Firsthand, a New York-based behavioral health company founded in Tennessee, opened its first office on the West Coast in Tacoma, Washington. The company works to provide compassionate behavioral health support through a peer-led approach. By focusing on mental health and a person’s overall well-being, firsthand helps individuals build the skills they need to manage their conditions and live independently.
Since the company’s founding in 2022, firsthand has expanded its presence into 27 offices across six states. It encourages individuals who have lived experiences with mental health challenges to provide empathetic and relatable support to others. The company dispatches Community Resources Guides to locations like an individual’s home or local clinic, to offer their peers support and connect them to the local services and assistance for which they are eligible.
“We are thrilled to establish a presence in Tacoma, a city that is acutely aware of the need for comprehensive mental health solutions,” Samir Malik, firsthand’s CEO, said in a statement. “Recognizing Tacoma’s growing demand for accessible and impactful mental health care, our peer-led approach is well-suited to meet these needs and provide support from those who truly understand the journey. We aim to build strong partnerships within the community to address mental health needs effectively.”
