About Ryan Gardner

Ryan Gardner headshot.

Peninsula Counseling & Consulting's CEO

Peninsula Counseling & Consulting’s President and CEO, Ryan Gardner (he/him/his), is originally from the Bay Area and brings with him an extensive education and training from top academic institutions related to psychology, social work, and business.

With nearly 20 years of professional experience as a direct service provider, supervisor, leader and consultant, he has worked in government, Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), non-profit community-based organizations, start-ups and private practice settings. Specializing in treating consumers with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)–Depression, Bipolar, Psychosis, and PTSD, and those with dual-diagnosis–Ryan is well-versed in many of today’s Evidence-Based Practices. He is not only trauma informed, he’s a trauma therapist (e.g., EMDR, Brainspotting), achieving the rank of EMDR Certification. 

An advocate for change, Ryan is a Board member of a nationally recognized mental health advocacy group. Ryan has been invited to speak at several national conferences to help inform and train around issues related to mental health.  Infusing vast clinical, administrative, operational, and financial knowledge, Ryan’s diverse and comprehensive skill-set results in quality services.

Ryan is licensed to practice psychotherapy in California, New York, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Virginia, Minnesota, and Florida.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys traveling, photography, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Feel free to contact Ryan to learn more about how he can be of assistance to you.

Education:

  • MBA, The University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
  • MSW, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with concentrations in Mental Health, Interpersonal Practice and Management.
  • BA, Psychology, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Post-Master’s Fellowship in Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Oriented Services, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Licensure:

Licensed to independently practice Clinical Social Worker in:

  • California (#28767)
  • New York (#097478)
  • North Carolina (#C015806)
  • Illinois (#149027438)
  • Colorado (#09929222)
  • Florida (#722 – Telehealth provider)
  • Virginia (#0904015498)
  •  Minnesota (#32736).
The Golden Gate Bridge.
A wooden pier.

Certifications & Trainings:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
  • Brainspotting
  • Board Certified Diplomat (BCD)
  • Academy Of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
  • Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
  • Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) 
  • Certified Social Worker In Health Care (C-SWHC)
  • Master Trainer, Social Skills Training

Memberships:

Clinical Experience:

  • Individual, group, and family psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults
  • Emergency departments, acute inpatient psychiatry, mobile crisis, outpatient mental health clinics, residential, and milieu-based programs
  • Crisis management for children, adolescents and adults.
  • Case management, clinical consultation for adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders
  • Clinical supervisor for trainees and peer support providers
  • Social Skills Training Master Trainer
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Administrative Experience:

  • Senior Executive (C-Suite)
  • Tech Startups
  • Behavioral Health Director
  • Board of Director
  • Program Director (Assertive Community Treatment Team, Peer Support, Day Rehabilitation, Disruptive Behavior)
  • Residential Treatment Programs (For Dual-diagnosed / Co-occurring Disorders)
  • Accreditation preparation (e.g., CARF, TJC)
  • Research Assistant
  • Budgeting
  • Program development and evaluation
  • Policy, procedures and workflows