Nicolas Ruiz

Hi, I’m Nicolas—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.

I earned my degree from the University of Southern California and have spent the past several years working with individuals across a range of life experiences. While I have a strong focus in adolescent mental health, my background also includes working within the juvenile justice system and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how trauma, environment, and systemic factors influence mental health—and they continue to inform my practice today.

If you're considering starting therapy, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in that journey.

On a personal note, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, playing video games, exercising, collecting cards and more. I feel like hobbies, and outside interests beyond work are crucial for a full life.

I use a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the impact that past experiences can have on present-day functioning. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I work collaboratively to help you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

I also specialize in men’s mental health and addiction recovery, offering a space where clients can explore emotional challenges, identity, and healing without judgment. Therapy with me is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect. I believe it should be a place where you can show up as you are and feel safe to explore what matters most to you.

In our first session, the focus is on getting to know each other and beginning to build a strong therapeutic relationship. I’ll ask some questions to understand what’s bringing you in and what you hope to get out of therapy, but there’s no pressure to share everything right away.

Because I take a trauma-informed approach, I’m mindful of your comfort and pace. I believe that trust and connection are the foundation of meaningful work, so we’ll spend time making sure you feel safe, supported, and understood.

Therapy is a collaborative process—and that starts with a relationship built on respect, honesty, and care.