What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“I've been searching for a therapist who is both supportive and challenging. I felt very safe and validated. It was worth the wait. ”
Amy M.October 3, 2025Video visit
About Michael Nelson
Focus areas
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Life Transition
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Depression
Men's Mental Health Issues
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Life Coaching
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Treatment approaches
Family / Marital
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Structural Family Therapy
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Michael Nelson
*Note that prior to the first session with the provider, LifeStance will require a credit card on file.
*LifeStance providers do not accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance. If booking with these, you will be unable to be seen.
*This provider only treats residents residing in the state of California.
When booking your appointment, please use the full name as written on your insurance card.
Michael Nelson treats patients starting at 8 years old. Dr. Nelson graduated from San Diego State University with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2013. This multicultural program paved the way for the diverse cultural populations he encountered while 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 are all affected by and deal with relationships, and how our lives make better sense when we view ourselves in the context of our experiences. 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 collaborating with his clients to reach their goals in therapy.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
More information on payments and coverage
During the LifeStance onboarding process, we will contact you to collect your payment card information. It’s our policy to collect this information and confirm that it is valid prior to your first appointment so that we can simplify the payment process upon completion of your appointment, especially in the case of a telehealth appointment where the traditional “check-out” process doesn’t occur.
Important Note: This provider is not currently bookable for new patients with Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
Office locations
Michael Nelson, LMFT also offers online video visits for patients
LifeStance Health - California (1 of 2)
8881 Fletcher Pkwy, Ste 350 and 360, La Mesa, CA 91942
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- San Diego State University, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
NPI number
1669970638
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
15 reviews
Most relevant
I've been searching for a therapist who is both supportive and challenging. I felt very safe and validated. It was worth the wait.
October 3, 2025Amy M.Verified patientVideo visit
October 17, 2025Robert C.Verified patientVideo visit
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More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
January 27, 2021Michele F.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Michael Nelson?
Generally, Michael Nelson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Michael Nelson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Michael Nelson accepting new patients?
Michael Nelson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Michael Nelson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Michael Nelson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Michael Nelson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Michael Nelson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Michael Nelson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Michael Nelson work with?
Michael Nelson works with LifeStance Health - California.
Where is Michael Nelson's office located?
Michael Nelson has 4 office locations, including in San Diego and La Mesa, view full addresses on Michael Nelson's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Michael Nelson?
Michael Nelson frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Michael Nelson on their profile.
What languages does Michael Nelson speak?
Michael Nelson speaks English.
How do patients rate Michael Nelson in reviews?
15 patients have reviewed Michael Nelson. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.