Our Team
To schedule a free 15 minute consultation with any of our clinicians, please email info@houstonanxiety.com
Ivy Ruths, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
"I love being a witness to how willingness, dedication, and effort can transform lives. I will be your guide, your biggest supporter, and cheerleader as you engage in the hard work that will free you from fear."
Ivy Ruths, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and director of the Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center. She is passionate about helping individuals and families change their lives for the better by utilizing treatments that work. She prides herself in the relationships she builds with her patients and is committed to partnering with individuals as they reach their goals.
Dr. Ruths earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Her pre-doctoral internship was completed within the Psychological Services Department in the Houston Independent School District and her postdoctoral fellowship at DePelchin’s Children’s Center.
Before opening Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, Dr. Ruths worked at the OCD Institute of Texas (previously the Houston OCD Program) treating severe OCD and anxiety disorders on a residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient level. In 2017, Dr. Ruths transitioned into part-time private practice while working full time as the Middle School Counselor at a prestigious Houston area private school. She has significant personal and professional experience helping students, parents, and families navigate through the Houston area private school community.
Dr. Ruths completed intensive training from the International OCD Foundation Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and became certified in 2017. She is also trained to provide Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). In 2022, she served as the president of The Houston Psychological Association and has served on the OCD Texas board in various positions since 2018 (currently Vice President).
Dr. Ruths is PsyPact certified and provides telehealth in all 34 PsyPact approved states.
Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist
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Alyssa Hertz, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety-related disorders, and eating disorders. Dr. Hertz utilizes evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and CBT Enhanced for eating disorders. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals through a supportive and collaborative environment.
Dr. Hertz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University and her M.S. and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hertz completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine where she provided exposure and response prevention to individuals with OCD and anxiety-related disorders. She also participated in the Storch Lab as a research coordinator.
She is PsyPact certified and can provide telehealth in approved PsyPact states.
Allison Leibman, Counseling Intern
As a counseling intern at The Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, Allison Leibman will see clients under the direct supervision of Dr. Ivy Ruths. Allison is in her final year of graduate school receiving a Masters in Education in Clinical Mental Health at the University of Houston. A native Houstonian, Allison graduated from St. John's School and completed her Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University. Prior to graduate school, Allison taught yoga to adults and high school students which ignited her desire to understand the mind-body connection and to explore the benefits of mindfulness.
Additionally, Allison served as a crisis text counselor during the pandemic which opened her eyes to the vast and immediate mental health needs for both adults and children.
In addition to her education and training, Allison has a practical application by being a mother to three unique children spanning in age from elementary school to high school. Allison believes in the importance of kindness and compassion in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship. Her goal is to provide a safe space for her clients creating a strong foundation from which growth and progress can occur.
Joshua Garcia, M.S, Psychology Intern
Joshua M. Garcia is a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Houston (UH) and belongs to the Neuropsychology concentration. As a psychology intern at The Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, Josh will see clients under the direct supervision of Dr. Ivy Ruths.
Josh graduated from UH with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. He was born in Dallas, Texas, grew up in Northern Virginia, and attended high school in Buenos Aires, Argentina before moving to Houston, Texas.
Over the past year, he completed therapy rotations with the UH Family Care Center and UH Southern Smoke Foundation. His experiences have inspired a career of advocacy within the interdisciplinary fields of empirically based health care, in the specific role as a cultural neuropsychologist.
Iasha Williams, Administrative Assistant
Iasha is an undergraduate student, originally from Kansas City, MO, in her final year at Rice University studying psychology with a minor in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities (PJHC).
She plans to go on to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and eventually work serving and doing research focused on children and adolescents.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, discovering new music, and trying new foods.