Haven is bringing its innovative headache and migraine care to Washington starting in October

Bellevue Headache Clinic is joining Haven Headache & Migraine Center and Dr. Shirin Issa is joining Haven’s Clinical Team. Together, they bring Haven's model of specialist-led, virtual-first care to a new state.

If you're one of Dr. Issa's patients, your care does not stop or restart –  you are now backed by a bigger team. If you're new to Haven in Washington, this is your way to fast, specialized care.

Highlights

• Bellevue Headache Clinic and Dr. Issa are joining Haven Headache & Migraine Center.
• Dr. Issa continues treating her patients, now as Haven's Medical Lead for Washington.
• This is Haven's first move into a state outside California.
• Patients across Washington will get access to expert headache clinicians without the typical 6-9 months typical long waits at UW Medical Center or Swedish.

What's happening at Bellevue Headache Clinic?

Bellevue Headache Clinic is becoming part of Haven. Joining Haven adds continuous support, headache tracking, and a specialized nursing team behind the scenes. This also includes Haven's virtual visit platform, its daily headache diary, a whole team of clinical support, and a check-in system. 

Who is Dr. Issa, and why was she chosen to lead Haven's move into Washington?

Dr. Shirin Issa is a UCNS board-certified headache specialist. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University and trained in neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She then completed a headache fellowship at the Montefiore Headache Center. It was one of the first clinics in the world built only for headache and facial pain. She has practiced in the Seattle area since 2016.¹

“We fell in love with Dr. Issa from our first meeting. Her care philosophy matches exactly what we look for in our clinicians: caring, compassionate, and taking a full, comprehensive picture of someone's health. She also believes in the same virtual-first philosophy and has been practicing for years the same way we practice. I am so excited to have her join the clinical leadership and bring our care to folks in Washington with headache disorders.”
- Dr. Nada Hindiyeh, Chief Medical Officer, Haven Headache & Migraine Center

That depth of training is why Haven asked her to lead its work in Washington. A new patient gets a clinician who already knows how to build a full headache attack plan with care. She does more than write a prescription. 

Why is Haven stepping into Washington now?

Headache specialists are hard to find almost everywhere in the country. One 2024 analysis found only about 1.2 headache medicine physicians for every 100,000 people with migraine. It estimated the country needs thousands more to meet demand.² 

Haven started in California to close that gap with fast, virtual access to real specialists. Washington is the next step in that same mission. Expanding beyond California has been part of Haven’s plan from the beginning.⁴

Washington state carries extra meaning for the Haven team. Seattle is home turf for Samora Garling, one of Haven's founders, who has several family members with migraine, many of whom have struggled to find care in Washington.  

What can new patients in Washington expect from Haven?

Haven's model starts with a virtual visit with an expert like Dr. Issa. From there, you get a personalized headache attack plan. It's built around your history, your triggers, and what has worked for you before. Haven's team follows up between visits, watches for patterns, and adjusts your plan as needed.

Some care needs to happen in person, like certain injections. Haven operates its own procedure locations in California, with plans to do the same in Washington. You don't have to choose between fast virtual access and hands-on care when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Will I keep seeing Dr. Issa now that Bellevue Headache Clinic is joining Haven?

Yes. Dr. Issa will continue treating patients and will soon be joined by Haven’s clinical team as well. Her role is expanding, not changing.

‍Is Bellevue Headache Clinic closing?
No. The clinic is becoming part of Haven, not shutting down. Haven now gets the chance to support former and new Washington patients.

‍Will this change my insurance or how I pay for visits?

Some details may shift as the transition happens. Your care team will confirm exactly what applies to you before anything changes on your end.

‍Can new patients in Washington book with Haven now? As this transition moves forward, Washington patients will be able to book a virtual visit with Haven. Dr. Issa leads that team. Check Haven's site for the latest on availability in your area.

‍Will you still accept my insurance?

Yes. If you were in-network with Bellevue Headache Center, you will continue to be in-network with Haven. Haven will be expanding in-network coverage as will. For now we are in-network with the following plans: 

• Regence
• Aetna
• Cigna
• First Choice Health Network
• Premera | Blue Cross

Haven is working on getting in-network with:

• United Health 
• Pacific Source Health Plan 
• Kaiser
• Government Employees Health Association, Inc
• Compass Rose Health Plan
• American Postal Workers Union Health Plan
• Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association

A big step for Haven, and a new option for Washington

Any change to your care team can feel unsettling, even when nothing about your treatment is changing at all. If you're a Bellevue Headache Clinic patient, know this: your care can continue at Haven.

If you're new to Haven and living in Washington, you now have a path to a headache specialist. No months of waiting required. Take a look at how Haven's approach works, and reach out when you're ready for more good days.

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