Website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-francis-ph-d-753437286?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
Dr. Michael Francis
Board Certified Christian Counselor, Certified Addiction Specialist, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Health and Wellness Coach, MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counselor)
About
Dr. Michael Francis, PhD
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology | Faith-Integrated Care | Coachella Valley
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About Dr. Francis
Dr. Michael Francis earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University, where he received his PhD. His clinical foundation is further strengthened by advanced certifications from leading institutions, including Rice University in biosciences, Duke University in brain sciences, and the Yale School of Medicine in clinical skills.
He has also completed advanced coursework in abnormal psychology and schizophrenia through Wesleyan University, positive psychology through Pennsylvania State University, and multiple areas of public and mental health through Johns Hopkins University, including primary healthcare, environmental health sciences, major depression, and psychological first aid. In addition, Dr. Francis holds advanced certification in environmental sciences from Dartmouth College.
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Practice & Community Presence
Dr. Francis serves Riverside County, with a primary focus on the Coachella Valley. His work extends beyond the traditional office setting.
He collaborates with numerous churches throughout the region, providing care to both Christian and Catholic communities. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence while remaining respectful and aligned with each individual’s faith and values.
Dr. Francis maintains a strong preference for conducting sessions within religious settings whenever possible. This approach allows care to take place within an environment that reinforces spiritual grounding, community support, and continuity beyond the clinical setting. By working within churches, patients are not only receiving psychological care, but are also being connected to a stable foundation of biblical guidance, fellowship, and long-term support.
When church-based settings are not available or cannot accommodate scheduling needs, Dr. Francis also provides sessions in his private office locations in Marietta, Riverside, and Palm Desert. This flexibility ensures that care remains accessible while still preserving the integrity of his faith-integrated model.
The purpose of prioritizing religious settings is intentional. Dr. Francis works to ensure that once formal services are no longer needed, individuals are not left without direction, but instead remain connected to a supportive community that offers continued encouragement, structure, and spiritual guidance. This model helps bridge the gap between clinical care and sustained personal growth, reinforcing both psychological stability and faith-based support systems.
In addition to outpatient care, Dr. Francis provides services to individuals who are unable to travel. This includes visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and in-home settings for patients who are non-ambulatory or medically limited. His model ensures that care remains accessible, regardless of physical limitations.
Dr. Francis is also committed to expanding access to care within the community. For individuals and families who may not be able to afford standard session rates, he offers a structured, case-by-case adjusted fee arrangement. This allows qualified clients to receive services at a reduced rate while maintaining the same level of clinical quality and professional care.
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Special Focus & Population
Dr. Francis is known for his work with:
• Adolescents and at-risk youth
• Underserved communities throughout Riverside County
• Families navigating behavioral and structural challenges
• Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life-direction concerns
He has authored multiple books and publications focused on psychological development, environmental influences on behavior, and practical strategies for long-term mental health.
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Approach to Care
Dr. Francis takes a structured and comprehensive approach to treatment. His work emphasizes:
• Understanding root causes rather than only addressing symptoms
• The role of environment in shaping behavior and emotional patterns
• The importance of discipline, structure, and consistency
• Integration of faith when desired by the client
His approach is both clinically grounded and practically applied, helping clients create lasting, meaningful change.
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Availability & Services
• Serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding Riverside County areas
• In-person, virtual, and mobile services available
• Hospital, home, and assisted-living visits offered when needed
• Private pay and out-of-network support available
• Adjusted fee options available on a limited, case-by-case basis
Provider details
Clinician's Sex/Gender
Male
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Cities
- Palm Desert
- Rancho Mirage
- La Quinta
- Indian Wells
- Palm Springs
Counties
- Riverside County
ZIPs
- 92260
Teleheath
Yes
Psychological Testing
No
Agree with the AACC Doctrinal Statement
Yes
Do you agree with the AACC Ethical Position
Yes
Biblical Integration – Verbally integrating Biblical principles, passages, doctrines, stories, and information into your treatment session
Yes
Do you utilize homework’s assignments for patients to do in between sessions?
No
What type of treatment approach do you utilize most frequently?
- Patient led approach
How direct is your approach with patients?
- I share my insights, opinions, views and expertise with the patient even though they might be contrary to what the patient is thinking
Cost Per Session
Evaluations
90 min 500.00
Individual Sessions
50-60 min 320.00
Payment Methods Accepted
- Cash
- Credit Card
- Check
Do you accept payment plans
No
Do you provide or work with an organization that provides loans for treatment
No
Educational History
- School:Drexel University
- Degree:Doctorate Degree
- School:Johns Hopkins
- Degree:Graduate School
Years In Practice
13
License Numbers
- Name:Board Certifications
- Number:4313710
- State:
- VA
Professional Associations
- American Psychological Association
- Christian Association for Psychological Studies
Do you agree that counseling is not fully Christian if a counselor’s faith shapes their posture but not their methods?
Yes
Do you agree that the deepest personal help a person needs cannot be fully received apart from faith in Christ, even through counseling?
Yes
Do you agree that Scripture speaks authoritatively to the deepest roots of human problems?
Yes
Do you agree that it is not appropriate to support or affirm a client’s chosen course of action when it conflicts with Scripture, even in the name of autonomy?
Yes
Do you agree that people do not possess all the internal resources needed for truth and healing apart from God, regardless of insight, support, or time?
Yes
Which state(s) do you offer Telehealth
- CA
