Michael Southerland, LMFT, CA | Psychotherapist

About Michael Southerland

Focus areas

Adolescent / Teen Issues

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Bipolar Disorder

Adoption Counseling

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Childhood Trauma

Anxiety

Behavioral Problems

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Teenagers (13-17)

Couples

Young adults (18-24)

Families

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Existential

Compassion Focused

Experiential Therapy

Culturally Sensitive

Family Systems

Identity

Gender

Male

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Michael Southerland

Hi! My name is Michael Southerland, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in the Los Angeles, CA area. I focus primarily on relationships, whether individuals facing rough spots, couples, children, or families. My approach I use Rogerian therapy, a client-centered approach emphasizing empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. You direct your therapy path—never me. There is no judgment here. I also incorporate CBT, solution-focused, and narrative therapy within this framework. My focus I work with almost any problem, specializing in depression, anxiety, substance abuse and addiction, codependency, ADHD, and especially LGBTQ+ and gender identity. Feel free to ask if I have experience with clients like you. I look forward to hearing from you. My communication style I am empathic, warm, friendly, and non-judgmental. I use humor in therapy because I find it helpful. I like to think I’m a fun guy to be with. My tone is always accepting because I accept everyone for who they are. I believe everyone is beautiful as they are. I want you to experience your genuine self in my office or virtually. My journey to mental healthcare My journey to becoming a therapist is long. I spent 11 years in the child welfare system in South Florida, ending in adoptions, helping children find forever families. I moved to California on December 31, 1999, seeking new opportunities and began working in community mental health, eventually becoming a licensed therapist. After 18 years there, I transitioned to full-time private practice. Education I earned my Master’s in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and my Bachelor’s from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

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Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Depression

Mood Swings

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Depression

Mood Swings

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - L.A. South

Education and training

California State University, Los Angeles, Master's in Psychology
Palm Beach Atlantic University (Bachelor's)

NPI number

1245365824

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Michael Southerland?

Generally, Michael Southerland has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Michael Southerland's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Michael Southerland accepting new patients?

Michael Southerland generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Michael Southerland's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Michael Southerland accept my insurance?

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Can I make an appointment with Michael Southerland online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Michael Southerland using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Michael Southerland work with?

Michael Southerland works with Rula Health - L.A. South.

What are common reasons for patients to see Michael Southerland?

Michael Southerland frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Michael Southerland on their profile.