For more than 40 years, Cascade Women’s Clinic has been a cornerstone of compassionate, patient-centered healthcare in Snohomish County. As a nationally accredited medical clinic and nonprofit organization, they’ve built a reputation for walking alongside women and families through life’s most personal moments; offering free medical care, education and support with care and compassion.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
Founded in 1984, Cascade Women’s Clinic operates with a simple yet profound philosophy: Options. Care. Support. Their mission is to help people make life-affirming choices with kindness and compassion. Every aspect of care is designed to be safe, confidential, and pressure-free, giving patients the space and time they need to make informed decisions about their health and future.
“We’re a nationally accredited medical clinic, and that accreditation matters,” said the clinic’s CEO, Stephanie Ritchey. “It ensures that we’re held to the same high standards as any other healthcare facility. There’s a misconception that we’re not medical, but we absolutely are, we’re providing legitimate, evidence-based care with the same professionalism you’d find anywhere else.”
Comprehensive, Holistic Healthcare
At Cascade Women’s Clinic, the care goes far beyond the exam room. Patients can access a wide range of free medical services, including pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and well-women exams. Their new Well Woman Program, launched in August, allows patients to establish ongoing care with a licensed nurse practitioner for annual exams, cancer screenings, and reproductive health needs.
“We’re really excited about the Well Woman Program,” Ritchey explained. “It means women can come to us not only for pregnancy-related services, but also for their ongoing reproductive healthcare. We’re growing in ways that meet the community’s evolving needs.”
Beyond medical care, the clinic supports the whole person through a variety of community-based programs. Patients can meet with an advocate for one-on-one resource support. There’s also a Moms’ Support Group, birth and parenting classes, and a baby boutique stocked with essentials like diapers, wipes, and baby clothing. Parents earn “boutique points” through class participation, turning education into tangible support. “It’s really a holistic approach,” Ritchey added. “We serve moms, dads, and families, not just medically, but emotionally and practically. When someone leaves here, they feel heard, seen, and supported.”
Accessible Care, No Hidden Costs
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cascade Women’s Clinic is entirely funded by community donations, local businesses, and grants, allowing them to provide all services free of charge. “We’re 100 percent donor-funded,” said Ritchey.
Since the clinic does not profit from any sexual health or pregnancy decisions, patients receive truly unbiased, patient-focused care. Every appointment is conducted under the supervision of licensed medical professionals, and every conversation is grounded in compassion and accuracy.
“All of our care is permission-based,” she explained. “That means we meet the patient exactly where they’re at: emotionally, medically, and spiritually. We give them information and support based on what they want to know and what they need. It’s about empowering, not persuading.”
Creating a Safe and Supportive Space
Cascade Women’s Clinic takes pride in providing a calm, welcoming space where patients can unpack heavy emotions and complex decisions without feeling rushed. “Many of our patients have a lot to process,” said Ritchey. “We’ve intentionally built in time and space so that they never feel pressured or hurried. It’s important that every person who walks through our doors feels emotionally safe and cared for.”
That patient-first approach has earned the clinic glowing feedback: 100 percent satisfaction rating across their medical appointments and classes. “The feedback we get is that patients feel truly listened to,” the CEO shared. “That tells us we’re doing what we set out to do.”
Looking Ahead
As the clinic continues to grow, their focus remains steady: holistic, compassionate care for women and families in Snohomish County. From expanding medical services to deepening community partnerships, Cascade Women’s Clinic is committed to meeting patients where they are, with open hearts, expert care, and unwavering support.
“We really care about the families in this community,” Ritchey reflected. “We’ll keep growing, learning, and striving to meet the needs of our patients. It’s amazing to be part of something that makes such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
To learn more about Cascade Women’s Clinic visit www.cascadewh.com.
“We really care about the families in this community. We’ll keep growing, learning, and striving to meet the needs of our patients."
“We serve moms, dads, and families, not just medically, but emotionally and practically. When someone leaves here, they feel heard, seen, and supported.”