Therapist in Newport Beach, CA: Michelle Cortez
License: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 146795
Specialties: Trauma Recovery, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, and Family Conflict
Education: Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
Location: Newport Beach, California
Phone: Call or Text (562) 774-6787
Follow me on Instagram: Specializing 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.
What is it like to work with me?
Clients describe me as calm, compassionate, and collaborative. I bring 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.
Training & Qualifications | Counselor in Newport Beach, CA
Qualifications and Credentials
Michelle blends clinical training, trauma-informed care, and deep compassion to support individuals, couples, and families in navigating emotional pain and relationship challenges.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in Newport Beach, CA
Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
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.
Areas of Focus
Trauma & PTSD
Process painful experiences safely and regain control of your story.
Anxiety & Emotional Overwhelm
Learn tools to calm your nervous system and find clarity.
Relationship Challenges
Strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and reconnect with those who matter most.
Family Conflict
Navigate complex family dynamics with structure and support.
Life Transitions
Move through major changes with confidence and emotional resilience.
Identity & Self-Worth
Explore who you are and what you need to feel whole and grounded.
Emotional Regulation
Build skills to manage stress, mood shifts, and reactivity in everyday life.
Beyond her clinical role...
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.
Therapy for Individuals, Couples, and Families in Newport Beach
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don’t seem to change, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re navigating the emotional aftermath of trauma. Maybe you’re tired of the same arguments in your relationship. Or maybe you’re juggling the demands of life while silently asking, “Why does everything feel so hard right now?”
If any of this resonates, I’d love to walk alongside you. Together, we can create space for healing, clarity, and more meaningful connection—one step at a time.
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.
How To Get Started
01.
Book Free Consultation
02.
Match with Therapist
03.
Start Your Therapy Sessions
Read About Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and More
Visit Our Mental Health Clinic
Book Appointment:
Monday - Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 8AM - 4PM
Sunday: Closed
Clinic Hours:
Directions:
MONTEBELLO
NEWPORT BEACH
🚨 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.