Meet Our Team

My name is Ryan Backer, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Midwest Wellness Institute in Fargo, ND. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My training was completed in Chisolm, MN and Sioux Falls, ND. I have worked as a registered nurse in inpatient and outpatient settings throughout the Fargo, ND area.

I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and cognitive disorders, working primarily with Adults, teenagers, children, and Veterans. My approach to care is integrated care, which brings mental and physical healthcare together; stepped care, which offers different treatment intensities based on need, and I often use medication assisted treatment, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based interventions to support my clients.

I chose this profession because when I was growing up in North Dakota, mental health was not a priority. Shining light and awareness on mental health as a provider in my own community is one way I can help my community on both individual and societal levels. I find it most rewarding to help individuals find their best version of themselves.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our golden doodle, Honey. Hiking, traveling, and spending time at our lake cabin are priorities throughout the year! These activities help me to be fresh and ready to tackle the day!