Mental Health Center of America

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan House, Co-Founder of Mental Health Center of America, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Mental Health Cente of America (MHCA) is a comprehensive outpatient mental health center specifically designed to be the first and last step for anyone in need of mental health care. MHCA's multidisciplinary team comprised of Psychiatrist(s), Clinical Psychologist(s), Physician Assistant(s), Licensed Professional Counselor(s), and Wellness Associates leverage their unique training and experience to create an integrated system that is proficient at assessing, diagnosing, treatment planning. MHCA's unique approach results in the highest quality of holistic mental health care for each patient, all in one location. Meeting the critical mental health needs of individuals, couples, and families in Phoenix and soon to be statewide as the company expands.

Tell us about yourself

Born and raised in Phoenix, Az, I met my wife during undergrad and married for 16 years with four 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 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 an 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.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a little difficult to answer... you kind of need to push that question through a clinical and administrative filter. Clinically, the fact that we have designed a clinic and developed a team that is meeting the needs of my local community, meeting people where they are at in their current stage of life, and providing evidence-based treatment to help get them back to the quality of life they deserve is a huge accomplishment. Administratively, I have to be sure that the clinic is also run with sound business principles, as you cannot help get people well if you can't afford to keep your doors open.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest think about starting a new business or being a business owner is effectively managing your stress. It is easy for stress to consume your thoughts and emotions. Surrounding yourself with a solid team (home and work) is one of the best things you can do to help keep you functioning at a high level.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

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 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 it into a literal ice bath. I'm not saying you need to 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.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mentalhealthcenter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthCenterofAmerica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcenterofamerica/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-house-psyd-7b051011a/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.