Meet Dr. Amanda Kern, based in Spokane, WA

Let’s uncover the strength in your story.

Online and In-Person trauma, addiction, and relationship therapy for individuals and couples in Spokane and across Washington, Idaho, and Vermont.

Book your free consult

Does it feel like life has reached a point where tackling it solo doesn't feel like the best option anymore? Knowing where to turn and who can help can be difficult.

You are in the right place.

Life is learning how to accept our ‘human-ness.’ Losing your balance is easy amid the everyday chaos of…well, living life: work and home, relationships and the heavy stuff like addiction, divorce, and grief to name a few. Balance is the process of living - and it is an ongoing process.

Life is about balance.

My life’s work has been dedicated to helping people just like you. I specialize in finding the puzzle pieces that make up a person’s life and sorting them out to find the root of the problem and create solutions that work. My goal is to actively partner with individuals to find and sustain their own sense of balance.

Let’s find yours.

At the core of my practice is a profound respect for your journey.

I have a great respect for individuals who reach out for support. It's a brave choice, especially when the world might tell you otherwise. Inside my virtual and in-person office, you will truly find a non-judgmental, safe space.

I specialize in working with people whose life experiences, trauma, or struggles with substance use are impacting their day-to-day functioning in life. People who work with me are looking for straightforward, down-to-earth support to regain control over their lives and find balance.

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation

You don’t have to do this alone.

I can help you achieve your goals and make changes that stick.

My training includes advanced modalities of EMDR, Sex Therapy, DBT (Dialectical behavioral therapy), and Addiction. My expertise provides you with the treatment you deserve to address the concerns you are seeking support for.

My aim for you is that each session will feel valuable and purposeful. While our approach may vary weekly, therapy isn't a rigid roadmap; it's a dynamic process. Whether we're processing recent events, delving into past experiences, or incorporating exercises for practical skills, each session is tailored to your unique needs.

My Approach

Clients describe me as down-to-earth and real.

Let's work together to uncover strategies that truly resonate with you, taking practical steps toward achieving your goals. My approach to therapy is realistic and relatable. I bring my authentic self into every session.

Your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is at the forefront of my integrative, whole-person approach. I strive to help you recognize your own mind-body-emotion connection and the influence it has on your life so you may achieve positive, lasting change.

I view each client as human, not merely a collection of symptoms, and collaboratively we'll engage in personalized treatment to address your specific needs. Ultimately, my goal is to empower you, helping you reclaim your balance.

Dr. Amanda Kern

DSW, LICSW, CDP, MAC, ICAADC, CST

Doctor of Social Work
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Chemical Dependency Professional
Master Addiction Counselor
Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Certified Sex Therapist
Certified EMDR Therapist

Training & Education

• Primary Montessori Diploma - University of Puget Sound
• Bachelor of Social Work - Lewis Clark State College
• Master of Social Work - Eastern Washington University
• Doctor of Social Work - University of Kentucky
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - Washington
• Chemical Dependency Professional - Washington
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Idaho
• Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor - Idaho
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - Vermont
• Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor - IC&RC
• Certified Sexuality Therapist - AASECT
• Master Addiction Counselor - NBCC
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Chemical Dependency Treatment and Evaluation Co-Occurring Disorders/Dual Diagnosis
• Sex Therapy
• Advanced Child Forensic Interviewing
• Advanced Clinical Social Work
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
I teach as an adjunct professor for Master’s and Doctorate level social work classes. My experience has also included providing field instruction for student practicum positions.
I have been a social worker for almost 20 years and a psychotherapist for 19. Later in my career, I determined to return to school to study advanced clinical social work. I had noticed that more and more people were coming to therapy with really complicated issues, and it was important to me to be as prepared to support them as I could be.
I received my Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, my Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing, from Eastern Washington University, and my Bachelor of Social Work, summa cum laude, from Lewis-Clark State College. I then attended specialized training and education from the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to become a Child Forensic Interview Specialist with basic and advanced training. I have worked closely with law enforcement and district courts in my career. I understand the need for fair and nonjudgmental treatment of clients mandated to attend mental health and chemical dependency treatment.
My social work career began in Idaho, and I later opened a private practice in Washington State. I have been the clinical director of a large mental health and substance treatment facility serving over 300 clients with three rural offices. I continued to provide therapy as well as supervise a team of therapists, chemical dependency counselors, and service providers. In my experience, I have developed and facilitated co-occurring programs for intensive outpatient services to individuals and groups addressing mental wellness and addiction issues. It has been my privilege to have a diverse range of experiences and to have been exposed to various professional environments and roles over my career: child forensic interview specialist, designated examiner, county crisis response work, suicide assessments for county jail, medical social worker, and member of a mental health court team.
In all my experiences and professional positions, my primary specialty is connecting with individuals. I deeply respect those who have chosen to work with me, specifically in a therapy setting, and I consider it a privilege to join them on their journey to wellness.