Brian Washburn, regional administrator at Praxis Health Inc., understands the impact of qualitative health care. The 38-year-old has centered his career around increasing access to mental health care in rural communities and destigmatizing the need for such care.

At Praxis Health, of Pendleton, Oregon, Washburn oversees the operations of five primary care clinics in North Idaho and northeastern Oregon, including Prairie Family Medicine, located at 1130 W. Prairie, in Coeur d'Alene. He focuses on patient-centered care in less populated areas and works to ensure financial sustainability for his clinics.

“Brian brings with him a mindset rooted in action and accountability,” says Taylor Jeppe, of Praxis Health. “From the start, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care in our region. He has played a vital role in initiatives aimed at increasing appointment availability, reducing waiting times, and strategically bringing on new providers to better serve our rapidly growing needs of the community."

Washburn planned to become a doctor while attending Alta High School, in Sandy, Utah. He worked to become a certified nursing assistant after graduating, followed by a role as a medical assistant. He was employed at an assisted living facility, where many patients were elderly, with dementia and other complex health needs and conditions. 

“Those early experiences taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and the quiet dignity every person deserves, no matter their circumstances,” he says.

Following a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Washburn graduated from the University of Utah, with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He decided to pivot from premedical studies after taking some business courses, explaining that he, "fell more in love with the business side of health care than I did the clinical side.

"I saw the impact that administration and administrators have on the health care ecosystem, … not just treating patients, but also caring for the staff members that show up every day,” he adds.

He credits his decision to change direction to his former mentor, Scott Landrum, the former CEO of Pioneer Medical Center, in Big Timber, Montana. Washburn says he hoped to follow in Landrum's footsteps, as he also studied health care before moving to accounting.

Washburn holds a master's degree in health care administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in health care administration from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

In addition to his work at Praxis Health, Washburn founded Catalyst for Change, a nonprofit that provides resources for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and domestic abuse for Montanans. He notes the high rates of suicide in Montana compared to other states. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the state of Montana has the second-highest suicide rate, at 206 deaths per 100,000 people.

Catalyst for Change connects individuals in Montana to behavioral and mental health resources, Washburn says. The organization matches patients with community health workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and other physicians. The nonprofit's mission is to make therapy accessible to Montanans.

Washburn aims to “tear down the barrier between body and mind,” emphasizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. 

“Our ultimate goal is to be in every county in Montana and eventually spread into other states. We’re on track to meet that goal. The next goal will be moving into the Northwest area, because behavioral health is so critically needed,” Washburn explains. “We’re trying to take the stigma out of behavioral and mental health and ensure that people know that they can get help when they need it.”

Reflecting on his career, Washburn recalls one of his proudest career accomplishments was leading an operational turnaround at Pioneer Medical Center, in Big Timber, Montana. The clinic was at risk of closure and had five days’ worth of cash on-hand when Washburn and his team were brought in to rebuild provider trust, expand patient access, and improve the clinic’s finances.

“It reminded me that good leadership in health care isn’t just about metrics — it’s about protecting access and supporting the people who deliver care when it matters the most,” says Washburn.

Washburn says he's most fulfilled by his and his colleagues’ efforts within Catalyst for Change. If money wasn’t a factor, he says he would dedicate himself to nonprofit work solely focused on mental health and “addressing the crisis once and for all.”

“(Catalyst for Change has) been one of the greatest things I’ve seen and been able to be a part of. I’m so passionate about it because it affects so many people," he says. “Mental health deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities, and I’m passionate about creating lasting solutions that improve access, reduce stigma, and provide comprehensive support.”