Meet Ryan House

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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan House a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I had multiple moments from when I started my clinical training to starting my own practice where I seriously questioned my life choices… Why am I doing this ? Is this going to be worth it? What if “IT” fails? and What if “I” fail? I would often find myself stuck in this negative thought circle that was almost paralyzing. During those periods in life where you are investing so many of your personal resources (time, energy, emotional / mental bandwidth, money) for your future, it is important to practice mindfulness in order to keep your energy focused on the present. Now, this is easier said than done and for me, I had to resort to some “extreme” measures to help get me refocused and grounded… COLD PLUNGE! I took an old chest freezer and converted into a literal ice bath. I’m not saying you need to take submerge yourself in 32 degree water, but you are taking on some of the biggest challenges in your life, there will definitely be enormous challenges for you to overcome, so be prepared to fight for what you are building.

Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised in Phoenix, Az, met my wife during undergrad, married for 16 years with 4 rockstar kids. I am currently a co-founder of Mental Health Center of America, a multidisciplinary, outpatient mental health treatment center. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology and business from Pepperdine University. I ended up spending the first 10 years of my career in business while transitioning back into the field of psychology in 2016. In 2021, I graduated from the Clinical Psychology Program at Midwestern University. I completed my psychology doctoral internship at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services. During my clinical training I developed a program for emerging adult populations seeking treatment for substance use and he conducted research regarding attitudes toward prescribing psychology. My clinical training has included intensive-outpatient for adolescents in treatment for eating disorders and substance abuse, sleep disorder and insomnia treatment, neuropsychology / integrative counseling, and National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. I am currently a RxP committee co-chair for the Arizona Psychological Association where I am currently working on legislation that will allow a path specially trained clinical psychologists the right to prescribe medication.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

A strong support network (friends and family). If you are doing life well, then you are assuming as many responsibilities as you can bear. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even loose your sense of self (confidence / identity). A strong support network is critical.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I learned early on that there was risk in trusting others and if you wanted something done right then you need to do it yourself. Now, there is a lot of truth and wisdom in understanding the risk of trusting others and taking ownership of a task; however, whether it is in a romantic relationship, parenting, or building a business it is necessary to trust others and allow others to perform tasks (their way, which means you need to get out of the way).. you can only go so far on your own.