Compassionate Experts

Dr. Steven L. Mandel

Co-Founder and President

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.

Jeffrey

Psych NP

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.

Pascal

Psych NP

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, has a BA in Psychology from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. Pascal specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and impulse control disorders across the lifespan. He has experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, including training at a women’s shelter in New York City. He takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the whole individual and family system to create a personalized treatment plan. Using a shared decision-making model, he collaborates closely with clients to provide interventions that improve the key areas of life necessary for overall health and wellness. Outside of work, Pascal loves discovering and immersing himself in the cultures of new hobbies. He is fascinated with each hobby and culture’s unique slang, ideals, and custodians. Additionally, he enjoys many forms of exercise, including cycling, swimming, and hiking, and loves cooking and reading.

Kevin

Charge Nurse (RN)

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.

Edith

Registered Nurse

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.

Victoria

Registered Nurse

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.

Julian

Registered Nurse

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.

Sam Mandel

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Co-founder & CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), Sam Mandel, is a tour-de-force of compassion and innovation in mental health care. From volunteering at a teen-to-teen suicide prevention hotline at twelve years old to pioneering one of the world’s foremost Ketamine Infusion Therapy clinics in 2014 alongside his father, Dr. Steven L. Mandel, Sam has channeled his lifelong passion for healthcare advocacy into transforming lives for the better. Sam was featured in Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Inspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023, acknowledged by MSN as an Entrepreneur Leading the Business Frontier in 2024, and earned two Stevie Awards for the 2024 American Business Awards in the Best Entrepreneur and Thought Leader of the Year categories. Numerous media outlets have interviewed Sam for his expertise in Ketamine Infusion Therapy: The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, Lifestyle Magazine, VICE, ABC, Backstage Magazine, NBC, BuzzFeed, Doubleblind Magazine, Psychedelic Spotlight, Microdose, and Spectrum News, to name a few. He is a frequent keynote speaker and panelist at health and wellness conferences and events.

Under his leadership, KCLA has provided over 30,000 infusions to over 6,000 patients with an 83% treatment success rate, establishing the field’s gold-standard treatment protocols and patient satisfaction. Sam has evolved Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles into a comprehensive mental health care center offering General Psychiatry and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), with more services soon to be added.

Sam’s energy and creativity earned him over 40 principal credits in film, TV, commercials, theater, and voiceover outside the medical field before he co-created KCLA. He still occasionally appears on set for the right project. Sam is also an avid rapper and freestyle artist. When he isn’t working, Sam enjoys weightlifting, traveling, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family and his canine Office Manager, Banksy.

Angel, Executive Director, is a graduate of San Jose State University where she received her bachelor’s degree. With over 25 years of business management and medical administrative experience, Angel brings strong operational capabilities to Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles and ensures the clinic runs smoothly. Angel joined KCLA in 2016 and maintains the integrity of our daily operations. Angel grew up with a strong work ethic, having worked in her family’s business since the age of 13, and entering the world of mentorship and management by age 18, her diverse career makes her an excellent leader for our team and our patients. Originally from Northern California, Angel enjoys all Southern California has to offer and when not working, she spends her time at the beach, enjoying family and friends, and traveling with her boyfriend of over 20 years.

Alyssa

Project Manager

Alyssa, Project Manager, graduated from California State University Long Beach, where she received a bachelor’s degree in human development with a double minor in psychology and child development. Alyssa, one of KCLA’s first employees, joined Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles in 2016. She currently serves as Project Manager where she handles a wide variety of projects and assists KCLA’s C-Suite executives. She is passionate about helping others, and has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including, Southern California Foster Family & Adoption Agency, homeless shelters, and has worked with middle schoolers struggling with mental health. Originally from Palo Alto, Alyssa participated in competitive gymnastics for ten years and enjoys staying active. When not working, she travels, spends time with friends, listens to live music, enjoys working out, spending time outdoors hiking, reading, and relaxing at home watching movies.

William

Project Coordinator

William, Project Coordinator, graduated from California State University Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He completed his degree while working in several different industries including healthcare, customer service, and music. Prior to transferring to CSULA, William attended Los Angeles Community College where he became part of the first group to be awarded a spot in the President’s Scholar program. A jack of all trades, William is often the first voice people hear when they call us, he assists the patient check-in process, manages social media, and supports a variety of other projects in the clinic. Born and raised in California, William spends his free time working on video projects, cooking, drawing, and playing with his cats.

Camila

Billing Coordinator

Camila graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. While completing her education, she worked in a variety of fields including customer service, social services, and education. Her interest in mental health began at the age of 15 as she was exposed to the overwhelming stigmatization of mental health and the underwhelming amount of support available to students at her school. After learning about Ketamine Infusion Therapy and its fast-acting results, she knew Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles would be a great fit. Camila is often the first person patients speak with on the phone and she is always happy to greet patients with a warm welcome as soon as they enter the clinic. Born and raised in Westchester, Camila enjoys spending time with family, painting, watching movies with her cats, Potato and Pickle, and trying out new restaurants.

Chelsie

Administrative Assistant

Chelsie, Administrative Assistant, is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences. While completing her degree, Chelsie worked in various areas of healthcare, including research, marketing, and patient care. Passionate about psychology and mental health, Chelsie has always had an interest in learning about and working with alternative and holistic therapies. Prior to joining Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, Chelsie worked as a research assistant for the UCSB Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, where she helped to make meditation and mindfulness-based practices accessible to high-school students. Originally from the Bay Area, Chelsie enjoys living in Los Angeles and spending her free time traveling, attending concerts and music festivals, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Eric

Patient Services Coordinator

Eric spent nearly twenty years in sales and account management roles but felt deeply unfulfilled. His true passion was for self-improvement and mental health. This interest ultimately led him to California, where he found himself working in treatment centers for mental health and substance use disorders. He believes this is his calling in life. Fortunately, he found Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, whose mission and values deeply inspire him. In his spare time, Eric loves art and classical music. He enjoys nature walks, playing the piano, and writing fiction. His long-term dream is to be a published novelist.

Banksy

Office Manager

Banksy, Office Manager, is a cockapoo who earned his master’s degree in human resource management at Bark Academy and graduated with honors. Banksy joined the Mandel Family in 2012 and decided to try his paw in the family business at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles as office manager at the height of the pandemic in April, 2020. Entering the company during one of the most difficult times in its history was no small task, but Banksy was ready to sink his teeth into a new challenge. He has always been passionate about mental health, realizing the importance of mindset and setting after being separated from his mother and siblings at a very young age. Banksy has done an amazing job at bringing comfort and hope to the entire KCLA team and our patients. He is also very active in the art world, but prefers to not talk about his exploits in that arena; you may be familiar with some of his work, which is recognized around the world. When he isn’t managing people, Banksy enjoys belly rubs, playing fetch, long walks, and eating treats.