Emerge Center Opened Pediatric Clinic in Spokane
The new Emerson/Garfield facility offers specialized mental health support for youth, families, and expectant mothers.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Elise Hutchinson has launched the Emerge Center for Pediatric Family Development to address regional gaps in specialized youth mental health care. The new facility, which operates alongside a second site in the Lewis-Clark Valley, provides 150 clinical and support spots.
Why it matters
The center intends to provide proactive mental health intervention to combat rising demand for pediatric care. It aims to bridge a widespread gap in available services for families and children across the United States.
The Spokane facility spans 2,100 square feet and currently manages 55 clients across two locations. The clinic is staffed by five therapists who utilize play-based techniques to help children process emotions.
The players
Elise Hutchinson
She is the founder of the Emerge Center for Pediatric Family Development who established the clinics in Spokane and the Lewis-Clark Valley.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This is a federal agency that conducts health research and issued the 2013 report documenting mental health trends among American youth.
The details
Therapists at the facility employ play-based techniques, such as utilizing toys and Play-Doh, to assist children in labeling and processing their emotions. Additionally, the clinic serves as a training environment where new therapists can gain specialized experience in pediatric development.
Timeline
A 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the prevalence of child mental health disorders.
The Emerge Center held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 24, 2026.
A therapist is scheduled to conduct an intake for a 78-year-old client next week.
The Big Picture
The opening of the Emerge Center serves as a local initiative responding to the service gaps highlighted by the 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on child mental health disorders.
Families in the Emerson/Garfield neighborhood can now access 150 new clinical and support spots for pediatric mental health. The center is also accepting diverse intakes, including an upcoming appointment for an adult patient.
The takeaway
Proactive mental health support for children is increasingly being prioritized to address developmental concerns before they become acute. Families are encouraged to utilize play-based therapy as a primary tool for early emotional processing.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve access to care in Spokane Children’s Health.
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