Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Berkeley, CA

I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.

My passion is for helping others get unstuck and flourish! The focus of my practice is geared toward helping you develop affirming responses and positive interpretations of what has happened in your life. I will help you have agency and integrity in the midst of a life transition or challenge that has you feeling stuck or out of ways to help yourself.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.

With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years experience. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with focus on Children and Families, a Master's Degree in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, and a PhD in Social Work (all but dissertation) with focus on trauma, sexual abuse and assault, and domestic violence. I was the Director of a private, non-profit Foster Care and Adoption Agency, I worked in a women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked in a Level 4 men's prison, and I worked as a Supervisor for mental health therapists serving school systems. I have always had a private practice as well. I have worked in teletherapy for approximately 8 years.

My name is Marissa Ruiz and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with nearly 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 20 years experience in the social work field. Some of my other titles include mother, wife, ex-wife, sister, daughter, niece, grandmother and friend. Sharing these titles are important to me because they represent relationships my clients have which helps to improve the rapport. I survived my obstacles in my life with the help of a therapist and hope to help you through yours.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.