Dr. Michael Villanueva, PhD, CA | Psychologist

About Dr. Michael Villanueva

Focus areas

Alcoholism

Childhood Trauma

Life Coaching

Anxiety

Depression

Work-Related Counseling

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Dual Diagnosis

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Couples

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Biofeedback

Humanistic

Coaching

Integrative

Culturally Sensitive

Jungian

Identity

Gender

Male

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Michael Villanueva

My name is Michael Villanueva, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. I have worked as a professor at a university, providing research and clinical services on remote tribal lands, served as a combat clinical psychologist in Afghanistan, and collaborated with computational neuroscientists at UC San Diego on research exploring the effects of psychedelics on the human brain. I offer individual talk psychotherapy, including telehealth, and Neurotherapy in my office. I record and analyze my clients’ EEG (i.e., brainwaves), which allows me to tailor neurofeedback training to address their specific symptoms and concerns. My approach I integrate cognitive-behavioral methods, Jungian dream work, problem-solving skills, and insight-oriented conversation within a neurophysiological framework. Together, we will explore your internal and external resources, assess strengths and challenges, and set achievable short-term goals. My theoretical orientation holds that the self (i.e., “you”), like the brain, seeks an optimally efficient way to meet life’s challenges. This means all internal communication—emotions, thoughts, nighttime dreams, and bodily sensations (especially from the stomach)—must be acknowledged and integrated. My focus Over the past 25 years, I have worked with clients of all ages, occupations, and nearly all socioeconomic backgrounds. While there is no “typical” client, my most satisfied clients share key qualities: despite their levels of depression or anxiety, they felt or knew they could be “better.” They engaged actively in our work and practiced skills outside the office. They were open to reframing events and perceptions when previous approaches had not worked. Most importantly, they maintained motivation through difficult times. Change is often unwelcome, but a few needed transformations can make all the difference.

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Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Racism Issues

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - L.A. North

Education and training

Palo Alto University, PhD in Clinical Psychology

NPI number

1679786941

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Villanueva?

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

Is Dr. Michael Villanueva accepting new patients?

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

Does Dr. Michael Villanueva accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Villanueva is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Villanueva online?

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

What practice does Dr. Michael Villanueva work with?

Dr. Michael Villanueva works with Rula Health - L.A. North.

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Michael Villanueva?

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