Thoughtful • Experienced • Grounded

Psychotherapy rooted in experience, insight, and genuine human connection.

A practical and compassionate approach to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, and difficult periods in life.

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Now accepting insurance

Thoughtful guidance.
Steady support.
Lasting change.

Michael Peterson, LCSW

A Grounded Approach

With more than 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and mental health, I provide a thoughtful, collaborative space where clients can better understand themselves, work through challenges, and create meaningful change.

My approach combines insight, practical tools, and genuine human connection. Some clients come to therapy looking for help managing anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship difficulties. Others are navigating life transitions, family concerns, caregiving responsibilities, or simply a difficult period in life.

I believe the best therapeutic work happens within a strong, authentic relationship built on trust, curiosity, honesty, and respect.

About Michael

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in psychotherapy, hospital-based mental health, and private practice. Over the course of my career, I have worked with adults facing a wide range of emotional, relational, medical, and life-transition challenges.

My style is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in genuine human connection. I believe effective therapy should feel both emotionally meaningful and practically useful. Some clients come to therapy seeking support during a difficult period in life, while others are looking for deeper self-understanding, healthier relationships, or more effective ways of managing stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use concerns.

In addition to private practice work, I have longstanding professional ties to Cedars-Sinai and extensive experience working within medical and mental health systems. These experiences continue to inform my practical, real-world approach to psychotherapy.

I work with adults and older adults across a wide range of concerns. I have particular experience supporting LGBTQ clients, people navigating substance use and recovery, and those carrying the emotional weight of medical illness, caregiving, and end-of-life care.

Sessions are held virtually and are available to clients throughout California. If meeting in person matters to you, please ask — I am happy to talk through the options.

I am now in network with several major insurance plans, and I continue to welcome private-pay clients.

Focus Areas

Areas of support and clinical focus

Anxiety & Stress

Depression

Substance Use & Recovery

Relationship Challenges

LGBTQ Identity & Community

Life Transitions

Trauma & PTSD

Grief & Loss

Professional Burnout

Aging & Caregiving

Family Consultation

ADHD

I also work with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive concerns, panic, and end-of-life care.

Therapeutic Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  ·  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  ·  Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy  ·  Motivational Interviewing  ·  Psychodynamic Therapy  ·  Solution-Focused Brief Therapy  ·  Strength-Based and Positive Psychology

In practice, I draw on what fits the person in front of me rather than applying one method to everyone.

Insurance & Fees

Now accepting insurance

Using your insurance

I am currently in network with:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Cigna
  • and others

Plan participation can change. The most current list, along with your specific coverage and any copay, is available on my Headway profile.

Check your coverage on Headway

Private pay

I continue to welcome clients who prefer to pay privately, without involving insurance. Some people choose this for privacy, for flexibility in how we work, or because their plan is not one I participate in.

A limited number of sliding-scale openings are available. If cost is a barrier, please ask — it is a normal part of the conversation and not an imposition.

I am glad to discuss fees directly during a brief introductory call, before you commit to anything.

Begin the Conversation

Finding the right therapist matters.

If you’re looking for an experienced, thoughtful therapist who can help you move forward in a practical and meaningful way, I invite you to reach out.

Phone: (310) 498-2632

Email: michael@mpwellbeing.com

License: CA LCSW 20727

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