Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW
Locations
School-Based Services
Springfield Health Center
Education
Salem State University (formerly Salem State College), MA
Master of Social Work (MSW), 1993
Clinical Specialties
Children/Families
Areas of Clinical Interest
Teens/young adults, LGBTQ+, Substance Use/Abuse, Trauma
Philosophy of Care
I have been trained and used throughout my career a strengths based, systems based approach. What this means is I believe that all people have the basic desire for a safe, healthy and happy life, and my job is to give them space to develop what that means for them. I believe people do the best they can, and I hope to assist in developing awareness and skills, connections and hope in order to overcome any barriers to living their best life.
About Me
I grew up in a family of nurses, and I knew I wanted to help people, but couldn’t deal with the sight of blood! So being a social worker seemed like a perfect fit – and still seems like a perfect fit! I’m originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts but moved to Vermont 25 years ago. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including two Siberian Huskies, being outside, reading, and eating good food!
Favorite Quote
“Promise me you will always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter
than you think and loved more than you will ever know.” Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh -A.A. Milne