About our Blog

“Serious about mental health, lighthearted about life.”

I believe that being candid and authentic is essential to thriving in today’s virtual world. The PNW Mental Health Collaborative began as a space to capture the conversations I often have with colleagues — reflections on psychiatry, therapy, and the human experience.

This blog celebrates personality, humor, and heart. It’s a reminder that insight doesn’t have to be sterile — that we can learn as much from laughter as from literature.

And yes — hamsters. Around here, we love them. Their illustrations make us smile, especially on dark, cloudy days. When God made hamsters, I think He laughed — and that’s reason enough for us to do the same.

​

Dr. Jerad Shoemaker, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Founder, PNW Mental Health Collaborative