About

Dr. James Ruby is a seasoned mental health counselor based in Hawaii who has worked with individuals, couples, and families since 1998 and brings 22 years of clinical experience to his practice.

He holds a master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and earned his PhD from Loyola University in Chicago. He is a licensed mental health counselor in both Iowa and Hawaii and also holds national certification as a counselor, credentials that reflect his formal training and professional standing.

Dr. Ruby views the past as important but not determinative; he helps people learn from their history while supporting them as the authors of new chapters in their lives. He pays attention to multiple dimensions of experience - cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual - and helps clients access the strengths and knowledge that can get obscured by difficulty.

In sessions he may occasionally suggest questionnaires or short between-session tasks designed to support progress toward goals. He works in a judgment-free atmosphere and understands the heavy weight that sadness, anxiety, or frustration can place on daily life. Over his career he has guided many people through very difficult periods toward a more resilient place.

Dr. Ruby welcomes questions from prospective clients and aims to help people find the best match for their needs, whether they seek individual, couples, or family work.

Location:
Hawaii, United States
Years Experience:
22
Gender:
Male
Languages Spoken:
English
Therapist of Color:
No
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:Compassion fatigue, Coping with life changes, Family, Grief, Relationship, Relationship
Other areas of experience: Addictions, ADHD, Career, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Depression, Divorce, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Intimacy-related issues, Isolation / loneliness, LGBT, Life purpose, Men’s issues, Parenting, Self esteem, Self-love, Separation, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Therapeutic approach:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: IA LMHC 122890, HI LMHC MHC-367
  • NPI Number: 1104441880
  • License: LMHC (Hawaii) #MHC-367 exp 2026-06-30 • LMHC (Iowa) #122890 exp 2026-09-30

Is Online Therapy the Right Step Toward Better Mental Health?

Many people wonder whether online therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life changes, research and practice indicate that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person care. A major benefit is flexibility - clients can connect in the way that feels most comfortable, whether by video call, phone session, live chat, or in-app messaging. This convenience makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to maintain continuity of care. Therapists offering online services are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to request a different clinician if they feel a different fit would be better. For many people, online therapy provides an accessible, practical route to support and progress.

How much experience does Dr. James Ruby have?

Dr. James Ruby brings 22 years of experience providing therapy services.

Is Dr. James Ruby a licensed therapist?

Yes. Dr. James Ruby is a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa and Hawaii (IA LMHC 122890, HI LMHC MHC-367).

In which languages does Dr. James Ruby provide therapy?

Dr. James Ruby provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. James Ruby located?

Dr. James Ruby is located in Hawaii.

How can I work with Dr. James Ruby as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. James Ruby by phone, video, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Does Dr. James Ruby work with international clients?

Dr. James Ruby does work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. James Ruby cost?

Therapy costs can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is straightforward: click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.