Michael Skibba, Therapist
Michael Skibba, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health, providing compassionate and individualized mental health care to adults and seniors across California. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in helping individuals navigate life’s complexities, offering support for addiction, trauma, and midlife transitions. His approach is rooted in building emotional resilience, empowering clients to manage stress and achieve a fulfilling, balanced life. Whether working with individuals facing substance use challenges, processing grief, or adjusting to major life changes, Michael provides a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Michael is particularly passionate about addiction therapy, recognizing its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. As a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, he has extensive experience treating substance use disorders, including alcohol and drug dependency. His work is guided by a resilience-based model, emphasizing personal strength and self-awareness as key components of recovery. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, from professionals in high-pressure industries to those on the margins of society, tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs.
In addition to addiction therapy, Michael specializes in treating PTSD, trauma, and men’s issues. His experience includes working with first responders, military personnel, and veterans who have faced high-stress and traumatic situations. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, he helps clients develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. He also offers faith-based counseling for those seeking a spiritual component in their therapeutic journey.
Michael holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His diverse career path includes years spent working in downtown Los Angeles on Skid Row, supporting homeless parolees and justice-involved individuals. His experience also extends to working with professional athletes, actors, and musicians, making him adept at addressing the unique pressures of high-profile careers.
Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys swimming, reading, and following public policy. A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, he finds humor in watching them “redefine mediocrity.” These personal interests reflect his belief in balance, resilience, and finding joy in everyday life—values he brings into his work with clients.
Provider Introduction
Types of Care & Ages Served
- Individual Therapy: Ages 18-74
Areas of Focus
Individual Therapy
Get help addressing challenges and improve well-being with a clinician's guidance.
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Attention & focus
- Depression/feeling down
- Panic attacks
- Self-esteem
- Stress management
- Aging
- Alcohol use
- Anger issues
- Attachment issues
- Career & relationships (mid-life)
- Career & work issues
- Drug/substance use
- Empty nesters
- Family conflict
- First responder stress
- Focus, concentration & memory
- Gambling
- General relationship issues
- Grief & loss
- Marital stress or divorce
- Men's health/issues
- Menopause & perimenopause
- Military & veteran
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Other addictive behaviors
- Other women's health concerns
- Parenthood
- Parenting
- PMS & PMDD
- Pornography/sexual behaviors
- Premarital counseling
- Religion & spirituality
- Retirement
- Sexual trauma
- Sleep issues or insomnia
- Stress from ongoing health issues
- Trauma & PTSD
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Video game/internet
Insurances Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Shield of California (D)
- Carelon (Beacon)
- Centivo
- Central Health Plan of California
- Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
- Devoted Health Plan
- Elevance Health (Anthem BC) (D)
- Evernorth (Cigna)
- Health Net (MHN)
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
- Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
- Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)
- Magellan (D)
- MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
- Medicare
- Northwell Direct
- Optum (UnitedHealthcare)
- Partners Direct Health
- Provider Network of America (PNOA)
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Sana Benefits
- TELUS Health (BHS)
- Tricare West (TriWest)
Languages
- English
Education
-
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
-
University of Nevada Las Vegas
New patient?
View AvailabilityFrequently Asked
Questions
Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Michael Skibba. You can also call 925-282-1778 to have someone assist you.
Michael Skibba generally accepts new patients but there could be a waitlist.
Please call 925-282-1778 to find out Michael Skibba's schedule and availability.
LifeStance Health providers accept most commercial insurance plans that are offered in the states where we offer services, including telehealth. Please see the following list of insurances accepted by Michael Skibba:
- Aetna
- Blue Shield of California (D)
- Carelon (Beacon)
- Centivo
- Central Health Plan of California
- Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
- Devoted Health Plan
- Elevance Health (Anthem BC) (D)
- Evernorth (Cigna)
- Health Net (MHN)
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
- Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
- Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)
- Magellan (D)
- MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
- Medicare
- Northwell Direct
- Optum (UnitedHealthcare)
- Partners Direct Health
- Provider Network of America (PNOA)
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Sana Benefits
- TELUS Health (BHS)
- Tricare West (TriWest)
If you don't see your insurance listed, please contact us at 925-282-1778 to see how we can help.
Michael Skibba is a Therapist and cannot prescribe medication. However, most LifeStance offices have a Psychiatrist or APN on staff who can prescribe medication if needed.
Michael Skibba works at:
Yes, Michael Skibba does offer online telehealth visits.
No, Michael Skibba is not currently offering in-office visits. They are offering online telehealth appointments.