Interview by Tracy Rotkiewicz
Photo by Michael Taylor

Matthew Clark is the owner/managing director and Licensed Professional Counselor of Clark Counseling Services. His business has been opened since 2016. He is a professional member of the American Counseling Association, Connecticut Counseling Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. Matt is from East Granby, though lives in Suffield. At a young age, he was first drawn to the world of mental health from his mother’s job working with Department of Developmental Services, seeing and being around clients first hand. Choosing that career, Matt says was “A natural fit.”

Matt received his bachelor’s degree from Keene State in New Hampshire. He graduated with a Masters degree Clinical Psychology at American International College in Springfield, MA. In 2009, he began his career serving as unit coordinator for a day program with vocational skills. Later, he worked at Community Mental Health Associates in New Britain, CT. He became a vocational counselor and finished as a clinician with the CT Offender Re-Entry Program through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. He provided individual counseling and transition assistance to people being released from the Department of Corrections with mental health concerns. Matt also worked with Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown where he would find placements for those who needed to get set up with housing and jobs. Before serving the Windsor community, Matt had treated adolescents through adults for various issues at Hartford Psychological Services in Hartford, CT.

Currently, he serves the Windsor community by treating those with post-traumatic stress and personality issues, as well as depression, anxiety, and grief. Not only does he help people with mental well-being, but also those who struggle to find a career path. He counsels many teenagers in what they will do after graduation. Along with Clark Counseling Services, LLC, Matt is also a professional counselor for UConn Health where he provides in individual/group treatment, case coordination and transition assistance.

Matt says, “I’ve always wanted to open up my own practice, so this is kind of a journey into being my own boss kind of thing.” He gives out bus passes when clients need them, and states that it comes from his days working transitional services.

When asked what he thinks of Windsor itself, he says, “I love it! That’s why I wanted to bring my business here. Just because it’s convenient. There are exciting things going on.” Matt is looking forward to the community rail. He’s thrilled The Bean re-opened, as it’s his favorite place to go.

His hobbies include paintball to relax and unwind. He also loves to try various cuisines at restaurants.

Three words that describe Matt: Flexible, easy-going, compassionate