Malaika Ward, LMSW

Michigan · 5 years in practice

Malaika Ward is a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan with five years of practice as an LMSW.

License and registration

LMSW, Michigan: 6801090166 · expires April 2026
NPI: 1104145580 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 5
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Malaika

Malaika Ward is a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan with five years of practice as an LMSW. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth support for people facing stress, anxiety, addiction struggles, grief, and depression. Her way of working is direct and collaborative, aiming to help people use their existing strengths to move forward.

Clients can expect clear conversations about what is happening now and what small steps feel doable. She listens for patterns around anger, sleep, attention, and self-worth.

Background and approach

Together they look at what gets in the way of daily functioning and build straightforward coping plans. Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns, and Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change. Existential Therapy is also part of her work, helping people think about meaning and choices when life feels uncertain.

Malaika pays attention to life roles that cause strain, like caregiving or work stress, and to experiences such as trauma, attachment wounds, or substance use. She helps people weigh practical options for managing symptoms and navigating big life changes. Sessions are offered through several online formats so scheduling can fit different routines.

Her tone is encouraging and straightforward, with an emphasis on small, measurable steps and the client’s own goals.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Malaika lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Grief
Depression
ADHD
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Sleeping disorders
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Abandonment
Attachment issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Immigration issues
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Phobias
Postpartum depression
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Malaika names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Existential Therapy here helps people look at meaning, choice, and values when life feels confusing. It invites reflection on what matters and what kind of life someone wants to build, which can help with grief, life purpose, and big changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and trying practical experiments to change them. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and patterns that keep someone stuck.

Motivational Interviewing is a conversational approach that supports readiness for change. It helps people weigh options, resolve ambivalence about substance use or behavior changes, and build motivation at their own pace.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work with each person to see which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions evolve as progress is made and different strategies are tried together.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls let people use visual cues and deeper conversation, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and chat or messaging can fit quick check-ins or times when typing feels simpler. These options make it easier to schedule therapy around work, caregiving, or travel.

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. It does not change what you pay or the order of the listings.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does she address?

Malaika works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, ADHD, bipolar, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, career issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is collaborative and practical with an emphasis on clients’ strengths. She uses clear conversations and small steps to help people make changes.

What is her professional background?

She is a licensed master social worker with five years of experience working in clinical settings and supporting people through loss, addiction challenges, and mood concerns.

Where is she based and licensed?

She is licensed in Michigan and practices as an LMSW in that state.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

Therapy can be done through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.

How does billing and cost work?

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?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.

Is this your profile?

Ask us to correct details or take the page down.