Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Schwartz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Five years ago, I searched for a therapist for the first time. My mom had suddenly passed away, and I felt like my world had just come crashing down around me. That’s when I discovered how frustrating it can be to find a mental health professional. As I started opening up to people about my journey, I heard the same frustrations. Someone told me they had an easier time finding an expert who could treat a rare form of cancer than they did finding a therapist. There are some traits I inherited from my mom: tenacity, desire to help people, and a low level of tolerance for problems that can be fixed. So, a few years ago when I looked for a therapist again and found nothing new, I decided to channel her spirit and rise to the challenge.
A few months ago, we launched Mental Health Match – a free site that matches Houstonians to their ideal therapist. There was a year of research, lots of interviews and mockups and testing, and constant encouragement and support from those around me. But in the end, I really think it all comes back to my mom, the person who she way, and how she taught me to show up in the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
Have you ever had that Houston experience where you are driving along and then hit a stretch of road that has more potholes than pavement? That’s what this journey has been like. Starting a business is rough, and I had never done this before. (There are therapists in Houston who specialize in entrepreneurs.) I think the biggest struggle has been the constant ups and downs. At this early stage, every win puts you on top of the world, and every setback feels crushing. I feel very lucky to have a supportive partner who keeps me grounded and a therapist who reminds me to take a step back and breathe.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mental Health Match is an easy, refreshing way to find a therapist in Houston. We offer a free online quiz that asks you about what you want from therapy: what do you want to talk about, what kinds of activities or conversations you want to experience, and what traits you might want your therapist to have (like race, religion, or sexual orientation). We also match by location, language, and insurance. From your answers, we show you matching therapists, and invite you to view their profiles where you can learn more about who they are and contact them to set up an appointment.
All of that sets us apart, and so does the way we encourage therapists to show off a bit of their personality. When you look for a therapist, you are looking for another human being to connect with. No matter who you are, or what you are experiencing, there is a therapist for you. We’re determined to make that connection and that’s why some people describe us as the Match.com for therapy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. By so many different measures, Houston is the most diverse city in America. The wide range of perspectives and experiences can really make a company great. I’ve also been amazed by the breadth of supports available to help Houstonians feel good.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mentalhealthmatch.com
- Email: info@mentalhealthmatch.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentalhealthmatch
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentalhealthmatch
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
