Meet Mike Arteaga, AMFT

Calm. Direct. Supportive.

Now offering IN-PERSON sessions in Ventura

Portrait of a smiling man with dark hair, wearing a navy blue and white striped shirt, outdoor background with blurred greenery.

About Mike

Before I became a therapist, I was a coach — someone people could count on to show up, listen, and help them navigate what they were going through, whether or not it had anything to do with the game. Over time, I realized that the conversations I valued most weren’t about performance — they were about identity, emotion, and connection. That’s what brought me to therapy.

I believe therapy should be a space where you can be real, not fixed, not pressured, not told what to do. Just met exactly where you are, with honesty and care.

As a first-generation Hispanic therapist, I understand how identity, family roles, and responsibility can shape your internal world. I work with teens, adults, and couples navigating everything from anxiety and disconnection to life transitions and relationship challenges. My approach is calm and steady, and I’ll challenge you when it matters — always with intention and support.

"You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to get curious."

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Who I Work Best With

  • I specialize in working with:

    • Teens and adults feeling lostdisconnected, or unsure of who they are

    • People navigating life transitionsemotional overwhelm, or identity shifts

    • Couples struggling with communication, emotional disconnection, or unmet needs

    You might be showing up with anxiety, relational conflict, or a quiet sense that something isn’t working — even if you’re not sure what.

    Together, we’ll slow things down, get curious about the patterns you’re in, and start building a life or relationship that feels more aligned with who you really are.

My Approach

Therapy with me is relational, reflective, and real. I focus on what’s happening in the room — because how we relate here often mirrors how you move through the world outside. I’ll ask honest questions, offer thoughtful feedback, and help you notice what matters — not just for insight, but for growth.

I draw from:

  • Narrative therapyCBT, and solution-focused work (for individuals)

  • Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (for couples)

  • Metaphorhumor, and values-based reflection to bring clarity and connection

Our work won’t be surface-level — but it also won’t feel cold or clinical. It’s a conversation that supports change.

Expected Outcomes When Working with Me

Whether we’re working on stress, self-worth, relationships, or change, my goal is for you to walk away with:

  • A clearer sense of who you are and what you value

  • The ability to face hard moments with more reflection than reactivity

  • A stronger connection to the version of yourself you're becoming

Services, Availability, & Insurance

Virtual Therapy:
Flexible availability for Individual and Couples therapy

In-Person Therapy:

Mondays

260 Maple Court Suite 216

Ventura, CA 93003

Insurance:

I am able to accept the following insurances: Carelon (Gold Coast Medi-Cal), Aetna, Cigna, and United HealthCare (Optum)

Please note that all insurance plans are different and a verification of benefits on our end is not a guarantee of coverage, please check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage.

Supervised by Allison Lieberman, LMFT, PMH-C

Ready to Get Started?

If you're feeling stuck or disconnected — from yourself, your partner, or the path you thought you'd be on — therapy can help you slow down, tune in, and move forward with more clarity. I’m here to support you through that.