Welcome to the Psychedelic Conversations Podcast!

Episode 166:
In this episode, we discuss ketamine therapy with Sam Mandel, co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, and explore how this once misunderstood medicine is becoming a powerful tool in mental health care. We talk about what ketamine is, why set and setting matter so much, and how medically supervised IV infusions can support people struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and treatment-resistant conditions. We also dive into the Mandel Method, the importance of personalised care, preparation and integration, and who may or may not be a good fit for treatment. Along the way, we reflect on the future of ketamine, the stigma still surrounding it, and why hope remains so important for those seeking healing.

About Sam:
Sam Mandel is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles and a driving force in compassionate, forward-thinking mental health care. His commitment to supporting others began early when, at twelve years old, he volunteered at a teen suicide prevention hotline. That formative experience sparked a lifelong dedication to mental health advocacy and ultimately led him to co-found Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles in 2014 alongside his father, Dr. Steven L. Mandel. Sam is a recognized voice in innovative psychiatry and ketamine infusion therapy. He has been featured in Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Inspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs to Watch and honored by MSN as an Entrepreneur Leading the Business Frontier. He is also a two-time Stevie Award recipient for Best Entrepreneur and Thought Leader of the Year at the American Business Awards. Major media outlets frequently seek out Sam for commentary, and he regularly speaks at scientific conferences and industry events on the current state and future of mental health care. Under Sam’s leadership, Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles has delivered more than 35,000 ketamine infusions to over 6,000 patients, helping establish one of the field's most respected standards of care. His work continues to shape the future of mental health care through a commitment to clinical excellence, ethical leadership, and genuine compassion for the individuals and families served by KCLA. Outside of the clinic, Sam enjoys weightlifting, spending time in nature, attending concerts, dancing, snowboarding, traveling, and being with friends and family.

Connect with Sam:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesammandel/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesammandel/

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles:
- https://ketamineclinics.com/

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Psychedelic Conversations Podcast is designed to educate, inform, and expand awareness.

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This show is for information purposes only,
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About Susan Guner:
Susan Guner is a holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology, focusing on trauma-informed, community-centric processes that offer a broader understanding of human potential and well-being.

Connect with Susan:
Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.guner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanguner
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanguner
Blog: https://susanguner.medium.com/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner

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