portrait of Ryan Speed, LMSW, smiling

my treatment approach

Ryan Speed, LMSW

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.

Brené Brown

about ryan

My work as a therapist is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey. I have spent much of my career working in dual diagnosis mental health and substance use treatment, helping individuals navigate the intersection of emotional distress, trauma, and addiction. Through this experience, I have seen firsthand how healing unfolds when people are given the space to explore themselves without fear of judgment.

I’m especially drawn to working with clients who feel a pull toward self-exploration—even if they’re not yet sure what they’re searching for. Whether it’s a vague sense of discontent, a desire for deeper meaning, or a feeling of being stuck, I see therapy as a place where we can make sense of those feelings together. My role is to walk alongside you in that process, helping you untangle what’s beneath the surface and move toward a greater sense of clarity, self-trust, and authenticity.

my specialties

Young Adults & Life Transitions: Navigating career shifts, relationships, and identity.

Men’s Mental Health: Identity, expression, and self-esteem.

Substance Use & Addiction: Recovery support, harm reduction, and relapse prevention.

Grief & Loss: Coping with loss, finding meaning, and healing

I take an integrative, client-centered approach to therapy, combining CBT, motivational interviewing, parts work, and psychodynamic exploration to help clients make sense of their experiences, and discovering what lies within themselves, but underneath their awareness. My work is also spiritually-informed, meaning I support individuals in exploring meaning and values in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs—whether religious, spiritual, or secular.

I believe change happens when we feel safe, heard, and understood. By fostering a collaborative and nonjudgmental space, I help clients identify unhelpful patterns, process emotions, and develop tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

education & associations

MSW, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, May 2023

Beneath the Surface: An Introductory Journey Into Depth Psychology, Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute, New York, NY, May 2024

Motivational Interviewing Certification, Training & Practice Implementation Institute, New York, NY, June 2024

Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health Certificate, Maryland Psychological Association, October 2024

my hours

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

locations

6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113

payment options

Standard fee $150/session Sliding scale
Aetna
KanCare