James M. Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and approved supervisor for the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. James received his graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from South University and completed his undergraduate studies at Towson University. 

James comes to MindWork Group with extensive clinical and leadership experience. He most recently served as the vice president of clinical services at Ashley Addiction Treatment. During his time at Ashley, he worked with hundreds of patients and their families while leading an interdisciplinary team of dedicated helping professionals. He works with clients suffering from substance use disorders, mood disorders, and trauma, as well as grief and loss. He enjoys working with both adolescents and emerging adults, as well as their families. He is passionate about helping individuals and families create healthy connections in their lives.

He believes that connection is both the key to recovery from mental health disorders and the foundation upon which a meaningful and fulfilling life is built. Viewing distress and disorders through the lens of attachment, James focuses on identifying and resolving obstacles to connection with self, others and meaning and purpose that may prevent clients from experiencing the fullness of life.  

James is the founder of Lakeside Wellness Group based in Bel Air, MD. In his practice, he works with adolescents and adults, as well as their families, addressing their mental health needs. He continues his leadership development work with executive coaching clients, and routinely consults with organizations to optimize culture and team dynamics.