
Mike Pugh Jr, PhD
Welcome! I am Dr. Mickeal (Mike) Pugh Jr, a licensed psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. With a wealth of experience in hospitals, medical centers, and community health clinics, I implement evidence and strengths based interventions with my therapy clients. Outside of therapy sessions, I conduct health disparities research independently and as a consultant, provide consultation services to organizations, and conduct psychodiagnostic evaluations.
Professional Training and Experience:
In the process of receiving a Counseling Psychology PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University, I gained a depth of rehabilitation, health, and behavioral medicine psychology training with equal emphases on research and clinical intervention. Regarding my clinical experience, I have been very fortunate to have provided services across all stages of the healing spectrum. While at the University of Washington on a
Behavioral Medicine Residency, I deepened my rehabilitation psychology experience and treated people with newly acquired disability and longstanding chronic health issues. Building upon this experience, I provided health psychology intervention on an individual and group basis for military populations at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Currently, I provide psychological treatment for people with neurological conditions enrolled in intensive multidisciplinary programs and run my private practice. Please feel free to browse my LinkedIn profile or review my CV here.
My Story:
I am a Black, first-generation college graduate who fell in love with psychology at an early age. I have always felt drawn to people and have been fascinated by everyone's psychological experiences. When I'm not fulfilling my duties as a psychologist, I am typically weightlifting, spending time with my beautiful family, or nerding out to Lord of the Rings.
My Therapeutic Approach:
Research shows the therapeutic relationship is the biggest predictor of change for clients. Thus, I believe fully in working collaboratively to develop a strong relationship as a foundation for our work together. Prioritizing empathy and encouraging exploration of your personal identity into therapy sessions, I take an integrated approach to therapy. I use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT).