ML Portrait of Michael Lemley

Michael Lemley, LCSW

Helpful, straightforward therapy for anxiety and stress

10 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

Book with Michael

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Michael

Michael Lemley is a licensed clinical social worker who offers a straightforward, collaborative approach to therapy. He focuses on helping people worried about stress and anxiety find clearer ways to cope. His style is direct and down-to-earth, aimed at making sessions feel honest and understandable.

Michael works to create space for a person’s authentic self to show up. He helps clients name what is happening and look at strengths they already have.

Book with Michael Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

That often makes it easier to make choices that match personal values and goals. Common areas he addresses include relationship strain, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. He also helps people who want better communication, forgiveness work, or to build more self-love.

Conversations are practical and focused on what can change day to day. With ten years of experience, Michael draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques while keeping the tone conversational. Sessions are collaborative - he listens, offers perspectives, and helps plan next steps together.

The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes. Michael practices in California and conducts sessions in English. He uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time and offers several online formats to fit different schedules and needs.

Evidence-based approaches and flexible online care

Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on helping people manage symptoms and make life changes. One common method focuses on identifying strengths and values to guide behavior change and decision making; this helps when stress or anxiety feels overwhelming and choices seem unclear. Another common practice emphasizes building practical coping skills and clearer communication, which is useful for relationship strain, low self-esteem, and day-to-day mood challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael treats therapy as a collaboration - he will listen to your concerns, discuss options, and try methods that fit your goals and preferences. Together you can adjust techniques as progress is made and new needs arise.

Online therapy with Michael is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow more visual connection for deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be a good shorter alternative or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging suit quick check-ins, shorter exchanges, or times when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit regular sessions into a busy life and keep momentum between meetings.
Book with Michael Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Michael commonly help with?
He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus communication problems, forgiveness, and self-love.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is collaborative, relational, and down-to-earth, focusing on honesty and identifying strengths to guide practical changes.
How much experience does he have?
He has ten years of experience working as a clinician and brings that background to routine therapy sessions.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are available for sessions?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How does cost and getting started work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time; start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling based on availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
10 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.