Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Kirkpatrick.
Lara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For the past 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as an occupational therapist, helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. I chose this profession because it combines two of my greatest passions: helping people and finding creative, individualized solutions that empower them to achieve their goals.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in hospitals and home health, gaining experience with clients across a wide range of diagnoses and life circumstances. Those experiences reinforced my belief that every person is unique and deserves care that is tailored to their specific goals, priorities, and daily routines—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
That belief inspired me to establish my own mobile concierge occupational therapy practice. By offering direct-access, one-on-one therapy, I can meet clients where life happens—whether that’s in their home, workplace, or favorite community setting. Providing therapy in meaningful, real-world environments allows us to address the challenges that matter most and develop practical strategies that translate directly into everyday life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many healthcare professionals, I’ve experienced both the rewards and the challenges that come with working in different healthcare settings. Throughout my career in hospitals and home health, I often found myself wanting to spend more time with my clients than productivity demands and insurance limitations would allow. It was frustrating knowing that people could benefit from more individualized care but being constrained by time, regulations, and reimbursement requirements.
Starting my own concierge occupational therapy practice has brought a new set of challenges. Building a business from the ground up means wearing many hats—not only as a therapist, but also as a marketer, educator, administrator, and entrepreneur. One of the biggest hurdles has been educating people about what occupational therapy is and helping them understand the value of direct-access, concierge services, since this model is still relatively new to many communities.
Despite those challenges, every obstacle has reinforced why I chose this path. Seeing clients make meaningful progress in the environments where they actually live, work, and spend their time reminds me that personalized, client-centered care is worth pursuing. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly fulfilling and has strengthened my commitment to helping people live fuller, more independent lives.
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Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder of a mobile concierge occupational therapy practice dedicated to helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life through personalized, one-on-one care.
What makes my practice unique is that I bring occupational therapy directly to my clients—in their homes, workplaces, and community environments. Instead of treating people in a clinic, I work with them where they actually live, work, and engage in daily life. This allows therapy to be more meaningful, practical, and immediately applicable. I believe the best outcomes happen when therapy is centered around each person’s goals, routines, and priorities rather than a standardized treatment plan.
Throughout my career, I have become known for my creativity, problem-solving, and ability to see each client as an individual. I enjoy finding innovative solutions that help people overcome barriers and achieve greater independence, whether that’s returning to work, aging safely at home, recovering after an injury, or regaining confidence in everyday activities.
What I’m most proud of is having the courage to create a practice that reflects the kind of care I always wanted to provide. Concierge occupational therapy allows me to spend the time my clients deserve, build meaningful relationships, and focus on what truly matters to them instead of being limited by productivity standards or insurance-driven models. Watching clients regain confidence, return to the activities they love, and realize they are capable of more than they thought possible is the most rewarding part of my work.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the quality that has contributed most to my success is genuine compassion paired with creativity. Every client has a unique story, different priorities, and their own definition of what a meaningful life looks like. I take the time to truly listen, understand what matters most to them, and develop individualized solutions that fit their lifestyle rather than expecting them to fit into a standardized treatment plan.
I also believe perseverance has been essential. Over the past 17 years, I’ve worked in a variety of healthcare settings and have continually adapted to changes in the profession while staying true to my commitment to client-centered care. Starting my own concierge occupational therapy practice required stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship, but it has allowed me to provide the kind of care I always envisioned.
Ultimately, I think my success comes from building genuine relationships with my clients. When people feel heard, respected, and empowered, they’re more confident in their abilities and more motivated to achieve their goals. Being able to partner with clients on that journey is what continues to inspire me every day.
Pricing:
- $200 per 60 min session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.functionandgrowtherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/function.and.grow.therapy.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587355066638
