Across the Eastside, wellness has become a shared community priority. Families, professionals, and students are increasingly focused on mental health, accessible healthcare, and emotional resilience. Northwest University (NU) in Kirkland plays a quiet but meaningful role in that effort, educating professionals who support the well-being of Eastside residents every day.
One of Northwest University’s most direct contributions comes through its graduate programs in counseling and psychology. Students in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) are trained to serve individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, trauma, stress, and major life transitions. Through supervised practicums and internships, these students begin working in real-world settings—often in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and nearby communities—helping expand access to mental health care in a region where demand continues to rise.
Healthcare access is a growing concern on the Eastside, as many communities face shortages of both primary care physicians and nursing professionals. Northwest is addressing these challenges by preparing highly trained healthcare providers who expand access to care across the region. Through its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, NU equips PAs to work alongside doctors throughout the region, helping meet patient demand while maintaining high standards of compassionate, patient-centered care.
At the same time, Northwest is strengthening the nursing workforce through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. By partnering with regional healthcare providers—including EvergreenHealth—NU places nursing students in hospital and clinical settings where they gain hands-on experience caring for Eastside patients. These partnerships not only prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce, but they also help local healthcare systems address critical staffing shortages and sustain high-quality care.
Well-being, however, is shaped not only in clinics and hospitals, but in the everyday environments where children learn and grow. Through its Master in Teaching (MIT) program, Northwest University prepares educators who serve students across the Eastside and beyond, supporting emotional well-being and stability during formative years—an essential foundation for long-term community health.
Through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations, Northwest University places students and graduates in settings of greatest need. Much of this work happens out of the spotlight, in counseling rooms, hospital hallways, classrooms, and church offices—marked by presence, compassion, and skill that make a lasting difference.
Learn more at northwestu.edu.
