Headshot of Ryleigh Strong BSW, LLMSW, Executive Manager and a Clinical Social Worker at Mala Child & Family Institute in Plymouth, MI.

Ryleigh Strong, LLMSW

Chief of Operations & Clinical Social Worker

Plymouth & Online

Finding the right therapist who greatly values establishing a sense of safety through a strong therapeutic relationship while effectively providing evidence-based solutions to the presenting problems can be challenging. That is why I have made it my mission to master these skills within myself as a clinician so that clients don’t walk away feeling like they either did not receive adequate emotional support or directive feedback from their therapist.

In a world filled with toxic messages around perfectionism, achievement, and lack of value for healthy relationships, I have found my passion and calling to undo these patterns in clients. As a woman and first-generation college graduate, I deeply understand the struggles of valuing one’s mental health while not being consumed by society's exceptions.

I treat anxiety and trauma by helping clients understand the root cause of their issues and help them replace maladaptive coping skills (such as perfectionism and addiction) with healthy coping skills. I am also deeply passionate about enhancing relationships through couples counseling and parent coaching as I believe that the foundation of health is rooted in the quality of our connections.

My style is solutions-focused, compassionate, and collaborative. I provide a reflective space in which you can discuss your worries that may be impacting you or your child, and identify evidence based solutions tailored to your specific needs. I specialize in providing trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy interventions that are culturally sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and consider the whole person.

As the Chief of Operations at Mala Child and Family Institute, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our organization runs smoothly and efficiently so that we can provide the highest quality of care to our clients. I value this role because it allows me to support our dedicated team of professionals, optimize our processes, and implement strategies that align with our mission of offering trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive care. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that my work behind the scenes contributes to the positive impact we have on the lives of individuals and families we serve every day.

    • Bachelors of Social Work from Madonna University

    • Masters of Social Work from University of Michigan

    • Certificate in Addiction Studies from Madonna University

    • Certificate in Community Leadership from Madonna University

    • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), Emotionally Focused, Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Relational, Sandplay

    • Addiction, ADHD, Alcohol Use, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Depression, Drug Abuse, Family Conflict, Gambling, Internet Addiction, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Neurodiversity-affirming, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Substance Abuse, Teen Violence, Video Game Addiction, Women's Issues

    • Impulse control disorders, Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, Neurodevelopmental disorders

    • Preteen, Teen, Adults, Elders (65+)

    • Individuals, Couples, Family, Group

    • Plymouth office & remote

An image of Ryleigh Strong, the Executive Manager and Clinical Social Worker at Mala Child & Family Institute, standing in a sun-filled office, smiling, and wearing a light pink blazer.

Get to know Ryleigh

  • “It ran in my family until it ran into me.”

    I think this quote does a great job getting you to think about inter-generational trauma and hereditary disorders that can be worked through with proper treatment. It is such a powerful quote.

  • Taylor Swift. She is so unapologetically herself and I love it.

  • Rock Bottom Is Where Bad Bitches Are Built by Erica L. Adkins, PH.D, ABPP.