FindADHDTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LMSW

Malaika Ward, LMSW

  • Experience5 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Existential Therapy
Explore therapy options

Compare available online therapy options and next steps.

About Malaika

Malaika Ward is a licensed LMSW practicing in Michigan who brings five years of clinical experience to her work with adults facing a wide range of concerns.

Background and approach

She focuses on areas such as stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, ADHD, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, sleep difficulties, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

Malaika also attends to issues like abandonment, attachment struggles, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, codependency, domestic violence, substance use, guilt and shame, immigration stressors, infidelity, loneliness, jealousy, questions about life purpose, and financial worries. Her approach centers on recognizing each person as the expert on their own life while offering practical, evidence-informed tools.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, Motivational Interviewing to build readiness for change, and Existential Therapy to explore meaning and values. Malaika aims to meet people where they are, helping them identify strengths and small steps that move them toward greater functioning and clarity.

She encourages prospective clients that starting therapy is a courageous choice and offers collaborative support throughout the process.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and then teaches practical strategies to shift those patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and some stress-related problems. Motivational Interviewing focuses on enhancing a person’s readiness and motivation to make changes by exploring ambivalence and building commitment; this approach is commonly used when addressing addictions, lifestyle changes, or mixed feelings about treatment.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Malaika works with each person to explore goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked in the past, then tailors sessions to fit those needs. That means techniques from different approaches may be combined over time to match the client’s priorities and pace.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing people to access consistent support without geographic limits. These formats can make scheduling easier, allow follow-up between sessions, and provide multiple ways to engage with therapeutic work depending on moment-to-moment needs and lifestyle considerations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?
Malaika works with a broad set of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career struggles, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She blends practical, evidence-informed methods with exploratory conversations, helping clients use strengths while learning skills to change thoughts and behaviors or clarify meaning and values.
What is her professional background?
She holds an LMSW and has five years of professional clinical experience working with varied mental health and life concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is licensed in Michigan; the credential listed is MI LMSW 6801090166 and she practices with that licensing in mind.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to therapist availability.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational Interviewing

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English

About

Malaika Ward is a Licensed Masters Social Worker practicing in Michigan, not currently accepting new clients.