Lester Sandman

Dr. Lester Sandman’s patients at private practice in Bellevue, Washington, benefit from his more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders as a clinical psychiatrist. In addition to maintaining his private practice, since 1993, Dr. Sandman has provided consultative services for primary care physicians in Bellevue and Kirkland.

Dr. Lester Sandman earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Prior to this, he undertook studies at the University of Washington, where he earned a dual B.S. in Mathematics and Psychology, and Antioch University, where he was awarded an M.A. in Psychology. After graduating from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1986, Dr. Sandman completed his internship and residency in psychiatry at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Dr. Lester Sandman went on to serve the United States Army in positions as a clinical psychiatrist, medical administrator, and instructor. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Dr. Sandman was deployed to Saudi Arabia as the Chief of Psychiatry Service for the 86th Evacuation Hospital. His work in providing psychiatric support for the Army’s 18th Corps earned him the first of two Army Commendation Medals he would receive over the course of his military career. Following Desert Storm, Dr. Lester Sandman relocated to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served as the Chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. In this capacity, Dr. Sandman oversaw a staff of 14 medical professionals who were responsible for the psychiatric wellness of more than 110,000 active duty service members and civilian employees. Dr. Sandman’s leadership in Fort Campbell, and his implementation of measures that saved Blanchfield Hospital more than $1 million in their first year of operation, earned him the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Beyond his service with Army, Dr. Lester Sandman has accumulated extensive experience working as a psychiatrist in numerous civilian institutions throughout Washington State. Before devoting his time exclusively to his private practice, Dr. Sandman worked for Social Security Disability Services as a Medical Consultant, and for Kirkland’s Fairfax Hospital as Medical Director of Adolescent Services, and later as Medical Director of Adult & Older Adolescent Services.