Michelle Sum, LMFT, CA | Psychotherapist

About Michelle Sum

Focus areas

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Infertility Trauma

Self-Harm / Injury

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Premarital Conflict Resolution

Sex Therapy

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Self Esteem Issues

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Individuals

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Culturally Sensitive

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Emotionally Focused

Identity

Gender

Female

Faith

Christian

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Michelle Sum

Congrats on doing something extremely difficult by reaching out for help. I'm here to support you through whatever internal or external battle you may be facing. No judgment or personal agenda — just a safe space to talk, explore, and get back to feeling like you again. My approach While I tend to rely heavily on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also recognizing a "one size fits all" is not a realistic way of viewing behavioral change. For this reason I will adapt my approach to fit the needs of my client. This may include more narrative and processing therapy or motivational interviewing to build motivation for change. Finally, I use a strength-based approach to help my clients see the progress and positive changes they sometimes miss in the chaotic day-to-day grind. My focus My passion includes helping people navigate some of the most vulnerable and taxing moments in their lives. Supporting others through trauma, grief, and the journey to self-love are a few areas that I find especially rewarding. Because of my personal experiences, I thoroughly enjoy working with teens and young adults trying to find their place in the world. My communication style Overall my communication style is warm and friendly. I try to be direct and keep things simple whenever possible but I may repeat things from time to time to help information really sink in. I also try to be as authentically myself as possible to help strengthen trust and the therapeutic relationship. My journey to mental healthcare When I was in high school, I experienced depression on top of the usual teenage stressors. During my senior year, I took a psychology class, and that was it—I was hooked. What began as a personal journey to better understand myself evolved into a rewarding and challenging career.

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Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Mood Swings

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Teen Violence

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Mood Swings

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - San Jose

Education and training

California State University, Sacramento, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy

NPI number

1689081150

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Michelle Sum?

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

Is Michelle Sum accepting new patients?

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

Does Michelle Sum accept my insurance?

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Can I make an appointment with Michelle Sum online?

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

What practice does Michelle Sum work with?

Michelle Sum works with Rula Health - San Jose.

What are common reasons for patients to see Michelle Sum?

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