Hi and Congratulations on taking this huge step forward in your life.
Having “reached out” myself for counseling I know what it is like to realize you need extra support to make changes. Getting out of our own way is the first step and you have done that!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified coach and have been assisting individuals achieve their goals for many years. I have enjoyed working in private practice with individuals and couples dealing with relationships, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, life changes, LGBTQ+ issues, in community agencies working with addictions, and in facilities helping families deal with changing roles and aging parents.
A special focus for me is supporting women as they move through major life changes and focus on questions of who they are and what they want in life.
I have a MA in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and have studied many therapeutic approaches. My training with a variety of holistic tools allows me to help you reach the goals you have more quickly and easily. These include mindfulness, breath work, relaxation, theta healing, imagery and clearing blocking beliefs. We work together to create a plan and develop your skills to live a more meaningful and successful life.
You can learn more about my approaches at my Facebook page: Opening Choices,
https://www.facebook.com/Opening-Choices-2216183171967672
We will work on your immediate concerns as well as identify the deeper factors that may be limiting your progress. We will share this healing journey as far as you desire.
My goal is to empower you to live the fullest, most successful life you desire. I will be your strongest advocate and support in this process. I believe you have strengths that can be tapped and strengthened to change your life and when we get rid of the old habits and thought patterns that have been sabotaging success, change happens!
I find it helpful to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better. But I am also available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you, during weekdays, some evenings and by request on Saturday. I also check my messages frequently during the day.
I look forward to sharing with you.
Professional experience
35 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Smoking / vaping cessation, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ruth Stoan. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Ruth as been my therapist for something like 5 years now. She's simply changed my life. Helped me grow in so many ways. She's so skilled and has many tools to help you evolve, go trough challenging periods, understand your and heal anxiety, heal deeper issues. She's funny, warm, kind and truly wise which I personally really appreciate. Some of the things she told me are always in my mind with me. Truly the best!
Written on May 13, 2026 after therapy with Ruth for 5 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and adhd
Fabulous!
Written on Apr 02, 2026 after therapy with Ruth for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar dis
Ruth has been like the sun coming out after living in innumerable foggy days. Didn’t know what was normal anymore, just knew I wasn’t seeing it in myself. Then I met Ruth, the light started to break through the haze, and the fog started to burn off. I might not be “perfect”, but I’m better thanks to her help
Written on Mar 31, 2026 after therapy with Ruth for 2 years and 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Kind, insightful, directs the patient to find answers themselves and with their own thoughts.
Written on Feb 15, 2026 after therapy with Ruth for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and adhd
Ruth is a kind, understanding and attentive therapist. She uses a well honed intuition and sound therapeutic practices to help you along your journey. Her combination approach of genuine care and other techniques allow her to really get at a problem and bring it to the surface in a non confrontational way. She has helped me so much.
Written on Jan 10, 2026 after therapy with Ruth for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
Ruth has been my touchstone throughout my troubled family mess.
Written on Nov 07, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 3 years and 11 months on issues concerning depression, and family conflicts
Ruth is an attentive and experienced therapist who is helping me identify ways to make the necessary changes in my life.
Written on Nov 06, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coaching
Ruth has been amazing to help me process and move along through big changes in my life. She has a wealth of personal and professional experience to help a young woman like myself go through a big life transition and hone in on the core of aligning my life with my desires and dreams. She’s been so helpful in my processing of emotions, understanding myself, and taking steps towards change.
Written on Jul 01, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I’ve worked with Ruth for a couple of years now. She’s helping me change my life. She’s probably the first person I felt I could trust through the client/therapist bond. Ruth is an amazing therapist!
Written on Mar 15, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 3 years on issues concerning self esteem, and adhd
The best.
Written on Feb 20, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 4 years and 3 months
Ruth is incredible. She patiently supported me for several years while I worked out what to do in my relationship. She supported me through hard decisions and now I’m genuinely the happiest I’ve ever been. Can’t say enough good things about her.
Written on Jan 02, 2025 after therapy with Ruth for 3 years and 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Ruth is great!
Written on Jul 24, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 3 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Ruth Stoan is a wonderful therapist! She works with her clients to create a personalized treatment plan and is very responsive to client feedback. She has helped empower me with real tools to better my life each day and I wouldn't be where I am now without her. Such a core part of my support system in my healing.
Written on Apr 30, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and relationship issues
Ruth has changed my life. Literally
Written on Apr 07, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Ruth is one of the best therapist I’ve had so far. She’s very supportive and respectful. Love her energy that she gives not only to her practice but to her patients. I feel safe and at home when we speak and she always try to understand and go deeper as to what I really mean. Her advice afterwards to work on or to reflect always on point. Definitely recommend her to everyone, they won’t regret it ❤️
Written on Jan 06, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes
She's simply the best
Written on Sep 08, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and anger management
Ruth is compassionate and intelligent. She spends time figuring out how to help me cope with life's little travails and my propensity to fret over things of little importance. I've been improving my mental strength and learning new tools to change negative through patterns. I appreciate her concern and thoughtfulness. I seek to live in the present moment which imbues happiness, contentment and enthusiasm. Learning that self-worth is an illusion, we have everything in this infinite space of Now. Ruth is a Bodhisattva of these principles and I enjoy her time and attention.
