Transforming care through the power of lived experience

At firsthand, we know what it’s like to struggle and to fall through the cracks, because we’ve been there. But we also know what it takes to stand back up. We’re committed to helping individuals living with serious mental and physical health challenges to live their best lives. 

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OUR TEAM

  • Yami

    STRIVE Specialist


    Yami takes her role as an advocate very seriously. “I like being that voice for people who are tired of screaming.”

  • Tonya

    firsthand Guide
    Orlando

    “I used to be a taker- now, I’m a giver.”

  • Pi

    firsthand Guide

    Tacoma
    Pi meets people exactly where they are—emotionally, medically, and literally—and refuses to let them slip through the cracks.


We have a world-class team in your community, dedicated to delivering life-changing outcomes for individuals living with serious mental illness.

The firsthand approach

Zachary and individual hugging

Build
More Trust

Trust is the foundation to sustainable recovery for every individual.

Two women are sitting outdoors engaged in a conversation. The woman on the left has dark skin, braided hair, and is wearing sunglasses and a dark T-shirt that says "fist hand". The woman on the right, whose face is not visible, has light skin and wavy reddish-brown hair. They are sitting at a small table with brochures or flyers on it. The background includes a building with a window and a door, and a rake leaning against the wall.

Honor
Lived Experience

Personal, lived experience with serious mental illness is meaningful and valuable in mental health care.

Guide checking vitals for individual

Deliver
Better Care

Individuals living with serious mental illness deserve better care, support and access for their medical, behavioral and social needs.

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Real Stories from Our Community

At firsthand, we believe real change happens when people with lived experience come together to support each other. Our blog shares those stories, chronicling journeys of resilience, recovery, and hope.

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A young man with short dark hair and tattoos on his arm is kneeling in front of an elderly woman with gray hair, glasses, and a blue patterned blouse, sitting on a couch in a living room, smiling and engaging in conversation.

The Power of firsthand Experience

  • "My firsthand Guide gave me so much hope when I had none myself.”

  • “I really don’t know what I would have done without firsthand all these months.”

  • “Since receiving services from firsthand, my life has changed significantly, and for the better. Before firsthand, I wasn't able to make it to doctor’s appointments and had trouble getting my prescription medications.”

  • “firsthand treats me like a person, not my illness. They are reliable and always show up to help with any problems I may be experiencing.”

  • “My firsthand Guide assisted me in finding and securing housing, and helped me receive food and clothing boxes.”

  • “Since meeting the firsthand team, I went from struggling with my mental health and living on my brother’s couch to living in my own apartment. Firsthand has been a helpful and consistent support – and my Guide has been an inspiration and mentor.”

  • “My firsthand Guide makes me feel like a friend. By connecting me with local resources, he has helped me keep the lights on in our home, and even makes trips to the house to make sure we have enough food.”

  • “Firsthand recognized that I needed help and sent someone to find me and show me the resources that were available that I would never have known abut otherwise.”

  • Item 9

    “I finally feel like I have someone in my corner who wants to help me, and because of that I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

R2 risk-based 2-year HITRUST certified badge

firsthand has attained a HITRUST r2 certification for its helpinghand platform.

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