Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Farley.
Leah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After earning my MSW from Fordham University, I worked in NY public schools. My first job was with a NY state council on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as a substance use disorder counselor in elementary, middle and high school. I was a school social worker during the 911 tragedy. In 2003, my family and I moved back to NH and I began working at a Residential and Day treatment program for children with severe emotional and behavioral issues in Massachusetts as a day treatment clinician. I also worked as a consultant in Lawrence, MA, and surrounding areas with daycare facilities.
In 2006, I took a risk and decided to leave my job and start a private practice in Londonderry, NH. I had no business experience, but my passion for working with children and families got me through. In 2010, I had more clients than I could manage so, I began Clarity Counseling Associates.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing valuable comes easy, and there have been bumps in the road. Most notably is the insurance system. Therapists frequently joke about spending half of their time “chasing the money.” Hiring qualified office staff to submit “clean claims” and having them denied for no apparent reason, then spending 30 minutes or more per claim to get it paid is a major frustration. Another little known fact about insurance is that as they raise rates for their customers, they have lowered providers pay. Our pay is actually less than it was in 2010. We have had to be diligent to get paid, but we love our clients and have a passion for what we do-and that is very valuable to us.
Clarity Counseling Associates – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Clarity Counseling Associates is a group of 6 licensed master level clinicians who are experienced in working with children and families and most of all, enjoy it. We work with people from 4 years old to retirees. We have a great reputation in the community and get referrals from schools in many communities, physicians and hospitals. We pride ourselves on being responsive, respectful and caring. We treat our clients as individuals. The staff like each other and there is good energy when you walk through the door. We recently added an RNCS who prescribes medication and specializes in children and adolescents. Our office is like coming into a comfortable home with a children’s play area, comfortable furnishings, and a big candy jar. Everyone can leave with a good taste in their mouth!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck or serendipity has been present throughout the process. I met my current office manager Nancy Abbott at a kickboxing class and she came in and made our company efficient and professional. The clients love her and it all happened because we started talking during our warm up runs. Two of the clinicians here were referred by two existing clinicians and we have a quality team. Good people know good people, so following an instinct on one person can lead to a great team. Perhaps the most serendipitous situation came most recently. Beth Flynn, RNCS, had been out of work caring for a sick family member. She happened to drive by our office and saw our deep purple and blue dragonfly sign and stopped in. She said “This is going to sound crazy, but I am returning to work after taking leave to care for a family member. I saw your sign and thought-that looks like a nice place to work!”
Contact Info:
- Address: 10D Commons Drive Unit 23 Londonderry NH 03038
- Website: Claritycounselingassociates.net
- Phone: 603-425-7600
- Email: leah.claritycounseling@gmail.com
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