Written on Jul 27, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
She gives clear, helpful, and direct advice!
Written on Jun 30, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I really can’t say enough good things about Ruth. She’s helped me immensely.
Written on Apr 16, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Ruth Stoan is so patient and understanding. I have enjoyed are times together. I would highly recommend her to family and friends.
Written on Apr 10, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Ruth is amazing! She frequently checks in and has brought me so much inner peace.
Written on Dec 19, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Ruth Stoan is an amazing therapist. She really understands and listen to what I'm saying and is capable of handling a variety of topics and is very knowledgeable. She has a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. I am happy with our sessions and would highly recommend her.
Written on Sep 07, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and career difficulties
Ruth is an amazing therapist who is very easy to talk to. She listens well and truly creates a safe space. She has really helped me see things in a different way and I am very hopeful about my future
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Ruth is amazing. I love her expertise she has been really helpful she really helps ma concerns
Thanks Ruth
Written on Jun 13, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Ruth has helped me overcome depression and I would not be here if was not because of her.
Written on Mar 31, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Ruth is an amazing therapist. So patient, a good listener, and very kind.
Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Ruth has a calming nature. Her insight into solutions is priceless.
Written on Feb 18, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Ruth has been so instrumental in my healing journey in the past 14 months! She's not just my therapist but also my spiritual coach & teacher. I trust Ruth. Our sessions are a perfect balance of laughter, deep work, reflections, and fun!
Written on Feb 04, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Ruth is incredible. Without a doubt, the best therapist I’ve ever had. She has a special gift and I would highly recommend her to anyone and everyone.
Written on Dec 16, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
As a therapist myself, it is sometimes difficult to find a therapist for myself. Ruth is fantastic. She's very present and honest and willing to go into the depths needed to help me work through my challenges. She is a fantastic therapist!
Written on Dec 09, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Ruth is amazing, she listens and provides feedback and assurance when needed. I am an ongoing repair job but really feel like I improved immensely during my time with Ruth. Thanks Ruth!
Written on Sep 09, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Ruth has been a breath of fresh air for me during a very challenging time. She is compassionately but pointedly prioritizing the need for me stop and change habits and beliefs that don’t serve me well. She is an extremely active listener and very easy to talk with. After only two sessions I feel very comfortable with her. Ruth is the perfect counselor for me.
Written on Sep 07, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and adhd
Ruth is an incredible counsellor, able to balance and hold multiple elements of issues and problems to see connections and formulate tools to address them .
Written on Sep 05, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
I am blessed to have her in my life and mind. Thank you Ruth thank you better help. Mahalo
Written on Aug 25, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and grief
Ruth is an absolutely wonderful counselor. She doesn’t judge or condemn behavior but rather she helps you get to the root of those old stories that have caused the behavior you want to change. Or the situation you want to change. She is very kind hearted and I truly feel she has my best interest in mind.
Written on Jul 28, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
Ruth is very friendly, calm, understanding and helpful
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Working with Ruth has been such a positive experience for me. She is a great counselor with an accepting and nonjudgemental approach and she uses a variety of techniques to work through the things I feel stuck on. I am so happy to have found her and feel my work with her is shifting my perspective for the better.
Written on Apr 28, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Ruth is very attentive and present during every session. This is particularly helpful for someone like me whose mind can wander. During this hard period in my life, I always look forward to working things out with Ruth. It’s nice to have someone to connect to that feels outside of my immediate world, it’s comforting and feels like a healthy step towards finding balance in life. I don’t think it would feel that way with just any counselor however. Would recommend Ruth 10/10 times.
Written on Feb 22, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I feel heard , comfortable , and a sense of calm comes over me during our sessions. It’ll be my 3rd session coming up this week and I can’t wait
Written on Feb 03, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Ruth is very understanding and a lovely person to speak with! She takes her time to get to know your problems and tries to help you in the most beneficial way.
Written on Dec 01, 2020 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Ruth is an exceptionally compassionate, kind and encouraging person. She is a good listener, asking insightful questions to help me open up and share.
Written on Nov 24, 2020 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Your review of Ruth Stoan would be greatly appreciated.
We will share your review with Ruth Stoan, and it may be posted on our website, Ruth Stoan's profile, or used in online marketing. To protect your identity, your name will not be associated with the review. Posts may be edited to remove identifying information.
Please provide a review for Ruth Stoan
Thank you for submitting a review
Your feedback is very important, and we'll carefully review it to continue improving the therapy experience for everyone who uses BetterHelp.
Cookie Consent
We process personally identifiable information ("PII") and personal health information to conduct our business and provide you with effective service as described in our Privacy Policy. Some data processing and sharing is required for our product to function and cannot be disabled. If you click 'I agree', we may also share PII with third party advertising partners to deliver more relevant ads and with analytics partners to improve our services. To learn about who we share your data with and why or to opt out, go to Sharing settings.
To write a message, first send or discard the audio message.
Write a message...Write a note...Let clients know in advance that you will be taking notes and type softly so they are not distracted during the session.
