Meet Ciara O’Neal | CEO & Founder of Reset IOP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ciara O’Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was, “what can I do different,” and “how can I reach those kids in the middle-ground being overlooked but struggling more than we realize?” Given my time in the field working with kids and families from all backgrounds and socioeconomic classes, I knew there was a need, and I wanted figure out how I could bridge the treatment gap in a less traditional way to reach those kids. So, I decided to start my own mental health intensive outpatient program for youth ages 10-16,right in the heart of Ft. Worth. I want to instill hope and help youth and families find relief in knowing that all is not lost. My personal story is built off the basis of compassion, care, awareness, and believing it’s never too late for change. I was born and raised Oak cliff. I was always taken care of and never wanted for much, but I raised in an environment where mental health and mental illness was overlooked and ignored. I was able to protect my future by resetting my outlook on life early on, and not succumb to my environment. That involves risk, boundaries, and distance sometimes. My personal upbringing further gave me the vision and thought process behind what I set out to do. So, with my experiences and passion for working with youth and families, it came easy to me, and once I got going, my motivation kicked into overdrive in starting my business. From both professional and personal experience, I created Reset’s mission: “Reset your outlook and protect your future.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is deigned to offer treatment on a higher level than weekly therapy, but a lower level then being in a inpatient psychiatric hospital.  Reset offers a boutique style setting in a more intimate environment that aids in healing and recovering with the child and the parent. Reset was designed to offer less interference with school, family support, education and a new outlook on life. To do this we we provide daily group therapy, family therapy, skills training, and yoga.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am in Fort Worth, and I always enjoy spending time around W 7th Street/University area or near downtown. There are many things to do and see between the two areas. I love to walk or have lunch along the Trinity Trails.

Go-to restaurants are Eddie V’s, Del Frisco’s, Social House for brunch, Joe T for margaritas, and I love Maestro Tacos.

You have to spend a day in the stock yards, see the cattle drive, have brunch at 97 West Kitchen and Bar. The Fort Worth Zoo, and Japanese Gardens are must-see.

One of my new favorites is the roof top movie theater at the Worthington Hotel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize 4 amazing women-
Penny Haight –  a mentor and my business partner, who took a chance on me and invested in my business idea. She is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

Jimmye Lou Cockrell – my mentor, who has believed in me and trusted my skills since she met me as a young clinician fresh out of college. She has taught me so much and gave me the foundational knowledge to start my business.

Last, but not least I would like to shoutout Erica Soto and Emily Hill. Two amazing colleagues turned friends who I brought along to help me execute the vision. They tolerate my sometimes crazy antics,  trust me and my idea’s, and have a passion that matches mine.

Website: www.sunflowersigma.com

Instagram: Reset_your_sunflower

Linkedin: Ciara O’Neal