MEET EBONY CHERI

Ebony Hutchinson, MSW, LCSW, RPT

Ebony Hutchinson is a licensed clinical social worker, registered play therapist, and mental health advocate with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in supporting children, families, and individuals through trauma, emotional wellness, and the complexities of parenting. As the owner of Ebony Therapy, Ebony provides a compassionate and nonjudgmental space for clients to heal and explore life's challenges, with a focus on serving BIPOC communities and those impacted by systemic inequities.

Ebony is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has extensive expertise in perinatal mood disorders, enabling her to guide individuals through complex trauma, mental health challenges, and the unique demands of parenthood. She also utilizes her play therapy skills to help children and families build emotional resilience and work through trauma.

Throughout her career, Ebony has worked in a variety of settings, including hospital, residential, and school environments, where she has supported individuals dealing with acute mental health crises, residential care needs, and educational challenges. These diverse experiences have strengthened her ability to meet clients where they are, offering personalized care for a wide range of mental health needs.

In addition to her private practice, Ebony has served as an adjunct professor at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis since 2021, where she teaches future social workers about mental health, trauma, and child development. She also facilitates professional development workshops on topics such as trauma, leadership, compassion fatigue, and parenting.

Ebony’s experience extends beyond clinical work, having worked in insurance managed care, where she developed a strong understanding of the intersection between mental health services and healthcare systems. This background allows her to advocate effectively for clients and navigate the complexities of insurance and managed care, ensuring clients receive the care and services they need.

As a trained doula, Ebony supports parents through birth and early childhood experiences, combining her therapeutic expertise with holistic care. She is also passionate about helping mental health professionals transition from direct practice to consulting, offering her expertise in program development, leadership, and practice management.

Ebony is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health, particularly within marginalized communities, and increasing awareness of mental health issues. She is open about her own experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, and grief, believing that sharing her story helps normalize emotional health challenges.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy and empowerment, guiding individuals through healing and personal growth. Ebony has helped countless people overcome trauma, break generational patterns, and discover their inner strength.