Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 78 insurances. Specializes in Family Therapy, Life Transitions, Substance Misuse and 10 more.
(he/him)
Hello, I'm Dr. Michael Murray, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing virtual counseling in California and Washington. My approach to therapy is warm, conversational, and collaborative, creating a space for genuine connection and nonjudgmental support. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), existential therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), I help clients develop psychological flexibility, explore identity and purpose, and tap into their own motivation for change. Rather than focusing on eliminating discomfort, I guide clients in accepting difficult emotions, unhooking from unhelpful thought patterns, and taking meaningful action aligned with their values. Together, we cultivate self-compassion, new perspectives, and practical steps toward a fulfilling, authentic life.
The first therapy session is a collaborative, conversational space focused on building connection, understanding, and a strong foundation for meaningful work. Clients are warmly welcomed into a nonjudgmental environment where they can share what brings them to therapy, their hopes for change, and past challenges. As comfort grows, we may explore deeper themes, such as what truly matters to them and how to move from avoidance to acceptance. Toward the end, we reflect on key insights, identify a small, values-driven step forward, and discuss next steps, ensuring they feel supported in their journey toward lasting change.
I have over 17 years of experience assisting individuals and families in making significant and lasting changes in their lives. Over the years I have learned that clients already know where they want to go and what they need to do to get there. The problem is they have lost connection somehow with this internal wisdom and my job is to utilize curiosity to assist them in reconnecting with their true self.
I work best with individuals open to self-exploration, growth, and meaningful change—even if they feel stuck or uncertain at first. My approach supports those navigating life transitions, feeling unfulfilled, or struggling with anxiety, depression, avoidance, or existential concerns. I also work well with deep thinkers, those in recovery, and individuals seeking behavior change or greater psychological flexibility. Ideal clients are willing to engage in self-reflection, explore new perspectives, and approach discomfort with curiosity. Together, we focus on small, values-driven actions that foster lasting change, self-acceptance, and a more meaningful life.
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
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)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Kaiser Northwest
Kaiser Northwest - Medicare
Kaiser Washington
Kaiser Washington - Medicare
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
Premera Blue Cross
Regence BlueShield of Washington
Regence BlueShield of Washington (Medicare Advantage)
Regence Group Administrators
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to embrace their emotions and thoughts without judgment, fostering psychological flexibility and guiding them to live in alignment with their core values. I utilize a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach, encouraging clients to explore their internal world without trying to "fix" or change them. ACT attempts to build acceptance and action in line with personal values, rather than focusing on eliminating symptoms or getting rid of difficult emotions.
Existential
Existential psychotherapy focuses on exploring the fundamental questions of human existence, such as meaning, freedom, isolation, and mortality. Therapeutic conversations encourage clients to confront the challenges of life and find personal meaning, responsibility, and authenticity in their experiences. My goal is to understand the client’s experience in a non-judgmental way. Therapy sessions are conversational and often philosophical encouraging clients to find their own meaning and direction by delving into their internal world, confronting life’s inherent uncertainties, and making conscious choices about how to live with purpose.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is client-centered and directive approach which aims to assist clients in resolving ambivalence and making positive changes in behavior. It’s particularly effective when a person is unsure they are ready to make changes and can help clients explore and strengthen their motivations for change. MI sessions are conversational, empathetic, and client-driven. I utilize open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing to guide the conversation and help clients explore their motivations and potential for change. The goal isn’t to force change, but rather to help clients connect more deeply with their own desires for change and strengthen their commitment to take action.
9 ratings with written reviews
December 3, 2025
Michael is awesome
October 15, 2025
He is a very nice guy and he'll listen to you while his vibes also makes you feel very comfortable like you'er talking to your own grandpa.
August 14, 2025
I’ve been working with Michael for a few months. I’ve had a major fear of counseling, but he walked me through that. He has a heart and understanding for those that have found themselves stuck in a struggle. He is open and kind. He helps champion you through whatever you’re facing and offers excellent instruction and advice for the tough stuff. He lets you lead the discussion and I appreciate that. Some weeks are deep and some weeks are more of just an encouragement along the way.