agreed that we felt very safe with him. Something I haven’t felt from a therapist in a long time.
June 12, 2026
He was attentive to us and helpful.