We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Ancer Leal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Lucent Psych wasn’t about building a business — it was about answering a need I saw every day in my work with patients. Too many people were waiting months for help, feeling lost in a healthcare system that treated their symptoms but not their story. I wanted to create a space where psychiatry felt personal again — where science, empathy, and accessibility could coexist.

My thought process was grounded in one simple idea: care should meet people where they are. That meant embracing telehealth early on, expanding across Texas and Washington, and designing systems that make getting help seamless — from scheduling to follow-up.

With my background as both a clinician and a former social worker, I understood that true healing requires connection, trust, and consistency. So I partnered with an incredible operations and marketing strategist to build Lucent Psych on foundations of clinical integrity and smart infrastructure. Every process — from intake automation to patient education — was designed to support better outcomes, not just busier calendars.

What keeps me motivated is seeing how these small operational decisions translate into real human results: patients who finally feel heard, supported, and balanced again. Lucent Psych was never just an idea — it’s a living reflection of how modern psychiatry can evolve without losing its heart.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lucent Psych was built on the belief that modern psychiatry should be accessible, evidence-based, and deeply human.

We provide psychiatric care for adults across Texas and Washington — both in-person and via telehealth — integrating medication management with therapy-informed approaches like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. What sets us apart is our balance of clinical integrity and operational innovation. Every system we use, from patient intake to follow-up, is designed to simplify care and prioritize real outcomes, not volume.

I’m proud that Lucent Psych has become a place where patients feel seen and supported, not processed. We’ve created an environment that encourages growth for both patients and providers, with a focus on education, collaboration, and technology that enhances — not replaces — human connection.

Psychiatry is changing, and Lucent Psych represents what that future can look like: compassionate, structured, and truly patient-centered.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends come to Houston, I always tell them the best part of the city is its balance — it’s vibrant yet grounded. I love starting the day with coffee and conversation at Common Bond in Montrose or Tout Suite in EaDo, both of which have that creative, upbeat Houston energy.

From there, we might visit The Museum District — the Museum of Fine Arts and Contemporary Arts Museum always spark reflection and appreciation for how art and healing intersect. Lunch at Tiny Boxwoods or Local Foods is a must — both offer fresh, mindful dishes that reflect Houston’s mix of wellness and flavor.

Evenings are made for the Buffalo Bayou Park trails or catching the skyline glow from POST Houston’s rooftop garden. If we’re staying out late, dinner at MF Sushi or Nobu followed by live music at The Rustic or White Oak Music Hall always makes the night memorable.

What I love most about Houston is its diversity — of people, food, art, and rhythm. No matter the corner, there’s always warmth, creativity, and connection — the very things that make this city feel like home

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the people who believed in Lucent Psych before it ever had a name — my family, mentors, and early patients. Their encouragement reminded me that meaningful care starts with genuine connection.

I’m also deeply grateful for my incredible team and collaborators who help turn vision into structure every single day. From intake coordination to patient follow-ups, every detail matters — and their dedication makes it all possible.

And lastly, to every mental health professional working quietly behind the scenes — thank you for reminding the world that compassion is a form of strength. You are the heartbeat of this field.

Website: https://www.lucentpsych.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentpsych/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentpsych/

Twitter: https://x.com/LucentPsych

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577734872066

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