Jay Ryser, M.Ed, LPC

Jay Ryser, LPC is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor and behavioral health leader with decades of experience in clinical care, program development, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and managing behavioral health programs across inpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient settings. Known for his strategic approach, Jay has consistently focused on improving patient outcomes, enhancing program quality, and maintaining high standards of care delivery.

In leadership roles, Jay has overseen multidisciplinary teams of licensed and unlicensed clinicians, as well as graduate students, fostering professional growth and ensuring excellence in clinical practice. He has extensive experience developing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies such as JCAHO, and maintaining accreditation standards, including achieving Accreditation with Commendation. His strong operational insight has enabled him to grow program capacity, strengthen referral networks, and significantly increase patient engagement while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction and safety.

Clinically, Jay specializes in evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Behavioral Activation, Exposure Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). He primarily works with adults experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, offering both individual and group therapy. His clinical expertise extends to crisis intervention and emergency psychiatric evaluations in high-acuity settings such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and medical floors, where he assesses appropriate levels of care and facilitates admissions or referrals.

Jay has trained with some of the most influential figures in the field of psychotherapy, including Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, David Burns, Jacqueline Persons, and Donald Meichenbaum. He has also contributed to the field through published articles in psychiatric journals and the development of clinical training materials, including manuals, videos, and audio resources that continue to be utilized by behavioral health programs.

Jay earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology and his Master of Education in Counseling/English from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is currently practicing with LifeStance Health and has held key roles at AdventHealth Porter and Pinelands Hospital. Licensed in Colorado and Texas, Jay remains committed to advancing behavioral health care through evidence-based practices, mentorship, and continuous program innovation. Recently, his work and contributions were recognized with a feature in America’s Best in Medicine, highlighting his impact and leadership in the field.

• Stephen F. Austin State University - M.Ed. in Counseling/English, 1987
• Stephen F. Austin State University - B.A. in English/Psychology, 1985

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• Community presentations in school systems following suicides or crises

Jay Ryser has authored several articles in psychiatric journals, with a focus on satirical explorations within the field. Among his publications, the most notable is The Feral Child Syndrome, released by Rapid Psychler Press, which garnered considerable attention and recognition from the psychiatric community.