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Ruth Stoan, LPC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Ruth 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 Ruth. View 52 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Missouri

Recent reviews

Ruth Stoan creates a safe place for me to talk about what I’m thinking, acting, feeling and experiencing. We’ve used different therapies over the past year and I can honestly say I’ve grown as a person. Some hard life experiences hit me and Ruth helped me create space in my own thoughts, take care of myself, and helped me get through some real sticky life situations. I feel like I finally learned how to receive and use counseling, and I think it’s because of Ruth Stoan’s experience, education, empathy, and dedication to helping her clients heal their own wounds that showed me the real possibilities of counseling leading to an overall improvement of my wellbeing. Thank you Ruth!

Reviewed November 2024

So incredibly helpful and down to Earth! I super appreciate her questioning and feedback strategies.

Reviewed July 2024

More about Ruth

  • 35 years' experience
  • Female
  • LPC

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.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Addictions LGBT Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Intimacy-related issues Anger management Career difficulties Coaching Compassion fatigue Aging and geriatric issues Body image Caregiver issues and stress Codependency Emptiness Family of origin issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counseling Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Midlife crisis Self-love Women's issues Workplace issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Ruth Stoan's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1407454580.

  • LPC · Missouri · 000702 · Expires June 2025

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, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Ruth Stoan

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

52 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Helped Amazing Recommend Helpful The best Understanding Great Healing Calm Grateful

Ruth Stoan creates a safe place for me to talk about what I’m thinking, acting, feeling and experiencing. We’ve used different therapies over the past year and I can honestly say I’ve grown as a person. Some hard life experiences hit me and Ruth helped me create space in my own thoughts, take care of myself, and helped me get through some real sticky life situations. I feel like I finally learned how to receive and use counseling, and I think it’s because of Ruth Stoan’s experience, education, empathy, and dedication to helping her clients heal their own wounds that showed me the real possibilities of counseling leading to an overall improvement of my wellbeing. Thank you Ruth!

Reviewed November 2024

So incredibly helpful and down to Earth! I super appreciate her questioning and feedback strategies.

Reviewed July 2024

Ruth is great!

Reviewed July 2024

She’s been a wonderful support as I crossed the bridge over troubled waters.

Reviewed May 2024

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.

Reviewed April 2024

Ruth has changed my life. Literally

Reviewed April 2024

Ruth is the best!

Reviewed January 2024

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 ❤️

Reviewed January 2024

Ruth has helped me a lot. I feel lighter and more calm after working through many old beliefs about myself.

Reviewed November 2023

I’ve worked with a lot of different therapists over the years and Ruth is by far the most compassionate, knowledgeable and consistent person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She has really helped me start to find myself after I was in the lowest point of my life and I have so much respect for her.

Reviewed November 2023

Ruth is an empathetic listener, a passionate problem solver, and a guide with a supportive by firm hand. This gives me the support I need to continue my healing journey. Grateful!

Reviewed September 2023

She's simply the best

Reviewed September 2023

Ruth has helped me through difficult and painful family issues. She was patient and affirming through out. I am a therapist who needed a therapist so I am appreciative of her expertise and experience.

Reviewed August 2023

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.

Reviewed July 2023

She gives clear, helpful, and direct advice!

Reviewed June 2023

Ruth Stoan is so patient and understanding. I have enjoyed are times together. I would highly recommend her to family and friends.

Reviewed April 2023

Ruth has a nice intuitive way of exploring mental percolations. Realizing underlying intent, helping to understand and achieve goals to live life fully and meaningfully. She takes time to read journal entries and offer insight and advice to facilitate understanding and growth.

Reviewed March 2023

I really can’t say enough good things about Ruth. She’s helped me immensely.

Reviewed April 2023

She’s empathic and encouragingly.

Reviewed January 2023

Ruth is amazing! She frequently checks in and has brought me so much inner peace.

Reviewed December 2022

Ruth has great ideas for growth and understanding. She's empathetic and considerate and has a desire for people to achieve their mental health goals.

Reviewed November 2022

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.

