MultiCare clinic bridges behavioral health gap for Spokane veterans
In October 2023, MultiCare opened an outpatient behavioral health clinic in Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood to improve access to services in a historically underserved area.
The clinic, funded in part by donor contributions, is part of the Northeast Community Center and serves many active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.
Home to Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane County has over 32,000 veterans. This population faces a disproportionately high need for accessible behavioral health treatment due to the unique challenges of serving in the armed forces. 
Military service members are often exposed to traumatic events. Frequent deployments, combat, violence and loss can result in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Untreated, these issues can further lead to substance use disorders or suicidal ideation.
Ahmad Bennett, a marriage and family therapist associate at the MultiCare clinic and military veteran, can deeply relate.
On April 4, 2008, he went to the emergency department unable to speak or control the left side of his body. During the exam, Bennett’s physician inquired about his behavioral health and concluded that undiagnosed mental health issues had contributed to the stroke.
“It took an ER visit for me to realize my mental health was impacting my physical health,” he reflects. “My coping mechanisms, like ignoring my feelings and substance use, weren’t working. Too often, veterans in Spokane seek help in the ER.”
A personalized approach
After engaging in therapy, Bennett regained his health. Research indicates a strong connection between mental and physical health, with mental health impacting recovery from injuries and chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer. 
Today, the therapist associate practices humanistic-experiential therapy, drawing on his personal experiences to build trust with his clients.
“Many of my clients arrive feeling ashamed,” Bennett shares. “My priority is to dispel that shame and show them that managing their behavioral health improves their overall health. Demonstrating that I walk the talk adds credibility to therapy with veterans.
“Asking for help is difficult for veterans — it took me a decade and an ultimatum from my family,” he continues. “Here at the clinic, we aim to normalize these conversations.”
Showing up for Spokane
Donations to MultiCare Inland Northwest Foundation support expanded access to behavioral health care in the Inland Northwest. Bennett is thankful for those in his city who are standing up for this pressing cause.
“I want to say thank you to all the donors for supporting this community,” he says. “Outpatient/inpatient mental health is definitely needed. When people like yourself show up, it reminds us that we’re not alone.”
