Ruth Westfall, LMSW
- Trauma and abuse specialist
- Evidence-based approaches
- Support for families and caregivers
About Ruth Westfall
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic she worked at a public health center alongside a psychiatric nurse practitioner and witnessed the prolonged effects of stress and trauma on diverse populations. That period reinforced the need to address emotional, spiritual, and physical self-care, and highlighted rising rates of anxiety and depression, which she notes increased by at least 25 percent during the pandemic.
Ruth offers practical, skills-based support to help people manage anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, relationship issues, and a range of trauma-related concerns. She draws on client-centered methods and evidence-informed strategies to help individuals identify strengths and build coping skills. Her approach emphasizes healing through skill development, resilience, and compassionate support tailored to each person’s circumstances.
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 the LMSW credential, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. License details are 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?
Sessions with Ruth Westfall can be conducted by 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 integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals and strengths guide the work - it is useful for building self-esteem, navigating life changes, and strengthening relationships. CBT helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skill-building, which can be especially helpful for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood disorders.
She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) when clients need focused support for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Ruth approaches treatment collaboratively, working with each person to determine which approaches best fit their needs, goals, and preferences rather than assuming a single method for everyone.
Online therapy with licensed professionals offers flexibility in how care is delivered. Video calls and phone sessions provide face-to-face interaction, while live chat and text-based messaging allow for ongoing support that can fit into busy days or caregiving schedules. These options increase accessibility and make it easier for people to sustain consistent work toward their goals.