Dr Ruby is a kind, gentle and understanding counsellor who provides a safe place for me to express my concerns about my mental health. He demonstrates a considerable amount of empathy and makes me feel like the world isn’t such a dark place. I really appreciate his guidance and support.
Dr. James Ruby, LMHC
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
James is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with James. View 2 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Hawaii and Iowa
Recent reviews
I learned a lot of things from Dr Ruby how to avoid the conflict .especially get outside and get a peace Mind and come back when the situation is normal.
More about James
- 22 years' experience
- Male
- LMHC
Hello! I am James Ruby and I am grateful that you have taken a few minutes to look at my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to work together to help you reach your goals!
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I did my MA at Northeastern IL University in Chicago, IL and my PhD at Loyola University in Chicago. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families since 1998.
I would imagine that you might want to know a bit about how I work, what I believe about the counseling process, etc. Let me try and give you some information that will help you make the best decision for you, you and your partner, or you and your family...
I believe that our past is important, but it doesn't define us. We are shaped by our past and we can learn from it, but we are the authors of our own lives. So, we can write a new chapter for ourselves that will better enable us to reach our goals. Sometimes, our ways of thinking can get in our way. We might have learned some things early in life that no longer seem to work for us. These thoughts and beliefs can feel like "the truth," but they really are only thoughts and beliefs. They can change. We can change. We can grow. We can thrive!
I also believe that we humans are complex beings, with multiple dimensions to our lives - the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to name a few. All of those dimensions can work for us, or against us, so I like to help my counseling clients look at all of those dimensions. Within each of us is a wealth of knowledge and strength that our problems can make us forget. I like to help my clients tap into that knowledge and activate those strengths. So, I occasionally ask my clients to complete questionnaires or do some "homework" between sessions that helps them move in the direction they would like to go.
I would be privileged to have the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I know what it feels like to have the weight of sadness, anxiety, or frustration keep you down. I work in a judgment free atmosphere, so there is no need to feel excessive guilt or shame. In fact, those things can get in our way.
I have helped many people get through their most difficult days and come out on the other side, ready to live the life they deserve. I'd love to have the chance to do the same for you.
If you have any questions for me, I welcome them. I want you to find the best match for you and your counseling needs.
Specialties
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Grief
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Stress
Anxiety
Addictions
LGBT
Trauma and abuse
Intimacy-related issues
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Depression
ADHD
Caregiver issues and stress
Communication problems
Divorce and separation
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
Forgiveness
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Men's issues
Self-love
Workplace issues
Young adult issues
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Licenses
Dr. James Ruby's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1104441880.
- LMHC · Hawaii · MHC-367 · Expires June 2026
- LMHC · Iowa · 122890 · Expires September 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Dr. James Ruby
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Dr Ruby is a kind, gentle and understanding counsellor who provides a safe place for me to express my concerns about my mental health. He demonstrates a considerable amount of empathy and makes me feel like the world isn’t such a dark place. I really appreciate his guidance and support.
I learned a lot of things from Dr Ruby how to avoid the conflict .especially get outside and get a peace Mind and come back when the situation is normal.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. James Ruby offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Dr. James Ruby works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Dr. James Ruby speak?
Dr. James Ruby speaks English.
How many years of experience does Dr. James Ruby have?
Dr. James Ruby has 22 years of experience.
Where is Dr. James Ruby licensed to practice?
Dr. James Ruby is licensed to practice in Hawaii and Iowa.
Does Dr. James Ruby accept clients outside of the United States?
Yes, Dr. James Ruby accepts clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Dr. James Ruby offer?
Dr. James Ruby offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
How can I communicate with Dr. James Ruby?
Dr. James Ruby can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Dr. James Ruby?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.