Gabriela Ruiz, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Gabriela!

I am a medical social worker, and that experience has strengthened my therapeutic approach. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Grief Therapy to help my clients make progress.

My focus

My experience includes working with people with chronic illnesses, seniors, and couples.

My approach

I work from a strength-based approach, using evidence-based theories such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing.

My communication style

I am a compassionate listener who can hold a non-judgmental space for patients to share their beliefs, desires, and concerns.

My journey to mental healthcare

My background in medical social work has shaped how I understand the intersection of health, identity, and resilience. I bring that perspective into every session to support clients navigating life transitions and challenges.

My goals for you

We'll work together to identify what matters most to you, then build practical strategies that fit your life. I focus on progress you can see and feel, using tools that support lasting change.

Our first session

In our first session, we'll talk about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask questions to understand your story, and we'll begin mapping out a path forward that feels right for you.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx
Spiritual

Expertise

Specialties

+ 9 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

+ 6 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Body Positivity

Cancer

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

HIV/AIDS

LGBTQIA+

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Racial Justice

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Sex Worker

Sex-Positive/Kink

Transgender

+ 12 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) in Health and Disabilities from Columbia University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Gabriela Ruiz