Hi, I’m Dr. Alison Hearst (she/her), a licensed naturopathic physician providing integrative care for people living with complex chronic illness in Seattle.
I work with patients who have often seen many providers, tried many treatments, and still do not have answers or meaningful improvement in their well-being. My goal is to offer collaborative care that listens to you and works alongside you throughout your healing journey.
Dr. Alison Hearst, ND — Complex Chronic Illness & Integrative Primary Care
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN IN BALLARD, SEATTLE + WASHINGTON TELEHEALTH
Dr. Alison Hearst, ND
COMPLEX CHRONIC ILLNESS & INTEGRATIVE PRIMARY CARE IN BALLARD
Dr. Alison Hearst provides collaborative, integrative care for people navigating complex chronic illness, including Lyme disease, mold illness, ME/CFS, post-COVID syndrome, mast cell disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
Meet Dr. Alison Hearst
My interest in complex chronic illness began long before medical school. As someone who experienced chronic illness from a young age, I understand how deeply it can affect every part of life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
After years of unsuccessful treatments and feeling let down by the conventional medical system, I began searching for a different approach: one that focused on understanding why illness develops and treating the whole person, not just individual symptoms. That search eventually led me to naturopathic medicine.
Today, I work with people navigating complex and often interconnected health concerns. Many of my patients have spent years searching for answers. My goal is to provide a space where your experience is taken seriously, your questions are welcomed, and you do not have to navigate your health journey alone.
Listening, Partnership & the Body’s Capacity to Heal
I have seen firsthand how often people with chronic illness are dismissed or told that their symptoms are normal, leaving them feeling isolated and disconnected from their own bodies. I want you to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to navigate your health journey by yourself.
Your body has an incredible capacity to heal when obstacles to health are identified and supported. You know your body better than anyone else. My role is to come alongside you and to bring clinical expertise, curiosity, and compassion while empowering you to become an active participant in your own care.
Health is a collaborative process. My hope is that you leave each visit feeling heard, informed, and supported.
Areas of Clinical Focus
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I work with patients navigating chronic infections and environmentally acquired illnesses, including Lyme disease and co-infections, mold and mycotoxin illness, and heavy metal toxicity.
These conditions can affect multiple systems in the body and often require a thoughtful, comprehensive approach. I take the time to understand your history, explore possible contributors, and develop a plan that reflects your individual needs and capacity.
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I support patients living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, commonly known as ME/CFS, and post-COVID syndrome.
These illnesses can profoundly affect energy, cognition, physical function, and quality of life. I understand that progress is not always linear and that treatment plans must account for each patient’s changing energy, symptoms, and available resources.
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I work with patients experiencing mast cell disorders, including mast cell activation syndrome, or MCAS.
Because mast cell symptoms can involve multiple systems and vary significantly from person to person, care begins with listening carefully to your experience and looking at the whole picture. Together, we develop an individualized plan based on your symptoms, history, and treatment goals.
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I care for patients with digestive concerns including GERD, SIBO/SIFO, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Digestive symptoms are often connected to other aspects of health. My approach considers those connections while using evidence-informed, individualized care to identify contributing factors and support improved function and well-being.
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I support patients navigating hormonal concerns including PMS, PMDD, infertility, preconception care, perimenopause, and menopause.
My goal is to help patients understand what is happening in their bodies, explore the factors that may be contributing to their symptoms, and make informed decisions about their care.
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I work with patients living with autoimmune disease and understand that these conditions can affect many areas of physical and emotional well-being.
Care is individualized and may involve exploring the interplay among immune function, infections, environmental exposures, digestive health, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and other factors relevant to your health.
Background, Credentials, and Clinical Experience
I earned my undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, followed by my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.
After graduation, I completed two postgraduate residencies: one with Dr. Christine Schaffner at Immanence Health and a second with Drs. Lily Stokely and Michael Rak at One Connection Healthcare.
My postgraduate training focused extensively on complex chronic illness, including chronic infections, environmentally acquired illnesses, gastrointestinal health, hormones, autoimmune disease, and functional medicine. I continue to pursue advanced education in these areas to provide evidence-informed, comprehensive care for my patients.
I also have extensive training in craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation and believe strongly in the value of therapeutic touch.
Licensure:
Dr. Hearst is licensed as a naturopathic doctor in Washington. WA License #: NT61097223
What It’s Like To Work With Dr. Hearst
My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and involved in your care. Complex chronic illness is rarely simple or linear, and I do not expect you to operate at 100 percent all the time.
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Our work begins with your experience. I take time to listen to your history, understand the concerns that brought you to care, and learn how your health has affected your life.
You know your body better than anyone else. I bring clinical knowledge and an outside perspective, but your observations, questions, values, and goals remain essential to our work together.
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I believe health is shaped by more than what happens in the exam room. Nutrition, movement, sleep, relationships, community, and environment are important foundations of health. I believe there are meaningful ways for everyone to engage with these foundations, and part of our work is identifying what is both appropriate and accessible for you. I encourage patients to take an active role in developing these areas of their health, recognizing that the form they take may look different from person to person.
I understand that burnout happens and that access to internal and external resources can fluctuate over time. Treatment plans need to account for your current energy, circumstances, and capacity rather than expecting perfection. Meaningful progress is often built and discovered over time rather than achieved through fast or easy solutions. We will adjust your care as your needs and circumstances change.
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I work best with patients who are curious, engaged, and interested in building a partnership throughout their health journey.
I do not expect us to operate at full capacity all the time. What I do ask is a willingness to remain engaged in the process, communicate when you need a break, and share accountability for the work we are each doing.
Insurance and Care Access
One Connection Healthcare accepts a variety of insurance plans for naturopathic primary care services. Telehealth appointments are also available for many patients throughout Washington State.
For questions about insurance coverage, scheduling, or becoming a new patient, our team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Dr. Hearst serves as a primary care provider for many of her patients in addition to providing integrative care for complex chronic illness.
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Dr. Hearst works with patients navigating chronic infections and environmentally acquired illnesses, ME/CFS, post-COVID syndrome, mast cell disorders, digestive disorders, hormonal concerns, and autoimmune disease.
Many of her patients have seen several providers or tried multiple treatments without finding clear answers or meaningful improvement.
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Yes. Dr. Hearst provides integrative care for chronic infections and environmentally acquired illnesses, including Lyme disease and co-infections, mold and mycotoxin illness, and concerns related to heavy metal toxicity.
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Dr. Hearst’s approach is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in listening to each patient’s experience. She combines clinical expertise with curiosity and compassion while helping patients become active participants in their care.
She understands that chronic illness is often non-linear and works with patients to create plans that account for their symptoms, goals, energy, and available resources.
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Yes. One Connection Healthcare offers telehealth appointments for many patients throughout Washington State.
What Keeps Me Joyful
Outside of the clinic, you'll most often find me outdoors - whether I'm taking a slow walk through the woods, trail running, or riding my bike. I love experimenting with new recipes, sipping on a good matcha, spending time with family and friends, and adventuring with my dog.
Work with Dr. Hearst |
Work with Dr. Hearst |
Partner in Your Care with Dr. Hearst
If you are living with complex chronic illness and looking for a physician who will listen to your experience, take your concerns seriously, and work alongside you, I would be honored to support you.
