Emer Simpson

Emer Simpson serves as the Clinical Director for Royal Life Centers’ detox and inpatient facility in Spokane, Washington. As a seasoned Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP), she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice, offering love, guidance, and unwavering belief that no one is beyond healing from the devastating effects of addiction.

Emer’s journey in the field of Chemical Dependency treatment began in 1998, earning her license in 2003. Over her extensive career, she has worked with diverse populations across multiple addiction treatment settings. Notably, she spent 11 years helping tribal teens at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations and another 9 years supporting adult men and women at American Behavioral Health Systems.

Her therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in a variety of evidence-based practices, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, Emer incorporates the holistic, whole-person philosophy of the medicine wheel, empowering individuals to rebuild their sense of self-worth and connection. She believes that a person’s value is intrinsic and separate from their behaviors, and that leveraging their strengths, culture, and spirituality fosters personal healing while benefiting the wider community.

As a proud Choctaw descendant, Emer is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact, especially within Native American communities. With over 25 years of experience, she has touched countless lives, from incarcerated individuals and tribal youth to the guests at Royal Life Centers. Driven by her love for people, Emer hopes to inspire recovery and transformation that will resonate through the next seven generations.