Dr. Kristen Acesta, ND, LMHC(a), ERYT500

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
I focus on what I consider to be our foundations of health: eat, play, engage. It becomes more complex beyond that, but in its simplest form, I am here to help educate our community towards a better quality of life. While I can and do manage symptoms—including prescribing medications, recommending supplements, ordering diagnostics, assessments, and referrals—most of my patients work with me because they are ready to make fundamental changes in their lives.

I am a naturopathic physician with a doctorate from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, practicing since 2013, with a master's degree in mental health, 2025. I integrate a wide range of naturopathic practices into my care, including comprehensive health screenings, lab work and diagnostics, lifestyle modifications, nutrition therapy, herbalism, complementary medicine, expressive creativity, and other approaches.

I believe in creating a collaborative, inclusive environment where patients feel supported and empowered. My approach emphasizes education and partnership, encouraging patients to actively participate in their health journey. With a focus on both physical and mental health, I am dedicated to fostering personal growth, improving overall well-being, and helping my patients achieve lifelong wellness. I am heavily immersed in the neuro/endo/immune model, which recognizes that the effects of chronic illness, autoimmunity, and psychological discordance are comprehensive and overlapping, often involving disruptions in our neurological, endocrinological, and immunological systems.

Outside of my professional practice, I find joy in creativity across many aspects of life. Whether choreographing movement classes at local fitness and yoga studios or volunteering for community music projects and serving on boards, I am passionate about contributing to the social well-being of my community and friends. These pursuits are extensions of my belief in naturopathic principles, fostering connection, awareness, and well-being for everyone. I also heavily encourage people to incorporate play into their lives as a fundamental tenet of health, as I try and do the same (eat, play, engage).
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HERBAL MEDICINE
I incorporate herbalism into my treatment plans and am a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. I received my Registered Herbalist credential in 2019, along with my botanical and herbal training via Bastyr. I am trained and licensed to prescribe both herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals, offering expertise on the appropriate and effective use of these treatments.

MOVEMENT & SOMATICS
My movement practices are rooted in form, function, and a deep sense of sensory awareness. I am an E-RYT500 trained yoga teacher with additional training in yin and restorative yoga. I have three years of experience training in the Dragongate school of qigong and am currently pursuing continuing education in STOTT Pilates Rehab. I have been teaching movement classes in the Wenatchee Valley since 2015, favoring a vinyasa or flow style taught as a choreographed moving meditation. I routinely host classes and workshops focusing on movement, breath, awareness, and meditation, and their integration into overall health.
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MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
In addition to my naturopathic practice, I am currently gaining hours under supervision to provide mental health counseling services and am accepting patients for counseling appointments.

• Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, 2013

• Master of Arts in Counseling, Kairos University, 2025

• BA Biology & Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 2007

• BMus, Clarinet Performance and Music Education, Central Washington University, (2029/2030)

• Register Herbalist (RH), American Herbalist Guild, 2019

• Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT500), 2014