My primary clinical interest and expertise is in the evaluation and treatment of women with mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as women’s mental health throughout the life cycle, including premenstrual and menopause-related psychiatric symptoms. In addition, I am interested and experienced in evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders and depression.
I am a Clinical Psychologist working in the Addiction Treatment Center, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division since 2000. I work primarily on the Opiate Use Disorder treatment team (ATC Team 1) with both male and female Veterans on pharmacological maintenance therapy (methadone, buprenorphine, or naloxone). I am on faculty for the Seattle VA Psychology Training Program, Seattle VA CESATE Multidisciplinary Fellowship Program, and UW Psychiatry Residency Program as a clinical supervisor for psychotherapy.
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has served for over 20 years as the attending psychiatrist on the middle-schooler unit at Child Study and Treatment Center. I also serve, 25% time , as “College Mentor” in the UW School of Medicine Introduction to Clinical Medicine Curriculum where I mentor six students in each UW SoM class through their four year curriculum. I serve as preceptor/supervisor for one CAP fellow during their rotation at CSTC. I also run the elective clerkship for fourth year medical students (approximately 10 students/year) during 2 and 4 week rotations at CSTC.
Helping individuals in the time of their personal crisis, whether emotional, psychological or behavioral, is what feeds my passion for psychiatry.
I work in sleep disorders medicine, Geriatric psychiatry, and with the seriously mentally ill.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about me! My name is Dr. Ruth Varkovitzky (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I use a culturally sensitive evidence based approach in my clinical work; combining the best science while tailoring therapy to each individual. In the spirit of providing the highest quality of care possible, I am board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
I specialize in providing therapy for trauma and sleep disorders, such as PTSD and insomnia. In addition, I offer a variety of treatments to address problems with depression, anxiety, and OCD. Supporting folks with these challenges is my passion; it’s an honor to work alongside my clients and see them heal and grow.
Public service has always been part of my journey, including collaboration with shelters for survivors of domestic violence, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Washington State Board of Psychologist Examiners. In addition to my passion for clinical work, I’ve enjoyed contributing to psychological science through academic and media publications. I established my private practice Renewal Psychology to offer my services to clients in Washington as well as the many state members of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).
I am a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital and UW Medicine, where my work primarily consists of clinical care and teaching. My two areas of focus are the provision of effective, trauma-informed treatment for youth and families in suicidal crises and the promotion of equitable access to behavioral healthcare.
