Our Story
About Essential Psychiatry
Essential Psychiatry is part of Essential Health Group in Medical Lake — a fully integrated clinic where psychiatric and physical health care work together under one roof. Our team is led by providers who combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion, including veterans who have walked the same path as many of our patients.
● VA Preferred Provider ● LGBTQ+ Friendly ● Medical Lake, WA
Our team
The People Behind Your Care
Every patient at Essential Psychiatry works with real, consistent providers who collaborate behind the scenes. You’ll never have to start over or repeat your story — our team shares information so your care is always coordinated and personalised to you.
Dr. Candie Wellwood DNP, PMHNP
Director of Psychiatric Services — USAF Staff Sergeant (ret.)
As a veteran herself, Dr. Candie Wellwood understands firsthand the unique challenges our service members face. Her military background and extensive psychiatric expertise make her particularly effective in treating PTSD and depression among veterans and first responders. Under her leadership, our mental health team provides cutting-edge treatments like Spravato and TMS therapy alongside traditional psychiatric care — offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
Lance Anders PMHNP
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lance Anders is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner currently completing his Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Washington State University. With 15 years of nursing experience — the last seven dedicated to behavioural and mental health — Lance specialises in child and adolescent mental health and first responder PTSD treatment. He partners with patients to develop personalised treatment plans that integrate psychotherapy, medication management, and self-care, empowering them to live their best lives.
Richard Ervin ARNP, FNP
Psychiatry — Mental Health Counselling & Medication Management
Richard Ervin is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner specialising in mental health counselling and medication management. He brings a compassionate, patient-centred approach to psychiatric care, working closely with patients to develop treatment plans that support long-term mental wellness and quality of life.
Our Support Team
The people who keep things running smoothly
Lora Bolles
Clinic Administrator
Jenna Mangione
Clinic Manager
Our administrative team works hard behind the scenes to ensure every patient experience is smooth, welcoming, and efficient — from your first call to your ongoing appointments.
Our mission
Whole-Person Care for Mind & Body
Essential Psychiatry is solution-focused, LGBTQ+ friendly, and committed to helping every patient find their way forward. As part of Essential Health Group, we sit inside a fully integrated clinic — meaning our psychiatric providers work alongside physical medicine specialists, giving patients access to comprehensive care for both mind and body under one roof in Medical Lake.
We are a VA preferred provider for PTSD and depression, and we welcome veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and civilians from all walks of life. We accept most major insurance plans and offer both in-person and telehealth appointments.
Evidence-Based Care
Every treatment we offer is grounded in clinical evidence. From medication management and EMDR to advanced options like TMS and Spravato, we match each patient with the approach best supported by research and tailored to their individual needs.
Veteran-Led & VA Preferred
Our lead provider is a retired USAF Staff Sergeant who has experienced military service firsthand. We understand the unique challenges veterans and first responders face — and we’ve built our services specifically to meet those needs. VA referrals accepted.
Integrated with Essential Health Group
Sitting inside Essential Health Group means our psychiatric team works directly alongside physical medicine providers. When mental and physical health are treated together, recovery happens faster and results last longer — and you only ever have to tell your story once.
Five-star reviews on Google
Serving Those Who Served Us
Our psychiatric team understands the weight that veterans and first responders carry — because our lead provider has carried it herself. Essential Psychiatry is led by retired USAF Staff Sergeant Dr. Candie Wellwood, DNP, PMHNP — a veteran who has walked the same path. We are a VA preferred provider for PTSD and depression. All you need is a referral from the VA.
We're Ready to Help You.
Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or looking for a better approach to your care, our compassionate team is here. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step.
Medical Lake, WA · (509) 299-6900 · In-Person & Telehealth