Following Christ. Loving People.
Serving Faithfully.

At Meridian Counseling Associates, we believe the closer we orient our lives toward Christ, the more faithfully we are able to love those He has entrusted to our care.

Why Meridian

Meridian Counseling Associates was born from a simple conviction: that the closer we orient our lives toward Christ, the more faithfully we are able to love those He has entrusted to our care.

We believe loving our neighbor means giving people our very best. That conviction shapes how we care for our clients, mentor future therapists, and pursue clinical excellence—not for recognition, but as an act of faithful stewardship.

Four guiding principles

Every organization is built upon something. At Meridian Counseling Associates, our foundation is not a philosophy, a counseling model, or a business strategy. It is Jesus Christ. We believe that the closer we orient ourselves toward Him, the more faithfully we are able to love and serve those He has entrusted to our care. Everything we do flows from four guiding principles.

Christ is our foundation.

Jesus Christ is the source of our hope, the model for how we love others, and the One to whom we ultimately answer. We believe lasting transformation begins by continually orienting our lives toward Him.

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)

We pursue truth with humility.

Truth matters. We seek it through Scripture, sound clinical science, and genuine curiosity about the people we serve. At the same time, we recognize that none of us possesses perfect understanding. We approach every person—and every conversation—with humility, teachability, and grace.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32 (ESV)”

We love our neighbors through faithful service.

Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe that love is more than compassion; it is the pursuit of another person’s good. That conviction shapes how we listen, how we care, and how we serve every individual who entrusts us with their story.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (ESV)

We pursue excellence as an act of stewardship.

We believe excellence is one of the ways we love people. We continually pursue growth, education, and refinement—not to elevate ourselves, but because every person deserves thoughtful, competent, and faithful care. Whatever good comes from our work, we pray that all glory belongs to God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord...” Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

These principles shape every relationship, every conversation, and every decision we make at Meridian.

Four commitments that shape our care

We believe meaningful change happens when compassionate relationships, sound clinical care, and enduring truth come together.

Relationship First

Healing begins in the context of safe, authentic relationships. We seek to create an environment where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood.

Clinical Excellence

We are committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care informed by ongoing education, advanced training, and continual professional growth.

Biblical Truth

For clients who desire it, we thoughtfully integrate the Christian faith. We believe Scripture offers lasting hope while honoring the unique story of every individual.

Whole-Person Care

People are more than a diagnosis. We consider the emotional, relational, behavioral, and spiritual dimensions of life with wisdom, grace, and compassion.

No two journeys are exactly alike, which is why we strive to meet every individual with humility, curiosity, and respect. Our goal is not simply to help people overcome life’s challenges, but to walk alongside them as they pursue healing, growth, and lasting transformation.

Healing Starts Here

Whether you are facing anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, grief, or simply navigating a difficult season of life, you do not have to walk through it alone.

Our desire is to provide a place where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported as we pursue healing, growth, and lasting hope together.

Becoming the mentor I once needed

Meridian’s supervision program was created from a simple desire: to become the mentor I once needed.

As a Florida Qualified Supervisor, I provide supervision that counts toward Florida’s licensure requirements while investing in the long-term growth of therapists through mentorship, clinical excellence, faith integration, and private practice development.

Benjamin Leahy, LMHC, NCC

Founder & Clinical Director

I believe that every person has a story worth understanding and a life worthy of hope.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my passion is helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with compassion, clinical excellence, and, for those who desire it, thoughtful integration of the Christian faith.

Meridian Counseling Associates was born from that same conviction. I wanted to create a practice where exceptional clinical care, biblical truth, humility, and authentic relationships are never competing priorities, but work together to serve people with wisdom and compassion.

Professional Credentials

Licensed Mental Health Counselor — Florida License # MH 27744
Licensed Mental Health Counselor — Massachusetts License # 11922
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Florida Qualified Supervisor

Care that is clinically excellent and quietly faithful.

We combine evidence-based therapeutic practices with steadfast, compassionate support to guide you on your journey toward healing.

Following Christ. Loving People. Serving Faithfully.