Dr. Michelle Lopez

Let's Connect (760) 538-3561

Welcome! I’m Dr. Michelle Lopez, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in treating anxiety and related concerns, and advanced training in evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I help those who struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), excessive worry/anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, and the stress of major life changes. My approach combines evidence-based interventions and genuine care and respect for each person’s unique experience.

For the past decade, I have served as Associate Director for the Seacoast Center for OCD and Anxiety in San Diego, CA. I help clients face anxiety with confidence, while cultivating resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful connections. Additionally, my years teaching psychology as an Associate Professor deepened my expertise and passion for mentoring.

Outside of work, I’m a health enthusiast with a strong interest in cardiac and neurological wellness, and an animal lover who deeply values the comfort and joy pets bring to our lives. I’m also continuously working on helping my own pets learn boundaries and live a balanced life.

Call or Email Dr. Michelle Lopez now for a free 15 minute consultation - (760) 538-3561

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Palm Desert, CA 92211

San Diego, CA 92108

I offer therapy in person in Palm Desert and virtually throughout California. My hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.

$250 Per Session

I see individuals and groups

Let's Connect (760) 538-3561

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Palm Desert, CA 92211

San Diego, CA 92108

I offer therapy in person in Palm Desert and virtually throughout California. My hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.

$250 Per Session

I see individuals and groups

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $250

Payment Methods

Check, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

Out of Network

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly; however, I can provide a superbill for clients who wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly; however, I can provide a superbill for clients who wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / PSY 27118 Michelle Lopez

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 13 years

Additional Credentials

Membership with Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)

With advanced training in evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, and ERP, I specialize in treating anxiety and related concerns. I'm committed to helping clients gain effective coping skills, face challenges with confidence, and experience meaningful, lasting progress.

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

Anxiety
Depression
Fears and Phobias
Grief
Infertility
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Panic
Stress

Together, we'll set clear goals and create a treatment plan with data-driven interventions tailored to your needs. While talking can provide relief and insight, lasting change often requires applying strategies in daily life. You'll learn practical tools, practice new skills, and build confidence facing challenges so progress continues well beyond therapy.

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

12 Endorsements

Janina Scarlet

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Dr. Lopez is truly the kindest, most professional, most compassionate colleague I've ever known. I frequently refer clients to her and truly can't recommend her and her services highly enough.

Dr. Jennifer Siegel

Psychiatrist, MD

Dr. Lopez is a true gem in the field of psychology. She is incredibly knowledgable and creates a warm environment to put clients at ease (especially those that may be anxious!). Dr. Lopez is a trusted colleague that I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Mackenzie Burdick

Michelle is a compassionate, insightful, and highly skilled clinician. She creates a safe, supportive space for growth and healing, empowering clients with practical tools and deep understanding. A true professional dedicated to client well-being.

Kai Macdonald

Psychiatrist, MD

Michelle is a responsive, professional therapist whom I have worked with for years. She has an expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, an invaluable tool for managing depression and anxiety.

Holly Valerio

Psychiatrist, MD

Dr. Lopez is a skilled and dedicated therapist who offers effective, professional care. I strongly recommend her to anyone seeking therapy.

Brian Buzzella

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Dr. Lopez is an exceptionally talented anxiety therapist specializing in evidence-based treatments. While collaborating to support client's needs (individual therapy with Dr. L, couple therapy with me) I have heard of the incredible impact Dr. L makes.

Jodi Staszak

Dr Lopez is an incredibly intuitive, compassionate and skillful clinician who I highly recommend to anyone seeking support for anxiety related concerns. Her collaborative approach and expansive knowledge allow individuals to heal and thrive under her care.

California Anxiety & Perinatal Therapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

Dr. Lopez is a phenomenal clinician who brings her genuine warmth, compassion, and curiosity to her extensive clinical expertise offering gold standard evidence based care. I am grateful to call her a trusted colleague & confidently refer to her regularly.

Starr MacKinnon

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Services (CBTS)

Dr. Lopez is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate clinician with extensive expertise in evidence-based therapies. Her work reflects a thoughtful integration of science and humanity, and she brings both precision and warmth to her clinical practice.

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

I have had the privilege of working with Michelle and referring clients in need of her expertise. Her knowledge and skills combined with her compassionate approach to people make her an exceptional clinician upon whom I have relied.

Jan Estrellado

Dr. Lopez is a standout psychologist and someone I refer people to frequently. Her regard for her clients, coupled with her experienced skill set to address anxiety-related issues, is top-notch. I cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Lopez!

Terra Fuhr

I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle's former clients and they have all raved about her warmth, care, and evidence-based interventions. I confidently refer to Michelle whenever I need an amazing therapist.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Group

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Group

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy

I specialize in working with anxiety using evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure-based therapies. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them confront the fears that keep them stuck, build a healthier relationship with anxiety, and increase their capacity to experience uncertainty.

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 538-3561

Groups

Anxiety Skills Group (for Adults)

Hosted by

Dr. Michelle Lopez

Anxiety Skills Group (12–16 weeks): For those who feel overly influenced by anxiety or caught in cycles of worry and avoidance, this supportive, evidence-based group is designed to help you gain tools to manage anxiety and live a more meaningful life. Together, we will: • Learn healthy ways to manage intense emotions • Build skills for coping with anxious thoughts and feelings • Clarify what matters most in your life (relationships, health, etc.) • Practice making choices that align with long-term goals. Before joining, an individual assessment with Dr. Lopez ($250) is required to ensure the group is a good fit.

Expertise

Anxiety

Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$120+

Location

Palm Desert, CA 92211

Email Dr. Michelle Lopez about this group or call - (760) 538-3561

Location

Primary Location

Palm Desert, CA 92211

Email Me

Additional Location

San Diego, CA 92108