Therapist in Pasadena, California Michael Skibba, Therapist

Michael Skibba, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, providing compassionate and individualized mental health care to adults and seniors across California. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in helping individuals navigate life’s complexities, offering support for addiction, trauma, and midlife transitions. His approach is rooted in building emotional resilience, empowering clients to manage stress and achieve a fulfilling, balanced life. Whether working with individuals facing substance use challenges, processing grief, or adjusting to major life changes, Michael provides a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Michael is particularly passionate about addiction therapy, recognizing its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. As a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, he has extensive experience treating substance use disorders, including alcohol and drug dependency. His work is guided by a resilience-based model, emphasizing personal strength and self-awareness as key components of recovery. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, from professionals in high-pressure industries to those on the margins of society, tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs.

In addition to addiction therapy, Michael specializes in treating PTSD, trauma, and men’s issues. His experience includes working with first responders, military personnel, and veterans who have faced high-stress and traumatic situations. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, he helps clients develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. He also offers faith-based counseling for those seeking a spiritual component in their therapeutic journey.

Michael holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His diverse career path includes years spent working in downtown Los Angeles on Skid Row, supporting homeless parolees and justice-involved individuals. His experience also extends to working with professional athletes, actors, and musicians, making him adept at addressing the unique pressures of high-profile careers.

Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys swimming, reading, and following public policy. A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, he finds humor in watching them “redefine mediocrity.” These personal interests reflect his belief in balance, resilience, and finding joy in everyday life—values he brings into his work with clients.