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James Rusk

James Rusk

LICSW

West Virginia

Compassionate listener who supports meaningful change

Continue with James

At a glance

Credentials
LICSW
License
LICSW, West Virginia / DP00946174
Experience
17 years
Languages
English
Location
West Virginia

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Values focused work
    • 17 years experience

    About James

    James Rusk is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 17 years of experience. He helps people who are stressed, anxious, grieving, dealing with addiction, or facing big life changes. He also supports those working through relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, career questions, and struggles with mood such as depression or bipolar disorder.

    James favors a conversational, collaborative style. He treats each person as the expert on their own life and asks questions that help people notice patterns in thoughts and behavior. Motivational Interviewing is part of his approach, used to draw out a person’s own reasons for change. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered ways of listening.

    In sessions he focuses on the stories people tell about themselves and their lives. He helps people notice how those stories affect choices and feelings in the present. Work may include learning simple mindfulness practices, testing small changes, and clarifying values to guide decisions.

    James has worked in agencies, medical settings, and private practice. His background gives him experience with a wide range of concerns and life circumstances. He aims for practical steps that fit into everyday life, not long lists of homework.

    If you want to start, the process asks you to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a session. The subscription used for sessions can be canceled at any time, and cost varies with location and therapist availability.

  2. How approaches like Motivational Interviewing and ACT work online

    James uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change. This approach focuses on listening, drawing out motivation, and supporting small steps rather than pushing goals. It can be useful for addictions, ambivalence about change, and building momentum for new habits.

    He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. ACT can help with anxiety, depression, grief, and situations where avoidance has limited life choices. Client-centered work means sessions are guided by what matters to the person in front of him, with reflective listening and gentle questioning.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate to figure out which methods fit your needs, goals, and comfort level, and will adjust over time based on what helps. That means you and the therapist decide together what to try first.

    The original biography does not list which online session formats are offered, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time for appointments. Licensed professionals can adapt Motivational Interviewing and ACT to remote sessions to focus on practical steps and mindful skills.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes

    Also works with

    AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic Therapy

    Experience

    17+ years

    Listed in

    West Virginia

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?

    James works with stress, anxiety, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, career questions, bipolar and depression, compassion fatigue, and LGBT concerns.

    How would you describe the therapy style?

    He uses a conversational, collaborative approach that centers on your experience and stories. Sessions focus on clarifying values, noticing patterns, and practical next steps.

    What experience does he bring to sessions?

    He has 17 years of clinical experience in agency, medical, and private practice settings, which informs work with a broad range of life concerns.

    What credential and location are listed for this therapist?

    The clinician is a LICSW licensed in West Virginia and practices from that state.

    Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?

    Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

    What session formats are available?

    The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

    How does pricing work for therapy with this clinician?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    What do I do to begin working with him?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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