What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.75
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Michelle has a kind , nonjudgmental manner and is a compassionate listener. She gave me an objective perspective when I described family and relationship issues I was having.”
More than 1 year ago
“Michelle Watson LCSW is an excellent choice for a therapist. As an ACA (Adult Child of an Alcoholic), I noticed that working with ACAs was listed as one of her specializations. In our sessions, Michelle has been empathetic as a great listener and understanding of my goals in coming to therapy. I appreciated very much having the virtual sessions, and was thankful for the ease of having scheduled through zocdoc. ”
Eva F.February 24, 2024Video visit
About Michelle Watson
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Alcoholism
Chronic Relapse
Drug Addiction
Anxiety
Codependency
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Dialectical (DBT)
Psychodynamic
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Strength-Based
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Michelle Watson
Hi there, I'm Michelle!
My name is Michelle Watson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I take a strength-based and client-centered approach to therapy with a focus on skill-building interventions.
My approach
I have been trained in several treatment modalities, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and cognitive processing therapy. I tend to use a combination of these modalities when working with clients depending on the needs and goals of the individual.
My focus
I specialize in the treatment of addiction and help people recover from depression, anxiety, co-dependency, trauma, and dysfunctional behavior that results from trauma. I especially enjoy working with Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and dysfunctional families.
My communication style
I help people learn the skills they wish they had been taught as children—things like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. My goal is to help you unearth the answers to what you’re looking for in order to live a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
My journey to therapy
I was raised by two licensed therapists (both of my parents are licensed clinical social workers), and I have always been interested in human behavior, psychology, and sociology. I studied Psychology at UCLA, and my experience there only further motivated me to pursue a career in psychotherapy. After earning my Masters's degree in Social Work from SDSU, I went on to work in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a crisis house, and outpatient addiction medicine clinics. I have continued to work in the field because I love what I learn from my clients, and I find the work to be incredibly fulfilling.
My goals for you
When setting goals with clients, we focus on your priorities and what you hope to learn in therapy.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- San Diego State University, Master's in Social Work
- University of California (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1164845616
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.75
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
16 reviews
Most relevant
Michelle is a wonderful provider, she is someone who just gets it and knows how to identify the best care for her patients!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Michelle has a kind , nonjudgmental manner and is a compassionate listener. She gave me an objective perspective when I described family and relationship issues I was having.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Michelle Watson LCSW is an excellent choice for a therapist. As an ACA (Adult Child of an Alcoholic), I noticed that working with ACAs was listed as one of her specializations. In our sessions, Michelle has been empathetic as a great listener and understanding of my goals in coming to therapy. I appreciated very much having the virtual sessions, and was thankful for the ease of having scheduled through zocdoc.
February 24, 2024Eva F.Verified patientVideo visit
Michelle Watson, LCSW has a polite and compassionate personality. She took the time to listen to my worries and anxieties about my relationship issues and life in general. I’ve decided that she will be my new therapist this year after taking a hiatus from therapy last year. Her having a specialization in having worked with Adult Children of Alcoholics is part of what prompted me to select her over other therapists. I chose a bimonthly session and she was fine with that and could accommodate that in her schedule. I highly recommend Michelle.
More than 1 year agoEva F.Verified patientVideo visit
She is very caring.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
June 6, 2024Eva F.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
March 2, 2023Rebecca C.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
April 20, 2022David S.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Michelle Watson?
Generally, Michelle Watson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Michelle Watson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Michelle Watson accepting new patients?
Michelle Watson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Michelle Watson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Michelle Watson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Michelle Watson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Michelle Watson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Michelle Watson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Michelle Watson work with?
Michelle Watson works with Rula Health - Central CA.
What are common reasons for patients to see Michelle Watson?
Michelle Watson 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 Watson on their profile.
What languages does Michelle Watson speak?
Michelle Watson speaks English.
How do patients rate Michelle Watson in reviews?
16 patients have reviewed Michelle Watson. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.75/5. 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.