I’m Mia Ruth, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Insight & Action Therapy, a group practice located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. I provide affirming, evidence-based psychotherapy to LGBTQ+ individuals, adolescents, adults, and couples, with a deep commitment to creating a space where every identity, expression, and experience is not only accepted, but genuinely celebrated.

Who I Am:
My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own journey of self-discovery and identity exploration. Before entering the mental health field, I spent years working in film and television production, a background that gave me a profound appreciation for the power of storytelling, identity, and the human experience. I bring that same curiosity and openness into the therapy room. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of meaningful change, and I show up as my full, authentic self to help you feel safe doing the same.

I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies with a concentration in Cinema and Media Studies from Carleton College. I completed my clinical internship at IHI Therapy Center, an award-winning LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy center in Manhattan, an experience that deepened my clinical training specifically within LGBTQ+ care, community, and culture.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care & Specializations:
LGBTQ+-related concerns are a core clinical focus of my practice. I am committed to providing gender-affirming, identity-affirming, and sexuality-affirming care. I have clinical experience working with:

LGBTQ+ identity exploration – including questions of sexual orientation, coming out, and self-acceptance
Gender identity and gender dysphoria – supporting transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming individuals at any stage of their journey
LGBTQ+ relationship concerns – including couples of all sexual and gender identities, polyamorous relationships, and navigating intimacy and communication
Minority stress and trauma – addressing the psychological impact of discrimination, family rejection, homophobia, transphobia, and internalized shame
Intersectionality – holding space for the full complexity of overlapping identities including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and more
Life transitions – including transition-related decisions, chosen family dynamics, and navigating LGBTQ+ identity across the lifespan

All gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations are warmly welcomed. I use affirming language, stay current on LGBTQ+ issues and evolving care standards, and approach every client with cultural humility and respect.

My Clinical Approach:
I offer an integrative therapeutic approach grounded in Psychodynamic Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — a close cousin of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Together, these frameworks allow us to explore the root causes of difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while also developing practical tools to shift unhelpful patterns and build resilience.

I tailor every treatment plan to the individual. You are the expert on your own life; I’m here to help you understand it more deeply and move through it with greater ease.

Professional Affiliations & Training:
Clinical internship at IHI Therapy Center, an award-winning LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy center in Manhattan
Professional member, American Counseling Association (ACA)
Professional member, New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA)
M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, New York University

Let’s Connect
Whether you’re navigating questions of identity, struggling with anxiety or depression, working through relationship challenges, or simply looking for a compassionate space to grow – I’m here. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit.