Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Bedford (she/her) a licensed naturopathic doctor serving patients in Washington and California. I work with individuals who are seeking answers to complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns and who want a provider willing to look beyond symptoms to understand the bigger picture.
My goal is to create a clinical environment where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. I believe that meaningful healthcare begins with listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and taking the time to understand each person’s unique health story.
Dr. Sarah Bedford, ND
Complex Chronic Illness & Integrative Care
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN IN BALLARD, SEATTLE + WASHINGTON & CALIFORNIA TELEHEALTH
Dr. Sarah Bedford, ND
COMPLEX CHRONIC ILLNESS • BALLARD, SEATTLE
Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Bedford (she/her). I work with individuals who are seeking answers to complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns and who want a provider willing to look beyond symptoms to understand the bigger picture.
I believe meaningful healthcare begins with listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and taking the time to understand your unique health story.
Meet Dr. Sarah Bedford
Many of my patients have seen numerous specialists, completed extensive testing, or received conflicting opinions before arriving in my office. They are often looking for a provider who is willing to spend time understanding the full picture, identifying potential contributing factors, and helping them develop a practical plan moving forward.
One of the aspects of medicine I enjoy most is the investigative process. I often describe myself as a medical detective because I enjoy helping patients connect the pieces of a complex health puzzle.
Whether you are navigating a chronic illness, managing multiple diagnoses, or looking for a more comprehensive approach to your health, I strive to provide clear guidance, evidence-informed recommendations, and a collaborative partnership focused on helping you move forward.
Clinical Philosophy & Approach to Care
Naturopathic medicine appealed to me because it emphasizes treating the whole person rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis. At the same time, I value the strengths of conventional medicine and believe the best patient outcomes often come from thoughtfully integrating both approaches.
When evaluating a patient, I look for patterns that may connect seemingly unrelated symptoms and consider how different body systems interact. Through careful evaluation and a systematic approach, I work to identify underlying contributors to illness while also honoring each patient’s lived experience, goals, and values.
Treatment plans are individualized and may include nutrition, lifestyle modifications, supplements, conventional medications when appropriate, diagnostic testing, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. I believe care should be evidence-informed, practical, and aligned with each patient’s goals and circumstances.
For patients with chronic or complex conditions, progress often takes time. My role is to provide guidance, education, and ongoing support while continually refining the treatment plan based on each patient’s response and evolving needs.
-
I work with people navigating complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia. I look for patterns across symptoms, previous diagnoses, and treatment history to better understand the full clinical picture.
-
My clinical interests include dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension, and connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I consider how different body systems interact and value collaboration with other healthcare providers.
-
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are among my areas of clinical interest. My approach includes a careful review of symptoms, previous testing, and treatments already tried, with recommendations individualized to each patient.
-
My clinical interests include Lyme disease, other tick-borne illnesses, and post-COVID syndrome/Long COVID. For patients with persistent concerns, I work to understand their health history in depth and refine care based on their response and evolving needs.
Areas of Clinical Focus
-
My interests in environmental medicine include mold/mycotoxin-related illness and concerns about heavy metals and environmental exposures. I consider these concerns within the broader context of each patient’s symptoms, history, and overall health.
-
I work with patients with digestive concerns, including GERD, SIBO/SIFO, IBS, and IBD. I consider gastrointestinal health as part of the full clinical picture, rather than looking at digestive symptoms in isolation.
-
My clinical interests include Hashimoto’s disease, celiac disease, Sjögren’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. I value ongoing management and collaboration across specialties when patients are navigating multiple or overlapping conditions.
-
Additional areas of interest include craniocervical instability, intracranial hypertension and hypotension, small fiber neuropathy, tethered cord syndrome, and PANS/PANDAS. For complex presentations, I value careful investigation and collaboration with other members of a patient’s healthcare team.
-
I work with people navigating complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia. I look for patterns across symptoms, previous diagnoses, and treatment history to better understand the full clinical picture.
-
My clinical interests include dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension, and connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I consider how different body systems interact and value collaboration with other healthcare providers.
-
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are among my areas of clinical interest. My approach includes a careful review of symptoms, previous testing, and treatments already tried, with recommendations individualized to each patient.
-
My clinical interests include Lyme disease, other tick-borne illnesses, and post-COVID syndrome/Long COVID. For patients with persistent concerns, I work to understand their health history in depth and refine care based on their response and evolving needs.
-
I work with people navigating complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia. I look for patterns across symptoms, previous diagnoses, and treatment history to better understand the full clinical picture.
-
My clinical interests include dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension, and connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I consider how different body systems interact and value collaboration with other healthcare providers.
-
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are among my areas of clinical interest. My approach includes a careful review of symptoms, previous testing, and treatments already tried, with recommendations individualized to each patient.
-
My clinical interests include Lyme disease, other tick-borne illnesses, and post-COVID syndrome/Long COVID. For patients with persistent concerns, I work to understand their health history in depth and refine care based on their response and evolving needs.
-
My interests in environmental medicine include mold/mycotoxin-related illness and concerns about heavy metals and environmental exposures. I consider these concerns within the broader context of each patient’s symptoms, history, and overall health.
-
I work with patients with digestive concerns, including GERD, SIBO/SIFO, IBS, and IBD. I consider gastrointestinal health as part of the full clinical picture, rather than looking at digestive symptoms in isolation.
-
My clinical interests include Hashimoto’s disease, celiac disease, Sjögren’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. I value ongoing management and collaboration across specialties when patients are navigating multiple or overlapping conditions.
-
Additional areas of interest include craniocervical instability, intracranial hypertension and hypotension, small fiber neuropathy, tethered cord syndrome, and PANS/PANDAS. For complex presentations, I value careful investigation and collaboration with other members of a patient’s healthcare team.
Background, Credentials, and Clinical Experience
I received my undergraduate degree in Public Health from Santa Clara University and earned my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences, formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
After graduation, I completed a two-year residency in Seattle at a clinic specializing in complex chronic illness. This advanced clinical training provided extensive experience working with patients facing multifaceted health conditions that often require careful investigation, ongoing management, and collaboration across multiple specialties.
I am licensed as a naturopathic physician in both Washington and California.
Licensure:
Washington License #: NT61173027
California License #: ND1441
What Working With Dr. Bedford Looks Like
-
01. Understanding Your Health History
Initial appointments are designed to provide enough time to understand your health history in depth. We review your symptoms, previous diagnoses, laboratory testing, treatments you have already tried, and the factors that may be influencing your health today.
-
02. Connecting the Pieces
Because many of my patients have complex medical histories, I place significant value on understanding the full clinical picture before making recommendations. I look for patterns that may connect seemingly unrelated symptoms and help you understand why specific recommendations are being made.
-
03. Developing a Plan Together
Following the initial evaluation, we work together to develop a personalized plan that reflects your goals and priorities. I encourage you to ask questions and actively participate in decisions about your care.
-
04. Reviewing Progress & Adjusting Care
Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, reviewing test results, adjusting treatment strategies, and addressing new questions or concerns as they arise. My goal is for you to leave appointments with a clearer understanding of your health and practical next steps.
Care Access & Availability
Visit our scheduling page for appointments with Dr. Bedford. For questions about current availability, insurance coverage, or scheduling assistance, please contact the front desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
I work with individuals seeking answers to complex, chronic, or unresolved health concerns. Many of my patients have seen numerous specialists, completed extensive testing, or received conflicting opinions and are looking for help understanding the full picture.
-
We review your health history, current symptoms, previous diagnoses, laboratory testing, and treatments you have already tried. Taking time to understand this information helps us develop a plan that reflects your goals and priorities.
-
Yes. I value both approaches. Depending on your needs, treatment plans may include nutrition, lifestyle modifications, supplements, conventional medications when appropriate, diagnostic testing, and collaboration with other providers.
-
Yes. Collaboration with other healthcare providers is part of my approach, particularly when patients are navigating complex conditions that involve multiple specialties.
-
Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, reviewing test results, and adjusting treatment strategies. They are also a time to address new questions or concerns and discuss how the plan is working for you.
Explore Related Services
What Keeps Me Joyful
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, reading, and continuing to learn.
In the winter, you’ll often find me skiing in the mountains, and during the summer I love exploring Seattle’s waterways by paddleboard. I’m also always on the lookout for a great coffee shop or new restaurant to try.
Work with Dr. Bedford |
Work with Dr. Bedford |
Schedule With Dr. Bedford
Whether you are navigating a chronic illness, managing multiple diagnoses, or seeking a more comprehensive approach to your health, I welcome the opportunity to learn about your concerns and goals.
