Can Psychedelics Cure Mental Illness?
In this insightful episode, Dr. Allie Sharma, an experienced psychiatrist, shares her expertise on the fascinating topic of using ketamine infusion therapy and other psychedelic treatments to address mental health conditions.
With a deep understanding of this novel approach, Dr. Sharma guides us through the intricacies of ketamine therapy. She explains how this well-established anesthetic medicine has demonstrated remarkable promise in treating depression that has proven resistant to other treatments. We also explore the latest research and evidence surrounding the effectiveness and durability of ketamine therapy's antidepressant effects.
Dr. Sharma provides a comprehensive walkthrough of a ketamine therapy session, taking us from the initial preparation phase through the infusion itself, and into the crucial integration sessions that follow. She highlighted the potential benefits of this innovative therapy, including its ability to induce long-lasting antidepressant effects and facilitate access to positive memories and emotions.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone with a keen interest in the field of psychedelic medicine, this episode offers an insightful and thought-provoking listen. Join us as we delve into the potential of these cutting-edge therapies to revolutionize the treatment landscape for mental health conditions.
We cover:
What is ketamine therapy, and what is the clinical evidence for its use to treat depression and anxiety
What a psychedelic-assisted therapy session feels like from the patient's perspective
Other potentially promising psychedelic treatments currently in Phase II and III trials with the FDA
How we can combat the persisting stigma around psychedelics to ensure equitable access for those who might benefit
About our guest:
Dr. Sonali (Allie) Sharma, MD, MSc, Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Being Health, is a Cornell trained and board certified adult psychiatrist, behavioral health strategist, and mental health innovator. Today she is an actively practicing psychiatrist and serves as the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Being Health, a psychiatrist-founded practice leveraging the best of psychiatry, novel treatments, psychotherapy, functional medicine and wellness services to help people improve their mental health.
Before co-founding Being Health, Dr. Sharma held various clinical positions, including Emergency Psychiatry at Columbia University, Student Mental Health at Columbia University’s health science campus, and supporting mental health of the homeless population across shelters in New York City, and has worked strategically across systems of care both globally and locally in New York City. Currently, Dr. Sharma is a Women’s Health Advisor for Evernow, a menopause care company, and a Program Advisor for Kenneth Cole’s Mental Health Coalition. Dr. Sharma was also the co-host and creator of the the Model Mentality podcast, and was an Associate Medical Director for Cityblock, program building for the Medicaid population in NYC.
Dr. Sharma is a mother of two and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
About Being Health:
Co-founded in 2023 by Dr. Allie Sharma, a Cornell trained and board certified Adult Psychiatrist and behavioral health strategist, Being Health is an integrated mental health practice that leverages the best of psychiatry, novel treatments, psychotherapy, functional medicine and wellness integrations to personalize care and help people feel better in their everyday state of being. Being Health is setting a new standard for mental health by bringing together diverse therapeutic modalities under one roof. The Being Health team of empathic, highly skilled clinicians collaborates to optimize outcomes for individuals seeking support and treatment across a spectrum of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. Clinical services are offered virtually and in-person at their clinic in New York City. For straightforward pricing and more information, visit beinghealth.co.
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