The PeaceHealth outpatient behavioral health team welcomed Dr. Christopher Edwards in September 2023. Dr. Edwards practices at the PeaceHealth Rimland Clinic in Bellingham. Dr. Edwards specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ population and providing gender-affirming care. He is adept at treating anxiety and mood disorders and has a special interest in holistic, multidisciplinary care. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, Dr. Edwards worked in higher education, where he provided clinical services, supervised behavioral health clinicians and led a team of health promotion professionals focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse and violence prevention and sexual health. Dr. Edwards received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the School of Professional Psychology at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. He completed his post-doctoral residency at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Edwards has research experience in eating disorders and has created public health campaigns and national conference presentations on substance abuse and suicide prevention. “I utilize an integrative approach to treatment and draw upon cognitive-behavioral therapies as my foundation for patient-centered, collaborative care,” says Dr. Edwards about his practice philosophy. “I recognize the importance the roles of accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion play in delivering compassionate and affirming behavioral health services.” Outside of clinic, Dr. Edwards loves spending time in the San Juan islands, gardening, cooking, baking and seeking new adventures with his partner and their fun-loving dog, Willow. He is always up for a new hike, restaurant or destination.