Ruth Westfall, LMSW
- Victims of crime
- Stress and anxiety
- Strengths-based care
About Ruth Westfall
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic she worked in a public health center alongside a psychiatric nurse practitioner, an experience that clarified how prolonged stress and trauma can affect many areas of life. She has observed how these effects can touch physical health, mental well-being, education, employment, substance use, and relationships, and how the impact often continues for years.
Westfall notes that anxiety and depression rose notably during the pandemic, with at least a 25% increase in many communities, and emphasizes the importance of tending to emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. She offers skill-based strategies to help people manage symptoms and rebuild routines, and she draws on clients' strengths to support positive, sustainable healing and coping.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Ruth Westfall have?
Ruth Westfall has 30 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Ruth Westfall a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. License details: MI LMSW 6801069412.
In which languages does Ruth Westfall provide therapy?
Ruth Westfall provides therapy in English.
Where is Ruth Westfall located?
Ruth Westfall is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Ruth Westfall as my therapist?
You can work with Ruth Westfall through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Ruth Westfall work with international clients?
Ruth Westfall does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Ruth Westfall cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Ruth Westfall
Ruth Westfall draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to tailor care to each person's needs. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental partnership in which the therapist listens closely and helps clients explore their values and goals - this approach supports people navigating grief, life changes, and relationship challenges. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and patterns that contribute to anxiety, low mood, and stressful behaviors, offering practical tools to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches concrete skills for regulating intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for those coping with strong emotional reactions or recurring crises.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapy process, and Ruth works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time as progress is made and priorities change.
Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility and increased access to care. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life is unpredictable, and connect with licensed professionals from different locations while still receiving structured, goal-focused therapeutic support.