ABOUT RUBY
My name is Ruby Bridges Walker, LCSW.
I'm a bisexual, biracial, polyamorous sex therapist. I'm a vocal advocate for queer liberation, harm reduction, and every human's right to heal and experience their best possible life. I believe the key to great therapy is finding that perfect balance between safety and growth.
My style: My practice is a welcoming and 100% judgment-free space - but I'm also not afraid to tell it like it is! The way I see it, there's nothing worse than paying for therapy just to hear somebody ask "How does that make you feel?" and agree with you for an hour. You should leave each session with specific, actionable advice that will help you get closer to your goals.
My specialties: LGBTQ issues, interracial relationships and bi/multiracial identity, non-monogamous and alternative relationships, kink and BDSM, sexual empowerment, and out of control sexual behaviors (aka "sex addiction"). I also work with neurodivergent clients with adult ADHD and autism.
My therapeutic approach: As a sex therapist, I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to support your growth. My practice borrows from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sensate Focus, The Gottman Method, and Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a trauma-informed, sex-positive, harm-reduction perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sex therapy? Is touching involved?
Sex therapists are licensed mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns. Sex therapy can help with issues such as sexual trauma, mismatched desire between couples, erectile issues, out of control sexual behaviors, sexual / gender exploration and more.
Sex therapists do not touch their clients. Some sex therapists utilize Surrogate Partner Therapy, where a third party called a Sexual Surrogate is brought in to model physical intimacy with the client. Diverse Desires does not offer Surrogate Partner Therapy at this time.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
At this time, all sessions occur via secure telehealth videochat.
What is your privacy / confidentiality policy?
All communications with your therapist are considered confidential health information. We utilize encrypted, HIPPA-compliant email and videochat software to protect your privacy.
Therapists are mandated reporters. This means we are required to report certain acts involving harm to self or others to the appropriate authorities. This includes strong suspicion that a client poses an imminent, serious risk of harm to themselves, children, or older adults.
As sex therapists, we are trained to treat individuals with intrusive sexual thoughts regarding children, animals, etc. We do not automatically report these clients unless there is an imminent, serious risk of abuse or other illegal activities (child pornography). For more information, please review California state mandated reporting laws.
What are your prices? Do you accept insurance?
Please click here for current rates and insurance information.
EDUCATION
California Institute for Integral Studies
Certificate in Sex Therapy, August 2024
Kink & BDSM, Body Confidence, Non-monogamy, Sex & Substances, Out of Control Sexual Behaviors, Sexual Anatomy
University of Pittsburgh
Master's in Social Work, December 2019
Certificate in Gender & Sexuality Studies
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor's in Social Work, May 2018
Minors in Political Science, Legal Studies, and Professional Writing
LICENSURE & ORGANIZATIONS
California Board of Behavioral Sciences - Licensed Clinical Social Worker #119415, 11/27/2023 - 11/30/2025
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) - Professional Member
Kink Aware Professionals - View My Listing
Women of Color Sexual Health Network
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
Autistic Counsellors and Psychotherapists
PRESENTATIONS & TEACHING
BDSM & Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Perspective, Thrive BDSM Mental Health Conference 2023
Pet Play & Kink History 101, Golden State Fur Con 2023
Harm Reduction: Talking to Youth About Sex and Drugs, First Place for Youth
Best Practices for Working With LGBTQ Children, Youth and Families, Allegheny County Dept. Human Services