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Professional Therapy
for a Better

Tomorrow

Professional Therapy
for a Better

Tomorrow

Happy family grows closer after attending therapy

Together in Therapy

At Family First Therapy, we believe that every individual should have access to empathetic and impactful mental health care. We are dedicated and will be by your side as you work towards overcoming the mental health challenges and obstacles you face.

I am a board certified clinical social worker private independent practitioner licensed in the state of South Dakota with over fifteen years of experience working with trauma in various capacities.

My approach adopts to your specific needs. I specialize in treating…

I am professionally trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and family therapy.

It is important to maintain a clear centered focus. This means you are the expert of you, and as a team we will overcome all your life trials.

Happy family with two children attending family therapy session

Expert Care, Quality Assured

Family First Therapy is the best option to meet your specific mental health needs. Your mental health is the priority and Family First Therapy has a wide range of professional skills to address your needs.

Wondering if therapy is right for you? Seeking help from a mental health expert is something many people consider especially when…

Regardless the reason, therapy offers a broad array of benefits for us all.

Therapy for Every Matter

Children's Therapy
Providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy to support the emotional and developmental needs of children.
Family Therapy
Family therapy provides a nurturing environment where families can strengthen their bonds with the guidance of a therapist.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a safe and supportive space where you can navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth.

Our Reviews

See what others are saying about Family First Therapy!

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Christene Arnold
February 8, 2026
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Debbie Is the best she is so gifted as a Christian woman and therapist. I found her randomly looking for hel for our family and my marriage, she is honest and straightforward. I love how brings a biblical perspective in shaping lives. She helped us save our marriage and our family. I’ll be forever grateful for her professionalism and dedication to helping people. I highly recommend her to everyone and if you are looking for guidance and real help I would encourage you to contact her. She is truly amazing.
Posted on Google Google
Stacy Miller
October 25, 2025
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Debra is an expert in the mental health field. She understands psychology and neurological development. She is amazing working with children who have autism and builds therapeutic relationships with her clients. The world needs more people like Debra!
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A
August 19, 2025
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Debra is the absolute best! She is a leader in her field, knowledgeable and has helped me get through some of life's hardest transitions. She welcomed me right away and made me feel safe. She is always professional, comforting, kind, honest and genuinely wants to help in anyway she can. I cannot express enough how wonderful she is and how loving her spirit is, she is truly a gem!
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Ayla Yellow Robe-Davis
August 10, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Amazing therapist. So blessed I found her. She has helped me in so many ways already! I would recommend Deb to everyone.
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Rachel Rogers
August 10, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
In the 3, almost 4 years that I have been having counseling sessions with Debra, she has helped me in so many key aspects of life from early trauma to motherhood and even divorce. I appreciate her transparency as a therapist because its less like talking to a Doctor and more like talking to a friend. My kids see her as well and they both look forward to their sessions with "Miss Deb". Her approach with kids is beyond impressive - as she helps them develop life long skills in how to manage and express emotions in a healthy way. 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone in need of counseling.
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Brittney Aker
August 7, 2025
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I am so grateful to have found Miss Deb!! She has done a phenomenal job with my daughter, and the difference is night and day in her behavior. She's taught my daughter coping skills, feeling identification, how to express herself in healthy ways, that's it's ok to have big feelings, I could seriously go on and on. She's been so patient, compassionate, understanding, and helped my daughter work through many various situations. This woman is a miracle worker with kids, and I can say from experience that what she does works. If you're looking for someone who really wants to help families, this is your woman. She truly cares for all her clients and that makes a difference!
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Sue Ballard
April 22, 2024
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I feel that Deb truly cares for her clients. She is very kind and empathetic. She is a Christian.
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Misty Huehl
April 22, 2024
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Debra Hughes, is a leader in her field. I have known Debra for years from her being at the Base to now. She had helped through some of the darkness that drew a messy picture on the canvas of life. When your child goes through something it affects the whole family. So as our child was walking down a path of self-destruction, Ms Deb was there with her expertise and compassion. She has taken the time to pull all of us out of the depths of despair. With a genuine heart and deep level of commitment, she has helped our child and family work through the rough times and to find joy in life. The first day we left her office and every time since. Each time our child met with her we noticed our child and family walked out with a better and more positive perspective on life. Thank you. You are a true blessing in our life. I don’t know where we would be today if we hadn’t had your help.
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holly cava
April 22, 2024
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I must say when I heard of therapy for children, my hopes where not the highest to say the least. However after a few sessions with my family I was and always will be a believer that therapy truly makes a difference in this world. Debra Hughes is so compassionate, caring and helpful when it comes to children. Not only does she listen to them but she supports their needs in life before anyone elses!! That is the way it should be! Children first!! I personally think she has one of the hardest jobs in the world. Not only does she have to listen to the children but she also has so many other people such as the mother, father, sisters, brothers, family of all kinds and court systems to deal with. People who will lie and manipulate the courts in hopes it will help them in their favor and yet she is so good at her job, she sees through all of it!! If you are in need of someone to listen with no judgement, fight for your family, and truly care for the best interest of your family, go to her!! She is the best of the best hands down!!
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Silverado Stir605
April 22, 2024
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I have been amazed in my sessions with Ms. Hughes. Her wisdom, professionalism, and compassion so effortlessly comes across as issues and concerns I’ve felt With over the past months are addressed. Her vast knowledge helps me bring resolve and solutions. I would highly recommend her !
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Doug Bird
April 21, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Debra Hughes is an excellent therapist. She has been serving my family for several years now. Deb knows how to gently lead individuals thru several different types of trauma. She works well with individuals, couples, and groups. If you are looking for a therapist that is a good listener as well as a trained professional with lots of practical solutions look her up. My family looks forward to visits with her.
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Nicole ekstrand
April 21, 2024
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Deborah Hughes is an excellent therapist and has a heart for children. A heart to see them healed and whole she does whatever she can to help them get to where they need to be and want be in their lives.
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Courtney
April 21, 2024
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Debra Hughes is a leader in her field. She easily ties her educational and work experiences with any challenges which may, and often do arrise. She takes practical approaches in all situations to maximize the desired outcomes on behalf of her clients. This coupled with an unwavering work ethic produces optimal outcomes in her client’s daily lives and struggles.
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David Jorgensen
April 21, 2024
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Deb Hughes is definitely someone I would recommend taking my children to for counseling! She’s incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. I’ll be giving her 5 stars!
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barb schnell
April 21, 2024
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We have worked with Ms Hughes for the past several years. We find her compassionate, knowledgeable and reliable. Having adopted 2 children, one with special needs, out of the social service system, she has helped us not only with the transition also with the special needs and challenges our kids have had in our journey. She is caring and certainly up to the task that living in this world presents.
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cass hamel
April 21, 2024
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Have continued long term work with my family, as its a perfect fit for us as she works with all the different dynamics with each of my kids to better help us as a family. And will continue to use her for our mental health needs. She sees my kids as the individuals they are and helps strengthen our core values and dynamics. I've seen numerous counselors but they wasn't the right for us as a family and it was very comforting to find a counselor whom would help me understand and work towards our issues and work towards understanding. Its been an amazing thing to find someone who actually listens and does seek to find the answers.