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Headshot of Debra Hutchison, LICSW

Dr. Debra Hutchison

Therapist
9 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • PTSD
  • Family therapy, Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy

Great to meet you!

Providing Treatment Where Healing Is Measured, and Growth Is Felt

I am a licensed mental health clinician and child mental health specialist with a PhD in Psychology, with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. My career has been dedicated to advancing trauma‐informed, evidence‐based care for children, teens, and families. I specialize in supporting young people with complex trauma histories, problematic sexual behaviors, and severe behavioral presentations, while guiding families through the challenges these issues can bring.

Across over a decade of practice, I have developed expertise not only in direct therapy but also in training and clinical supervision. I am passionate about mentoring new professionals, strengthening workforce capacity, and ensuring that trauma‐focused, family‐centered approaches are implemented with fidelity and compassion.

Friends and colleagues describe me as deeply compassionate, grounded, and purpose‐driven. I bring a calm, steady presence to crisis situations and a thoughtful, honest approach to therapeutic work. I believe healing begins with genuine connection, and I collaborate closely with clients to create safe, affirming spaces where they feel heard, understood, and empowered.

With advanced training in trauma‐focused and family‐centered therapies, I take a goal‐oriented approach while honoring each individual’s unique pace and story. Clients can expect warmth, honesty, and a strong commitment to helping them move toward resilience, growth, and lasting change.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is grounded in connection, collaboration, and compassion. I believe healing begins when clients feel truly seen and understood, so I work to create a safe, affirming space where they can share openly and move at a pace that feels right for them.

With a PhD in Psychology and over a decade of experience in the field, I specialize in supporting children, teens, and families navigating complex trauma, problematic sexual behaviors, and severe behavioral presentations. I draw on trauma‐focused and evidence‐based therapies, tailoring each session to the unique needs and goals of the individual or family.

My style is steady, supportive, and goal‐oriented. I balance structure with flexibility—helping clients build resilience and skills while honoring their story and lived experience. Beyond direct therapy, I also bring expertise in training and clinical supervision, which allows me to strengthen the broader system of care and ensure that families receive consistent, high‐quality support.

Clients can expect warmth, honesty, and a commitment to walking alongside them as they move toward healing and growth.

What you can expect from me

In our first session together, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where you or your family feel comfortable beginning the therapy process. I see this initial meeting as an introduction to therapy—a chance for us to build connection, talk through what brings you here, and begin to understand how treatment can support your needs.

During this time, I’ll walk you through what therapy looks like with me, answer any questions you may have, and work collaboratively to identify goals for treatment. Together, we’ll begin to outline a pathway forward that feels realistic and hopeful, setting clear expectations while honoring your unique pace and story.

Clients often leave the first session with a stronger sense of connection, clarity about the process, and confidence that there is a plan in place to move toward healing and growth.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Direct, Empowering, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    9 years of experience
  • Training
    MS (Master of Science) at Eastern Washington University, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) at Walden University
  • License type
    LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) (Idaho), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) (Washington)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ambetter Washington, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Premera Blue Cross Washington, Providence Health Plan, Regence BlueShield of Washington, Regence BlueShield of Idaho

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
  • More specialties
    Sleep disorder, Family issues, Anger management, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Attachment Based Family Therapy, Behavioral Activation (BA), Behavioral, Bowen Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Behavior Management, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Parent Management Training (PMT), Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Motivational Interviewing
  • Care types
    Family therapy, Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Infants / Toddlers, Children, Adolescents, Adults
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    1506 North Washington Street
    Spokane, WA 99201