Dr. Michael Ferguson
Dr. Michael Ferguson has been working in mental health profession for more than 30 years, and has specialized with Chemical Dependent patients with co-existing disorders, i.e., anxiety and depression. He received his Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology from Long Beach State University, where he graduated with honors. He completed his Masters’ Degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California and received his Doctorate of Psychology from Ryokan College of Los Angeles. He served his internships at UCLA Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California, where he worked with adolescent children and their families. He also trained at L.A. County USC Psychiatric Hospital where he worked with bipolar and schizophrenic populations, and other related psychiatric illnesses.
Dr. Ferguson has observed during years of practice that many of his patients present with some form of anxiety.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that as much as 18% of the population suffers from anxiety.
These disorders may present in many ways, i.e. Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, OCD, PTSD, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Such disorders may generate feelings of distress, fear, worry, frequent experiences of "going crazy", fear of dying, shortness of breath, or choking sensations.
Health issues and financial problems seem to be the greatest source of anxiety according to the APA poll.
Rapid changes in today's society frequently induce feelings of impending doom without a source of relief. Such disorders are highly treatable; however approximately only 37% of those suffering receive treatment
People with anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those not suffering from anxiety disorders.
The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders includes Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) which Dr. Ferguson has employed in his practice for many years.
As a practicing psychotherapist with Christian based values, he provides counseling that will help develop and cultivate coping mechanisms which are consistent with Scriptural principals found in the Bible. Equally important, Dr. Ferguson’s ethical standards remain steadfast while adhering to the highest level of honesty and integrity.