Reviewed September 2022

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

Reviewed July 2022

Ruth is amazing. I love her expertise she has been really helpful she really helps ma concerns Thanks Ruth

Reviewed June 2022

I am really happy Ruth Stoan is my therapist because she listen and understands what I'm saying. She doesn't make me feel like she doesn't get what I'm saying. Our sessions have really helped me start the process of exploring and expanding my thoughts about myself. I am grateful to have her as my therapist and I believe her skills and experience will benefit anyone.

Reviewed April 2022

Ruth has helped me overcome depression and I would not be here if was not because of her.

Reviewed March 2022

Ruth is an amazing therapist. So patient, a good listener, and very kind.

Reviewed March 2022

She is compassionate and empathic.

Reviewed February 2022

Ruth has a calming nature. Her insight into solutions is priceless.

Reviewed February 2022

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!

Reviewed February 2022

She's the best

Reviewed February 2022

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.

Reviewed December 2021

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!

Reviewed December 2021

Ruth is an insightful and intelligent resource who has helped me immeasurably in the past year. Our conversations vary - by frequency, topic, intensity - but they are always positive and honest. I am grateful for our time together.

Reviewed December 2021

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!

Reviewed September 2021

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.

Reviewed September 2021

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 .

Reviewed September 2021

I am blessed to have her in my life and mind. Thank you Ruth thank you better help. Mahalo

Reviewed August 2021

Ruth is my favorite therapist I have ever had! He is kind, gentle, but also very honest. I feel completely supported, heard, understood by her! She is God sent, and I don’t know what I would do without her!

Reviewed August 2021

From the moment I said my first hello to Ruth until now, she has been amazing! It's hard to find a therapist that fits your style and simply... Gets you. She definitely does. She is obviously very passionate about her work with her clients and take the time extra steps to make sure you are feeling listened to, taken care of, and most importantly, completely respected even when you have a taboo past. Definitely recommend her.

Reviewed July 2021

She’s amazing

Reviewed July 2021

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.

Reviewed July 2021

Ruth is very friendly, calm, understanding and helpful

Reviewed June 2021

I’ve been working with Ruth for more than 5 months now, and I can’t believe how much she has helped me grow and change. I cannot recommend her highly enough — she is extremely insightful, warm, and wise! Anyone would be lucky to work with her!

Reviewed May 2021

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.

Reviewed April 2021

Ruth has been such a powerful guiding force for me in the past few months. Her light, presence, love, and wisdom has been so helpful in my healing process! I don't know how I would have done these major life transitions without her!

Reviewed March 2021

Ruth is by far the best therapist I’ve ever had. She gives me insight on things that I don’t even think about, she dissect things in such a way that are so complex yet so simple. I’ve had some major breakthroughs with Ruth and I’ve only been with her since December 2020.

Reviewed March 2021

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.

Reviewed February 2021

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

Reviewed February 2021

I have been working with Ruth for three sessions now, and wow, how it's already made a difference! She is truly amazing at what she does. I can tell from her responses that she genuinely understands the issues I'm dealing with (anxiety, family dynamics, relationship issues). She offers me great perspectives through which to understand what I'm going through, and her strategies really truly help. I feel incredibly lucky to work with Ruth and would highly recommend her to anyone.

Reviewed January 2021

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.

Reviewed December 2020

Ruth is an exceptionally compassionate, kind and encouraging person. She is a good listener, asking insightful questions to help me open up and share.

Reviewed November 2020

How was your experience with Ruth?

Frequently asked questions

Does Ruth Stoan offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Ruth Stoan 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 Ruth Stoan speak?

Ruth Stoan speaks English.

How many years of experience does Ruth Stoan have?

Ruth Stoan has 35 years of experience.

Where is Ruth Stoan licensed to practice?

Ruth Stoan is licensed to practice in Missouri.

Does Ruth Stoan accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Ruth Stoan 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 Ruth Stoan offer?

Ruth Stoan offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Ruth Stoan?

Ruth Stoan 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 Ruth Stoan?

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.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

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.