Michelle Cortez, AMFT
Location: Newport Beach, California
Position: Lead Marriage and Family Therapist
License: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 146795
Specialties
Trauma & PTSD
Anxiety & Emotional Overwhelm
Relationship Challenges
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Identity & Self-Worth
Emotional Regulation
Experience
Experience working with moderate to severe trauma, anxiety, relationship conflict, and family dynamics
Provides therapy under supervision as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapy
Michelle offers a supportive, skill-building therapeutic experience, grounded in evidence-based practices and delivered with warmth, empathy, and insight.
Education & Training
Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in Newport Beach, CA
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
About
Michelle blends clinical training, trauma-informed care, and deep compassion to support individuals, couples, and families in navigating emotional pain and relationship challenges. She specializes in Trauma Recovery, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, and Family Conflict.
Whether you're working through unresolved trauma, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or stuck in patterns that strain your relationships, Michelle offers individual, couples, and family therapy in Newport Beach designed to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.
Clients describe her as calm, compassionate, and collaborative. She brings a steady presence and practical tools to help you feel more in control, build emotional resilience, and move toward meaningful change, at your own pace.
Off the Clock
Michelle is a bookworm at heart and loves spending her free time writing creatively. It’s one of the ways she connects with emotional expression beyond just using grounding skills. She truly believes therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and takes time to tailor her approach to each individual. This helps her build a collaborative relationship with her clients and allows her to gently challenge them when it supports their growth. What drew Michelle to this work is her deep curiosity about how emotions work and her belief that change is possible. For her, healing starts with understanding, processing, and expressing, and she feels honored to support others through that journey.
Connect with Michelle
Call or Text | Book a Free 10-Minute Consultation | Book an Appointment with Michelle
Frequently Asked Questions About Michelle Cortez
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Michelle works with individuals, couples, and families in Newport Beach, CA. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, communication struggles, or family conflict, she provides a supportive, structured space to help you heal and grow.
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Yes—Michelle is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), which means she is pre-licensed and works under clinical supervision as she completes her licensure hours. This allows clients to receive high-quality care that is collaborative, trauma-informed, and often more affordable.
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The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling is a private-pay practice. Michelle’s sessions are offered at a reduced rate to make therapy more accessible. We’re happy to provide superbills or help you explore reimbursement options through your insurance’s out-of-network benefits.
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Clients who work well with Michelle are often navigating big emotions, major life transitions, or relational strain—and are looking for a therapist who is steady, compassionate, and grounded. Whether you’re processing trauma, feeling stuck in anxious thought loops, or struggling to communicate with a partner or family member, Michelle offers a calm and collaborative space to sort through it. She’s especially attuned to clients who want both insight and practical tools—and who value feeling truly heard in the therapy room.
Visit Our Mental Health Clinic
Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 8AM - 4PM
Sunday: Closed
Montebello Location:
Newport Beach Location:
🚨 Important Notice: Emergency Situations 🚨
If you are experiencing a crisis, feeling unsafe, or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For mental health emergencies, you can also contact:
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 (Available 24/7)
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
📞 Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741
Our practice does not provide emergency services. If you need immediate help, please seek emergency support.