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Hinrichs
Brandon Hinrichs, MD

Brandon Hinrichs, MD

Psychiatry

  • Psychiatrist, Fred Hutch
  • Acting Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine

About

Dr. Brandon Hinrichs is psychiatrist who cares for patients receiving cancer treatment at Fred Hutch. 

Area of Clinical Practice
Psycho-oncology, consultation liaison psychiatry


“My approach to care is person-centered. I believe the best care comes from understanding each individual's experiences, values and goals.”

— Dr. Hinrichs


How have you been personally affected by cancer?

Cancer has touched my own family, with several loved ones receiving diagnoses. Their experiences gave me a firsthand appreciation for the emotional, psychological and practical challenges that patients and families can face. I also witnessed how mental health conditions can become barriers to pursuing or completing cancer treatment, reinforcing the importance of addressing emotional well-being as an essential part of comprehensive cancer care. These personal experiences strengthened my commitment to psycho-oncology and continue to shape my approach as a psychiatrist.

What brought you to oncology?

I was drawn to psycho-oncology because it brings together two aspects of medicine that are deeply connected: physical and mental health. A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person's life, and I wanted to help patients navigate not only the medical challenges of treatment but also the emotional, psychological and existential questions that often accompany it. My fellowship training in consultation-liaison psychiatry, with a focus on psycho-oncology, gave me the opportunity to develop expertise in caring for patients facing cancer and other serious medical illnesses. It is incredibly meaningful to help people maintain their quality of life throughout their treatment and beyond.

I want patients to know that they do not have to face the emotional challenges of cancer alone. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, changes in coping or questions about meaning and purpose, these are important parts of your care and deserve attention. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood.

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Psycho-oncology, University of Washington

Residency, Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine Portsmouth Regional Hospital 

MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

BA, Macalester College

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.