Kristin J. Gyford, LCSW

Behavioral Health, Counseling and Therapy

Kristin J. Gyford, LCSW holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Human Studies, and a Master of Social Work.

Professional background:

"It began unintentionally when I was in the USAF (United States Air force). I remember not having any mental health education under my belt or how to deal with a crisis, a fellow Airman wanted to take her life and I knew I had to jump into action; we spoke and I followed up with my Chain of Command. Learned that I saved her life, as she sought help and my Squadron honored me with a Humanitarian Award.

I knew that people struggled, and I wanted them to know they weren’t alone on this journey we call life. Later, I sought my bachelors in Psychology extremely fascinated in why we as humans function as we do? Never thought I’d be a therapist until I sat in front of ones that either read their scripts from a book or treated me like a science project. Not to mention wouldn’t bother with calling someone back as a common courtesy! I thought with my own life experiences and education I could serve others because I really cared! I then got my MSW in 2007 working for several agencies before college to ones during and after graduate school. I worked within CPS, Foster Care, Community Intensive Outpatient clinic, starting the first Differential Response Program in Washoe County to the first Diversion Program in Crooks County.

I later found my heart was passionate about serving veterans, military members and first responders, and eventually opening up an outpatient clinic in Bend, OR to offer mental health services to them."

Why Plumas district Hospital?

"After working in the private practice sector for 6 years, and deciding that home is where family was, not to mention Plumas County having the best topography I’d ever seen, I relocated my family June of 2024.

I knew with my personality, approaches and needing that military like comradery; I discovered Plumas District Hospital.

Here I have the opportunity to work with kids to adults from all walks of life. Not to mention having a great leadership team and all my wonderful teammates."

Personal trivia or fun facts:

"In my 20’s and early 30’s I used to drag race air-cooled Volkswagens. My brain is wired for it!"