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Therapist in San Diego, California Michael Nelson, Therapist

Gender Identity: Male (He/Him)

Ages Served: 0-75+

Appointments: In-office and Online

Manages Medications: No, provides therapy only

Accepts Insurance: Yes - View accepted plans

Michael Nelson, Therapist

Michael Nelson, MS, LMFT

Specializes In:

Anxiety
Career & work issues
Family conflict
General relationship issues
Marital stress or divorce
Panic attacks
Premarital counseling
Stress management
See all specialties >

Mike Nelson graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling in 2013. This multi-cultural Marriage and Family Therapy program paved the way for the diverse cultural populations he encountered when providing therapy in clinical settings, middle and high school-based counseling, grief work with Hospice, private practice, and work with youths in the foster system. Within these varied groups, Mike has worked with many people who have experienced trauma in their lives. He is a great listener, and his warm, easy-going style helps people feel more comfortable and ready to face the challenges that may lie in the wake of such adversity.

Mike utilizes a Family Systems approach that looks at how we all are affected by and deal with relationships, and how our lives make better sense when we look at ourselves in the context of our experience. He also borrows from the best of Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, and Strategic therapies to craft customized treatment plans tailored to the uniqueness of each client. Mike is committed to collaboration with his clients to reach their goals in therapy.

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Family Therapy

Improve communication and resolve conflicts within family dynamics with a clinician's guidance.

  • Anxiety
  • Family conflict
  • Panic attacks
  • Stress management
  • ADHD
  • Adoption & foster care
  • Aging
  • Anger issues
  • Attachment issues
  • Attention & focus
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Body image
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Caregiving
  • Childhood behavioral issues
  • Chronic pain-related issues
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Eating issues: binging
  • Empty nesters
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Ethnic identity
  • Gender identity
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Immigration/cultural status
  • Intense mood changes
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Men's health/issues
  • Parenthood
  • Parenting
  • Premarital counseling
  • Racial identity
  • Religion & spirituality
  • Retirement
  • School behavioral issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Sexual trauma
  • Social injustice
  • Social skills & communication
  • Stress from ongoing health issues
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Unhealthy eating habits

Couples Therapy

Helps partners address relationship conflict and improve communication with a clinician's guidance.

  • Anxiety
  • General relationship issues
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Panic attacks
  • Premarital counseling
  • Stress management
  • ADHD
  • Aging
  • Anger issues
  • Attachment issues
  • Attention & focus
  • Body image
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Career & work issues
  • Caregiving
  • Childhood behavioral issues
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Empty nesters
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Ethnic identity
  • Family conflict
  • First responder stress
  • Gender identity
  • Grief & loss
  • Immigration/cultural status
  • LGBTQ+
  • Men's health/issues
  • Military & veteran
  • Parenthood
  • Parenting
  • Racial identity
  • Religion & spirituality
  • Retirement
  • School behavioral issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Sex & intimacy issues
  • Sexual trauma
  • Social skills & communication
  • Stress from ongoing health issues
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Unhealthy eating habits

Individual Therapy

Get help addressing challenges and improve well-being with a clinician's guidance.

  • Anxiety
  • Career & work issues
  • Panic attacks
  • Stress management
  • ADHD
  • Adoption & foster care
  • Aging
  • Anger issues
  • Attachment issues
  • Attention & focus
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Body image
  • Bullying or harassment
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Childhood behavioral issues
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Empty nesters
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Ethnic identity
  • Family conflict
  • First responder stress
  • Gender identity
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Hoarding
  • Immigration/cultural status
  • Intense mood changes
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Men's health/issues
  • Military & veteran
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Parenthood
  • Parenting
  • Premarital counseling
  • Racial identity
  • Retirement
  • School behavioral issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Sex & intimacy issues
  • Sexual trauma
  • Social injustice
  • Social skills & communication
  • Stress from ongoing health issues
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Unhealthy eating habits

Languages

  • English

FAQs

Please call us at 619-272-8386 to schedule an appointment with Michael Nelson.

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See what our patients are saying about Michael Nelson

Michael is great. My girlfriend and I both see him and think he’s great at what he does very compassionate and understanding listens never in a hurry always very pleasant I recommend Michael very much to anyone seeking council in his specialty
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Rick B.

Rick B.

Dec 13, 2025
Google Google
We would highly recommend our counselor Michael Nelson to any person who needs solid counseling. He is very talented and is helping us, my spouse and I to grow and learn how to communicate better with each other.
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Nado O.

Nado O.

May 04, 2026
Google Google
One of the best. So thankful I connected with Michael. He has been awesome for me, my son, and our family. Thank you ❤️
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Dianne M.

Dianne M.

Feb 11, 2026
Google Google
Very nice Dr. helpful and caring
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Nicole D.

Nicole D.

Nov 26, 2025
Google Google
Excellent experience
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Hans B.

Hans B.

Oct 15, 2025
Google Google
Excellent experience
Read Full Review
Matt S.

Matt S.

Aug 16, 2024
Google Google
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Patient Review Disclaimer

The testimonials and reviews shared on our platforms reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individuals voluntarily shared on third-party sites (e.g., Google). These reviews are voluntarily provided and are not compensated, solicited, or endorsed by LifeStance Health.

Important Notes:

  • Reviews do not represent the views of LifeStance Health, Inc., its clinicians, or affiliates
  • Individual results may vary – testimonials are not guarantees of similar outcomes
  • We do not independently verify the clinical accuracy or authenticity of statements
  • Clinician qualifications, expertise, and fit for your specific needs should be assessed through direct consultation

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