Ryan Buell transitioned from paranormal investigator to mental health counselor in a notable career pivot.
The former host of Paranormal State delighted audiences for five seasons, studying supernatural phenomena across the United States.
Born in Pennsylvania and raised in South Carolina, Buell founded the Paranormal Research Society at Penn State University.
His life involved legal troubles, personal struggles with addiction, and redemption.
He is a licensed counselor associate in San Antonio, Texas, helping LGBTQ+ youth, trauma survivors, and those battling addiction while preserving his media legacy.
Current Net Worth of Ryan Buell – $1.5 Million
Ryan Buell’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2025.
The former host of Paranormal State built this wealth through his television career and book sales.
His memoir, “Paranormal State: My Journey into the Unknown,” added significantly to his earnings.
His transition to mental health counseling has provided new income streams.
The paranormal investigator-turned-licensed professional counselor continues to earn from his past media work.
Buell received a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
He now works as a licensed professional counselor associate in San Antonio, Texas.
This career change represents a significant shift from his days of paranormal investigation.
Net Worth Evolution Over Time
Ryan Buell’s financial expedition spans nearly two decades in entertainment and media, marked by growth and setbacks.
| YEAR | NET WORTH | KEY EVENTS |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | $500,000 | Paranormal State debuted on the A&E network |
| 2010 | $1 million | Book release and American Ghost Hunter production |
| 2014 | $1.2 million | Peak earnings before legal troubles began |
| 2017 | $900,000 | Legal fines and rehabilitation expenses |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | Recovery through counseling career and residuals |
Buell’s wealth grew steadily during his time on TV, but he faced major setbacks due to legal issues and personal struggles.
His recent financial recovery comes from his new counseling practice and ongoing royalties.
Ryan Buell’s Diversified Investments
Ryan Buell’s investment portfolio primarily focuses on intellectual property and media assets, rather than traditional investments.
His wealth stems from content creation, residual rights, and professional expertise developed over the course of two decades.
The former paranormal investigator has shifted from entertainment-based assets to building his counseling practice and maintaining his media legacy.
Major Assets
Buell’s primary assets include intellectual property from Paranormal State and royalties from his published memoir.
He owns investigative equipment from his days of paranormal research.
His co-writing work on the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers comic expanded his media portfolio.
The former TV host maintains ownership of video content and residual rights.
His Paranormal Research Society continues generating modest income through licensing.
These investments focus heavily on content creation rather than traditional assets.
Properties
Buell has owned homes in Pennsylvania and South Carolina throughout his career.
His recent relocation to San Antonio reflects his new role in counseling.
Property investments remain a smaller part of his overall portfolio.
The paranormal investigator’s real estate holdings are modest compared to his media ventures.
His primary residence also serves as the location of his counseling practice.
Property details are generally kept private for security reasons.
Overall Career Earnings
Buell earned approximately $800,000 from his five-season run on Paranormal State from 2007-2011.
Executive producing American Ghost Hunter and subsequent book royalties added $400,000 to his earnings.
His speaking engagements and public appearances generated an additional $200,000 over the years.
Legal fines and court costs in 2016-2017 temporarily reduced his total earnings.
Comic book collaborations and limited media appearances continue generating smaller amounts.
The former TV personality’s total career earnings exceed $1.4 million before expenses.
His transition to mental health counseling provides sustainable, long-term income.
Recovery from legal troubles has significantly stabilized his financial situation.
Ryan Buell’s Private Life
Ryan Buell’s personal growth has included significant challenges and a remarkable change from TV celebrity to mental health professional.
His openness about bisexuality and struggles with addiction has inspired many followers seeking recovery and acceptance.
The former paranormal investigator’s private life reflects his commitment to helping others through his own experiences.
Early Life
Born in Corry, Pennsylvania, on July 8, 1982, Buell was raised in Sumter, South Carolina.
His mother, Shelly, owns a CPA business, while his father, Tim, works as a state police officer.
He grew up with four older sisters and one brother in a middle-class family.
Buell was editor of his high school newspaper and participated in school plays and the debate team.
He formed a daily news program for his school with classmate Rebecca Pointe.
These early media experiences shaped his future television career path.
Career Beginnings
At 19, Buell founded the Paranormal Research Society while studying journalism and anthropology at Penn State University.
His college paranormal investigations attracted media attention and eventually television producers.
The society became the foundation for his future success on TV.
Buell developed a keen interest in paranormal activity during college, spending his free time investigating local ghost sightings.
His academic background in journalism provided him with the skills to document paranormal encounters.
These college experiences directly led to his opportunity on Paranormal State.
Ryan Buell’s Future Investment Goals
Buell plans to expand his counseling practice in San Antonio, focusing on ADHD, LGBTQ+ populations, addicts and trauma survivors.
He aims to specialize in helping children and teenagers through difficult mental health challenges.
His personal recovery experience informs his therapeutic approach with clients.
The licensed counselor aims to publish new works that combine paranormal psychology with mental health topics.
He’s considering documentary production about addiction recovery and spiritual healing.
Long-term goals include establishing a nonprofit organization for trauma survivors.
Buell hopes to integrate his background in paranormal investigation with his counseling expertise.
He plans to write about the psychological aspects of supernatural experiences.
Future media projects may examine the connection between trauma and paranormal encounters.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Buell supports LGBTQ+ youth programs and addiction recovery organizations through his counseling work.
His counseling internship involved providing counseling services to trauma survivors at no cost.
He advocates for mental health awareness and substance abuse recovery programs.
The former TV host occasionally contributes time to cancer research fundraising events.
His personal struggles with addiction motivate him to help others in recovery.
He provides free counseling sessions to clients who cannot afford treatment.
His future philanthropic efforts may focus on funding paranormal research for educational purposes.
He believes in creating ripple effects of positive change through helping individuals.
Summing It Up
Ryan Buell’s life, from paranormal TV star to mental health counselor, demonstrates remarkable resilience.
His financial path reflects highs from television fame and lows from personal challenges.
He rebuilt his life through counseling, finding a sense of stability.
Buell earns money from TV residuals, intellectual property, and helping people as a therapist.
He supports others with trauma and addiction, using his past to inspire.
His goals blend paranormal knowledge with mental health advocacy.
Buell proves that tough experiences can lead to positive change.
His story teaches how to turn struggles into success.
Through his work, he helps others heal and builds a strong future.
