Debbie Darnell Drake, LCSW-S, ACSW, LMFT

Deborah Darnell-Drake, LCSW-S, ACSW, LMFT, is the Chief Clinical Officer at The Heights Treatment. Debbie is a highly accomplished professional with over five decades of experience in the field of mental health and substance use disorder. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northwestern College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Debbie has a solid educational foundation. She has held influential positions in academia, including serving as an instructor at the LSU School of Social Work, and has made significant contributions as a social worker for the Chicago Board of Education. Debbie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and facilitates a weekly ‘Family, Friends, & Loved-Ones’ meeting for all of our clients’ loved-ones.

Debbie’s expertise in substance use disorder, particularly with an emphasis on co-occurring disorders, and the families involved, sets her apart in the field. She received specialized substance use training at the East Louisiana State Hospital in the 1970s, equipping her with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges individuals face in their recovery journey. According to Debbie, her passion for helping people struggling with addiction and mental illness remains “unquenchable”.

Currently, Debbie as the Chief Clinical Officer at The Heights Treatment, she continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals seeking help. Her empathetic and compassionate approach, combined with her extensive knowledge and experience, allows her to provide world-class care for our clients and invaluable support and guidance to the clinical team. Debbie’s dedication to her work, her belief in the inherent worth of every individual, and her commitment to improving lives make her an invaluable asset and an inspiration to others in the field of mental health and substance use disorder.

Education

• Northwestern College – BA Sociology
• University of Illinois- MS Social Work