In 1989, five practitioners who had been working together decided to create a lesbian-owned and run alternative health care clinic. They were chiropractors, a naturopathic physician, a massage therapist and an acupuncturist. The doors to Circle Healthcare Clinic opened in 1990 in NE Portland.

Many other practitioners joined over the years and it became a thriving clinic, with the stated goal of providing health care to whomever came in the doors, and to treat each patient with respect. They wanted to create a welcoming place both for those who worked there and those who sought the services there.

In 2016, many of the same practitioners moved to the current NW location. The original members of CHC retired by 2024, and the legacy of respectful, excellent care to all who come in the door is being carried on by Dr. Wendy Vannoy.