I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you trust me with your life or your’s child life and I take this trust very seriously.

I want to work with you as a team so you feel comfortable to ask questions or make suggestions as needed.

Girl HappyMost people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am aware of this fact and I am ready to help.

I treat you with the respect and the dignity that you are entitled to as a human being. I am kind in how I work but I am also direct and I am very honest. I never lie to my patients. You expect me to do a job and I do my best to get the job done because that is why you are coming to me.

My specialties include:

  • Children and teens
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar Disorder

Anger Management

I am certified in anger management by the State and certified to Level 2 in EMDR.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation costs less than divorces and it is better for children. In addition, mediation increase the likelihood that parents will co-parent after ending the marriage.

familyI also handle high conflict divorces, custody issues and I have been appointed as a 730 Court Expert and Expert witness. I have been Court approved as a therapist for children experiencing divorce or other issues and as a Therapeutic Supervisor. I work with Wevorce, in San Francisco, to help facilitate meditations.

Additionally, I treat anxiety disorders, cutting and self-mutilating behaviors, suicide, victims of physical/sexual abuse, porn and sexual addiction.

I am on the national advisory board for Street Soldiers, now referred to as Alive and Free, and I have taught at John F. Kennedy University. I have appeared on local and national television and radio shows as an expert in treating teenagers. I also work with the group Challenge Day and use some of their techniques.

These are some basic details about my work. If you want more or have additional questions, please contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions. I look forward to working with you.

Educational Background:

  • 1989 BA, Psychology, University of California Berkeley
  • 1993 MA, Clinical Psychology, St. Mary’s College, Moraga
  • 2000 Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, CSPP – Alameda
  • 1997 licensed as a Marriage, Family and Child Therapist in California

DEDICATION – THE LUCAS CENTER

The work that we do at Rubino Counseling Services is dedicated to the memory of my nephew, Lucas Michael Rubino. He only lived 18 months due to a very rare heart condition, but in that small amount of time he touched many people’s lives. Even though every day, every breath was a struggle he lived life to its fullest. He was always happy and he always had a smile. He taught all of us and all the staff at Children’s Hospital what it means to enjoy life and how to make the most of what you are given. He never should have walked but he did and he was happy. And even as he laid there in bed the day he was dying, he had a smile on his face and he reached out to each one of us to comfort us. He knew what it was to see someone, to hear someone and to let that person know, you matter to me. It is with his spirit that we carry on making the most of each day and helping you make the most of your life and your family’s life. Lucas I hope we make you proud.

Due to our experience we also are strong advocates for ensuring that every child receives excellent physical and mental health care and that they live in an environment with people who will allow them to have a happy life and grow up to be productive adult. We have created The Lucas Center for this purpose.

The Lucas CenterThe Lucas Center advocates for adequate physical and mental health care for all children It also advocates to stop the abuse of children and fights for a world where every child can grow up happy and healthy. The Lucas Center wants to see a world where every child dares to have big dreams for their future and that they have a chance to achieve their dreams regardless of race, creed, color, disability status, financial class or sexual orientation. In short, we are looking for a world where every child feels wanted, cared for and loved.

We want to work with you and hear your thoughts and ideas. Join us on THE LUCAS CENTER FACEBOOK PAGE so we can share our thoughts and ideas. The picture you will notice will be a picture of Lucas and his great-grandfather.

– Sincerely, Michael Rubino.