Be treated like a human, not just a diagnosis.

Philosophy

Steel & Flora Wellness is about appreciating the benefits of psychiatric prescribing while honoring its limitations. Evidence-based health coaching is there to encourage joyful movement, mindfulness, and nutritious eating practices. It all combines synergistically for deep-rooted healing.

So many people feel quietly alone while dealing with the same challenges. When you feel your craziest is often when you’re at your most human. We have news… you are not a robot. It’s okay to need help.

Steel & Flora exists to create a supportive environment where you can find the tools for your path to success, however you define it.

Some of our core beliefs are:

  • People deserve kindness and respect on their health journeys.

  • We can’t only suppress disease, we have to cultivate wellness.

  • Curiosity about difference is essential.

  • People who receive compassion are more able to be kind to others.

Even though all of those are solemnly held beliefs, we believe in not always being solemn. Irreverence and humor have been helping people stay sane since the beginning of time. For us, part of attempting to be a safe space means you don’t feel like you’re talking to your boss.

Convenience is fundamental.

We hope to make your life easier, not more complicated. So that moment you realize you’re going to be out of medication next week? You can send us a note from your phone.

  • Online scheduling makes getting that first appointment feel a little easier.

  • Contacting us is easy, with multiple options.

    • Our business number can be texted.

    • Secure texting through the Spruce Health app. Tired thumbs? You can send secure messages from your desktop too.

  • We offer evening and Saturday appointments.

  • Telehealth allows you to be in pajamas, anywhere in the state of Washington.

  • Jo Bauer, FNP-C, PMH-C

    (she/her/ella)
    Founder, Steel & Flora Wellness
    Lead Clinician, Meds First (Low Barrier Buprenorphine Program) at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department

    I am a nurse practitioner with years of experience in primary care. I have worked extensively in gender affirming care, psychiatry, and preventive medicine. It has been my honor to help people from marginalized communities feel a little safer and more comfortable in health care. Over and over I saw how struggles of the mind were at the core of many health problems. You can’t take care of your body when you hate it or when mental health is exhausting.

  • As a child, I was fascinated with herbal medicine and liked concocting potions from the garden. I still find joy in plants and love getting my hands in some dirt.

    Dog training using the science of positive reinforcement is another passion. I am regularly inspired by examples in training my animal friends to keep change small and be creative with humans. It turns out all mammals change best by feeling good, not by feeling bad.

    I started Steel & Flora to combine the hard lines of science with the common sense and joy of other disciplines.

    No two experiences of identity are the same. Still, many people look for a provider who stands a better chance of understanding where they’re coming from. My cornucopia of identities is varied and includes: Health care worker, beige child of immigration, and person of the rainbow flag.

    I am always learning! Some additional training samples:

    FNP Post Graduate Residency
    Community Health Care, 2014

    Tiny Habits Coach Certification, 2021

    Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate
    Embody Lab, 2023

    Perinatal Mental Health Certification, 2023

    Psychiatry and Addiction Case Conference
    University of Washington, Weekly, Ongoing

  • Favorite Awards:

    Human Xanax Award, 2020
    Family Nurse Practitioner Residents
    Community Health Care

    Pearl Award, 2018
    For service to the LGBTQ community
    Tacoma Pride Festival