Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Hickory, NC covered by United Healthcare

Hi, my name is Debbi Huntoon. I received a Master of Social Work degree from UNC- Chapel Hill. I am licensed by the states of North Carolina and Virginia as a clinical social worker. During graduate school internships I learned that my ability to help others depended on my willingness to help (change) myself. In the last 37 years I have engaged in my own treatment and have successfully served many clients in a variety of settings: all levels of education settings, inpatient and outpatient services for adult and pediatric patients, hospice, patients experiencing dementia and their families,and the state court system. We are all trying to cope with painful memories and experiences so that we can work, pay our bills, and care for our families.

We all have experiences in life that might leave us feeling broken or disconnected with ourselves, others, in relationships, and the world around us. I believe that healing and wholeness can belong to all of us. If you are looking for someone to support you on your journey toward wellness and restoration, allow me to accompany you on the road that can often feel isolating when taken alone. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to me!

I specialize in the treatment of adult women who have ADHD.

Women and girls are shamed, gaslit and neglected by many aspects of the medical system. The ability required to recognize and adequately treat ADHD in women requires a specialized knowledge of the disorder, but many healthcare providers are still missing the mark — and the client ends up suffering needlessly.

I am actively working to help women with ADHD learn about, and master, their symptoms using an individualized approach that creates new possibilities for thriving with ADHD, and paves the path toward recovery from the lifetime of shame caused by this misunderstood condition.

I work with people who are female-identifying or nonbinary, ages 18 and up, and I have special interest in Women’s Issues. I am also neurodivergent-affirming, disability-affirming, and proudly Queer-Allied.

ADHD has been, is, and will be present for the lifetime of the person. It does not have a “cure,” but it can effectively be treated. One does not “grow out of it,” despite what you may have been told. One cannot simply ignore it or choose to pretend it’s not real. But we can educate ourselves about it, learn how to work with it and thrive.

Bottom line, ADHD is often a diagnosis that does not get a lot of attention (hah!). People struggle from the anxiety and depression that results from the unmanaged symptoms of ADHD, and that’s what typically brings them to seek out therapy or medication. Therapy aims to alleviate that depression and anxiety with strong research-based methods, but you still have unchecked and unaddressed ADHD. If we don’t examine specifically how your particular version of ADHD shows up, it can end up being overlooked and ignored, but ignoring something doesn’t mean it’s gone.

I began working in the field of Mental Health in 2004, serving the female population. After three years, I decided to make this a career choice and studied at Springfield College to earn a master’s degree as a Mental Health Counselor. The first paid position I accepted was offered by a non-profit in Brandon, FL, where I served as a Group Facilitator and Counselor to adult and adolescent populations. In this position, I discovered my passion for counseling and helping others grow.

I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and hold my clinical licensure in the state of North Carolina. I have spent much of my career serving those at end of life and also have experience assisting caregivers, those in transitional phases of life, and those who are bereaved. As a mother, I am invested in the wellness of all mothers and women and feel deep appreciation for the way mothers show up for countless others before themselves. I look forward to learning how I can walk alongside you in this journey.

You don’t have to keep repeating the same painful patterns. As a licensed trauma and addiction therapist, I help individuals uncover the emotional wounds and subconscious beliefs that drive anxiety, depression, and self-defeating behaviors. Healing begins when we understand—not judge—why we do what we do.

I specialize in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and emotional regulation, helping clients build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Whether you’re navigating PTSD, anxiety, codependency, or recovery from substance use, my goal is to help you move from survival mode into authentic healing and growth.

As a mental health therapist, I practice in Virginia, Delaware, Florida, and North Carolina, specializing in grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, anger management, and stress associated with life transitions.