CLINICIAN at HHM HEALTH CLINIC

Ruth Herrera is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with a robust academic background and a wealth of professional experience. She earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ruth’s academic achievements are paired with a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations, particularly high-risk children and adolescents. Her early career as a Specialized Patient Care Technician at Children’s Health allowed her to develop essential skills in patient care, safety advocacy, and crisis intervention, especially for children and adolescents facing severe challenges like behavioral issues, autism, or suicide ideation.

In addition to her healthcare experience, Ruth's background as a Damage Controlman in the United States Navy has significantly shaped her professional approach. During her military service, she developed strong leadership, crisis management, and teamwork skills, participating in critical operations aboard naval vessels and earning the Surface Warfare Enlisted pin. Ruth's military background instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and resilience, qualities she brings into her current roles in social work. As a Bilingual LMSW at Cannenta Center for Healing and Empowerment, she provides culturally sensitive therapeutic services to the Hispanic community, focusing on bridging the gap in accessible mental health counseling for Spanish-speaking clients. Ruth also serves as an Inpatient Therapist at a local behavioral health hospital, where she delivers both group and individual therapy, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other methodologies to support a diverse patient population.

Ruth’s professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to research and continuous learning. Her research interests include mental health disorders, personality disorders, suicide ideation, mood and anxiety disorders, psychological trauma, and substance misuse-related disorders. Passionate about understanding the role of psychiatry and brain function in everyday behaviors, Ruth is particularly focused on how these behaviors manifest in intimate relationships. Her short-term goals include obtaining her clinical license and continuing to explore the intersections of mental health and behavior, with the aim of contributing to more effective treatment strategies for those struggling with mental health and substance misuse disorders.