Languages Spoken: English

Hello Everyone,
My name is Lela Ryan. I grew up in Inglewood and the surrounding Southern Los Angeles area. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Bakersfield, and now I am pursuing a Master’s degree as a Marriage Family Therapist with a focus on African American Family studies at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. As a MFT trainee, it would be an honor to serve the community that contributed to my personal and professional growth.

The specialization is essential to me because I understand how mental health is viewed as taboo. Many of us are conditioned to endure and keep the pain inside, especially, in low-income communities where access to mental health services may be limited or unknown. Through my studies and personal experience, I’ve realized that we all face struggles and challenges in life, and it’s important to acknowledge that seeking help for our mental well-being isn’t a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing and growth.

In recent years, as a result of having these dialogues and increased awareness, there has been a growing recognition towards prioritizing mental health support alongside physical health. As a clinician, I would like to be a part of that shift for the next generation to be able to express themselves freely without fear and hesitation.