By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Dr. Matthew Clark left West Michigan in 1991 to pursue his education in pediatric psychology in Chicago and New York. He even did a six-month stint on a mountain in New Hampshire working at a vegetarian commune for abused children.
When he decided to return to Grand Rapids two years ago, the Renaissance Zone and other tax breaks at Union Square Condos, 600 Broadway NW, caught his eye. He bought a condo and, as of this week, has also set up his first private practice in a 380-square-foot unit on a different floor of the same building.
The Clark Institute for Infants, Children and Adolescents specializes in helping parents and children develop healthy relationships through individual child psychotherapy, parent and child therapy sessions, and group therapies for children and adolescents who need help with anger management, social skills, or dealing with chronic medical conditions or gay or lesbian orientations.
"I'd like this to be a center of excellence that offers a variety of services for people concerning children, such as, parents, teachers, grandparents, foster parents, and even student interns who need training for their masters and doctorate degrees," says Dr. Clark.
"Because I live in the building, I can be spontaneous," he adds. "If someone's having an emergency and needs to bring their child in, I can do it because I'm right here."
Special training qualifies Dr. Clark to work with children as young as infant to six years.
He is currently a psychologist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, and sees clients at his private practice during evening and weekend hours. He plans to expand his services to include weekday appointments after June 1.
Source: Matthew Clark, Psy.D, The Clark Institute for Infants, Children and Adolescents
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.