Dr. Steven L. Mandel, Co-founder and President, is an internationally recognized expert and pioneer in the use of Ketamine Infusion Therapy to treat mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Mandel has more than 40 years of experience utilizing ketamine as a board-certified anesthesiologist. He also earned his master’s degree in psychology. Dr. Mandel was the original founder and first president of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3.) Dr. Mandel frequently speaks at a variety of scientific and health conferences and is regularly quoted in the media regarding common misconceptions about ketamine, recent studies and clinical trials, best practices, innovations in the field, the latest advances in treating mental health disorders, and how Ketamine Infusion Therapy compares with traditional medications and treatments. He is known for being wholly dedicated to the health and well-being of his patients. Dr. Mandel earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Health Sciences. He received a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from New York University. Dr. Mandel lives in Los Angeles with his wife, with whom he has four grown children, and their golden retriever, Magellan. When he isn’t caring for patients, Dr. Mandel enjoys traveling, sailing, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Peyman Tashkandi is double board-certified in General Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Tashkandi has spent his career exploring the inner workings of the mind and is especially interested in the relationship between psychiatry, medicine, and the human experience. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in sociology and premedical studies at UCLA, where he graduated with honors. While in college, Dr. Tashkandi joined the Persian American Cancer Institute (PACI) and later became their spokesperson. He obtained his master’s degree in Medical Sciences from the Western University of Health Sciences in California in 2012 when he began writing what would become an award-winning chapter in The Textbook of Nanoneuroscience and Nanoneruosurgery. In 2012, Dr. Tashkandi attended Medical School at the Western University of Health Sciences and graduated in 2016. Upon graduation, he started his residency in general adult psychiatry. Upon completion in 2019, he went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the USC Keck School of Medicine, where he served as an education chief and helped care for the underserved population in the greater Los Angeles area. While there, he gained deep experience treating complex, challenging cases of numerous psychiatric disorders, with added emphasis on eating disorders. Dr. Tashkandi is currently a part-time clinical faculty member of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the USC Keck School of Medicine. He participates in teaching and part-time patient care. His philosophy is to use evidence-based medicine and a whole-person approach in treating patients, utilizing medication management, psychotherapy, and education. Dr. Tashkandi is passionately interested in educating the public about mental health issues and is working to raise awareness of mental health concerns affecting all communities. The opportunity to care for patients at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles fits perfectly with Dr. Tashkandi’s passion for comprehensive, evidence-based, effective modalities to provide patients with the best chance of relief. In Tashkandi’s spare time, he enjoys tennis, playing guitar, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Jeffrey, a Board Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), earned his undergraduate and advanced degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington. As an Army veteran, he brings first-hand experience and an understanding of the challenges faced by those who have served. Jeff specializes in providing compassionate and inclusive care for individuals navigating various mental health challenges. His practice is rooted in a client-centered approach, recognizing each person’s unique journey. He is a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and committed to providing inclusive, supportive, and affirming care to individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. His holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Jeff understands that seeking mental health support is a personal and courageous step, and he prioritizes building a therapeutic alliance based on trust and collaboration. He involves his clients in decision-making, tailoring treatment plans to align with individual goals and preferences.
Kevin, Registered Nurse, joined KCLA in early 2021 shortly after completing his Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) at Los Angeles Harbor College. A jack of all trades and natural leader, Kevin thrived throughout his schooling but found obstetrics, critical care, and mental health to be most intriguing. His effortless ability to connect with patients on a personal level distinguishes him among the most experienced of nurses; he is authentic, warm, and incredibly compassionate. Kevin’s excitement for psychedelic medicine happened spontaneously after learning of ketamine treatment for depression through a close friend. Since joining KCLA, his dedication to destigmatizing mental health and delivering superior patient care has only grown. Outside of work, most of Kevin’s free time is spent with his wife and their two young daughters. Together they enjoy escape rooms, Dodgers games, home improvements, and the occasional day trip or weekend getaway.
Julian, Registered Nurse, holds two bachelor’s degrees, graduating cum laude from California State University, Northridge and Vanguard University of Southern California with degrees in Nursing and Psychology. Julian has worked in various industries where he gained knowledge and experience in business, operations, and sales. During that time, Julian recognized the massive need for a reform in mental health treatments, and learned about the cutting edge work being done at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. For two years he worked to earn his nursing degree with the intention of joining KCLA to help liberate people from debilitating mental illnesses. When Julian isn’t working he can be found playing pickleball and tennis or escaping to the local mountains for long hikes. As a foodie he enjoys trying new cuisines, traveling with his girlfriend of 10 years, and cuddling with their dog-ghter, Harmony.
Victoria, Registered Nurse, graduated Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree of science in nursing from the American University of Health Sciences, shortly after completing her bachelor’s in psychology at UC Santa Barbara. During her coursework she was a member of The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and received recognition for her leadership as a peer mentor. Victoria gained clinical experience as a behavioral therapist working with youth afflicted with ADD, ADHD and autism, and furthermore through her contributions at a private pain management practice Inspired by individualized patient care and with a fervent curiosity for holistic medicine, Victoria’s liking to mental health took shape. Her excitement for ketamine and alternative treatments for mood disorders runs deep, making KCLA a perfect fit. Victoria is passionate about the transformative potential of ketamine infusion therapy and addressing mood disorders through an alternative lens. When she’s not in-clinic, Victoria enjoys staying active through yoga and the many hiking trails LA has to offer. Born and raised in Southern California, she finds happiness in nature, water sports, traveling, live music and her corgi-baby, Peaches.
Edith, Registered Nurse, holds a bachelor’s degree of science in nursing from National University where she graduated Cum Laude, and a bachelor’s in financial services from San Diego State University. After several years of lackluster work in finance, it was Edith’s passion for healing and serving that led her to medicine. For years she served at Garfield Medical Center as an RN where she thrived in rehabilitation, pediatrics, oncology, med-surg, and outpatient surgery. Edith’s interest in mental health stems from her loved ones who have battled depression, as well as her innate aptitude to serve those most in need. She is an advocate of alternative medicine and adjunctive treatment options such as ketamine. Edith brings a genuine passion for patient care to KCLA where she remains grateful to play a part in patients’ healing journeys and work towards normalizing mental health conversation. A Southern California native, Edith spends her free time practicing yoga, backpacking through nature, and enjoying concerts, with the company of friends and family. When she’s not bedside delivering patient care, Edith remains passionate about health, fitness, self betterment and psychosomatics.
Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) is a world-renowned ketamine clinic specializing in intravenous (IV) infusions of ketamine for various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and other mood disorders. Co-founded by Dr. Steven L. Mandel and CEO Sam Mandel in 2014, KCLA emerged as one of the pioneering ketamine clinics in the United States. With a strong focus on advancing mental health treatment, the Mandels have been at the forefront of utilizing ketamine therapy, delivering more than 30,000 infusions with a notable 83% success rate over 10 years. KCLA takes pride in being the first and only ketamine clinic accredited by Quad A, upholding the gold standard in safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction. With a commitment to holistic care, KCLA has recently expanded its services to include Psychiatric Medication Management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), with plans for further advancements in the near future. They are excited about the healing potential of other psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin, aiming to integrate these medicines and others into the practice when they become legally available. KCLA has contracted with ten of California’s largest health insurance plans to expand access to their services. Your care team at KCLA comprises an exceptional group of highly skilled professionals regarded as leaders in their field. The team includes an Anesthesiologist with a master’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), Registered Nurses, and Administrative support staff. All teammates collaborate in person at KCLA’s state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot facility in Los Angeles, CA.
