Rebecca l. Hubbard
PhD, LPC, CFLE
President, Owner, and Primary Consultant
Dr. Hubbard, founder and president of Direct Steps, is a lifelong advocate for mental health, family wellness, and intercultural connection. With a blend of personal experience and professional expertise, she brings a compassionate and innovative approach to addressing the social, emotional, and developmental needs of communities. Her background spans counseling, teaching, research, and leadership in both public and nonprofit sectors, including serving as Tulsa’s first Chief Mental Health Officer. Direct Steps reflects her belief in empathy, authenticity, and building systems that truly support individuals and families.
My Story
Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, president and owner of Direct Steps, believes in lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and the power of empathy, connection, and authenticity. She is dedicated to improving the way communities address mental health, family wellness, and social-emotional needs. A self-proclaimed advocate, builder, and innovator, her expertise comes from both personal and professional experiences that ultimately led to the creation of Direct Steps.
Dr. Hubbard holds a Doctorate in Human Sciences with a focus in Human Development and Family Science, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling, and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology with a focus in Child Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Early in her career, she trained in evidence-based practices to support families with autistic children and has since added certifications in suicide prevention, teaching and learning excellence, and family well-being consultation for OCD and anxiety-related disorders.
Her career has included roles as professor, researcher, advocate, counselor, trainer, grant manager, and community leader in the areas of mental health, family science, and intercultural engagement. She served as Tulsa’s first Chief Mental Health Officer and co-created the Oklahoma Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health Access Program (OKCAPMAP), bridging gaps in pediatric mental health services statewide. She has also held leadership roles with Mental Health Association Oklahoma and continues to serve on statewide boards and committees that promote children’s mental health, family resilience, and legislative advocacy.
Dr. Hubbard’s personal life parallels her professional path. She is a grateful wife and
proud mom of five adult daughters, as well as a daughter, sister, friend, aunt, and mentor. Having experienced trauma and anxiety herself, and having walked alongside family and
friends through struggles with suicide and substance use, she has lived the realities of mental health in deeply personal ways. Living and breathing mental health across the developmental span within the ebb and flow of family while expanding world perspective has been her path — her direct steps.