WOODWAY—The Woodway and Edmonds communities are morning the tragic loss of Doctor Gregory Jantz, a pioneering mental health expert and beloved family man, who passed away in an unexpected accident at his home on July 4, 2025.
“The family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, support from friends, colleagues and members of the public during this incredibly difficult time,” Shannon Sessions, Executive Director of Support 7, speaking on behalf of and with permission from The Jantz Family. “They ask for privacy and respect for the family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
Dr. Jantz, founder of The Center: A Place of HOPE in Edmonds, was a trailblazer in whole-person care, dedicating over 40 years to transforming lives through innovative treatment for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. A best-selling author of over 45 books and a trusted media voice on behavioral health, he leaves behind his wife, LaFon Jantz, co-owner of Red Twig Cafe, two adult sons, and a daughter-in-law.
Dr. Jantz’s career took a pivotal turn early on when he identified a critical gap in mental health treatment—patients suffering from co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and addiction who were often treated in isolation. This insight led him to develop the Whole Person Care approach, a multidisciplinary framework that addresses the root causes of mental health issues rather than merely their symptoms.
In 1984, he founded The Center: A Place of HOPE where he and his team of licensed, board-certified professionals provide personalized treatment for conditions including PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc. The Center has now become a beacon of hope for individuals seeking comprehensive care, offering therapies such as nutrition counseling, sleep therapy, spiritual guidance, and advanced dialectical behavior therapy.
Dr. Jantz was also a sought-after media personality and keynote speaker, having provided over 3,000 interviews for major outlets like CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, The Dr. Phil Show, and The 700 Club. He has spoken at more than 100 conferences and expos, educating audiences with his faith-informed perspective on mental health.
Over the last 40 years, the work by Jantz and his team have helped thousands of men, women, and adolescents overcome challenges ranging from emotional abuse to technology addiction.
Author: Mario Lotmore
4 Responses
Such a tragic loss to his family and the community as a whole. To say he was a good man doesn’t do justice to the depth of his care and concern for people who were in pain. I had the privilege of knowing him in Christian ministry and always appreciated his humble but profound insight into the healing of fractured lives. Words cannot express the depth that this loss presents to his family and close friends.
Though words are inadequate at this time to sooth the sting of death and the loss of the moment, faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, points to a future reunion with our loved ones and our Lord. The old hymn “God be with you until we meet again” points us toward our future destination, allowing us to release the grief that currently besets us. Our prayers go out from the Frederick’s to LaFon and their children.
I was a patient at the Center years ago. I had anorexia and, bulimia, plus PTD. I was in counseling for close to six years. If it weren’t for the help I received and Gods divine interception on my life, I have no idea where I would be now. Thanks to everyone involved. I would suggest this Christian based organization. Praying for Peace, and our heavenly Fathers arms around the Jantz family.
An unexpected accident? Are accidents ever expected?
Joy is what I always sensed while in the company of Dr. Jantz. My company with him consisted of sitting in his teachings at conferences (AACC), passing him in a hallway at a conference, and the smile on his many book covers. Books I have in the lobby of the counseling center of which I’m the director. 200 clients a week are exposed to his smile and his wisdom, as they wait in our lobby, Spanish River Counseling Center, Boca Raton Florida. We have been blessed to send clients to A Place of Hope, and seen their growth as a result. Thank you God for Dr. Jantz and thank you to his family who supported his efforts and likely at time missed him as he was called to minister to so many with his wisdom and gifts. Prayers and Blessings, Dr. Brent A. Gray