Reimagining Mental Health Treatment:
Our Story at ISHA Health
Isha Health was born out of my personal journey through the world of medicine and my desire to help those who are struggling with mental health issues. It was an odyssey that started in Japan, a country where mental health was often neglected or simply ignored.
My friend (I call her Kanako here to protect her privacy) was the first person I knew who suffered from depression, although at the time we did not have a name for it. The Japanese school nurse called it a "cold in the heart", as if it was just a temporary physical ailment that could be cured with rest and medicine. Kanako stopped coming to school and eventually disappeared from my life. Her absence left a deep impact on me and made me realize the importance of mental health.
Years later, as a young doctor working in the United States, I saw firsthand the challenges faced by patients with mental health issues. The healthcare system was not equipped to provide the comprehensive care that was needed. It was then that I knew I wanted to make a difference and find a way to provide more effective treatments.
My journey led me to ketamine therapy, which has shown great promise in treating depression and anxiety. By combining Western medicine with Eastern philosophy, we at Isha Health strive to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our approach is inspired by the belief that mind and body are inseparable, and that a holistic approach is the key to achieving optimal health.
"Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart." — Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore
This quote resonates with me because it speaks to the power of memories, both good and bad, to shape our lives. The memory of Kanako has stayed with me all these years, driving me to create Isha Health and help others who are struggling with mental health issues.
At Isha Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental healthcare. Our mission is to provide effective and compassionate care to those who need it most. Thank you for choosing Isha Health for your mental health needs.
Mai Shimada, MD MBA FAAEM
Clinical Team
A Collaborative Approach to Care
Ketamine therapy works best alongside integration support. We collaborate with a network of independent therapists and specialists who are trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. They are not employees of Isha Health — they are independent practitioners who share our commitment to patient-centered care.
Jennifer S. Birch, NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berkeley, California
Jennifer, an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Yale University, specializes in treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. She focuses on empowering patients with clear treatment information.
Jenya Kaufman, MD
Board-certified Psychiatrist
San Francisco, California
Dr. Jenya Kaufman is a Stanford graduate and board-certified psychiatrist from UCSF. She has completed a comprehensive Psychedelic Facilitation Course at UC Berkeley, equipping her with a deep understanding of psychedelic integration practices.
Margaret Brako, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Berkeley, California
Margaret is passionate about helping people empower themselves. Her practice emphasizes trauma-informed and culturally responsive care for people of all backgrounds.
Sarah Carr, LMFT
Psychotherapist
San Francisco, California
Sarah Carr, LMFT is the Founder and Clinical Director of mindfulSF. Sarah has extensive training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and has completed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Intensive through the Ketamine Training Center and IFS Institute.
Vincent Rozalski, Ph.D
Psychotherapist
San Francisco, California
Vincent specializes in focused treatment for individuals who are suffering from the after effects of trauma and other stressful events. He has worked with people who've experienced a variety of terrible events, such as combat, accidents, abuse, sexual assaults, and near death experiences.
Sarah Murray, LMFT
Psychotherapist
Denver, Colorado
Sarah is an experienced therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey back to their authentic selves. She specializes in utilizing emotional, somatic, cognitive, and spiritual approaches to help you rediscover your innate strength and wisdom.
Perrin Elisha, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Aspen, Colorado
Perrin Elisha, PhD, a clinical psychologist, specializes in psychosomatics and eating disorders. Author of "The Conscious Body" and founder of Relationships ReWired, she focuses on improving relationship health and intimate dynamics.
Sandy Kong, LMFT
Psychotherapist
San Jose, California
Sandy Kong is a culturally sensitive therapist focused on providing a safe space for healing and growth. She uses her background and expertise to empower clients towards a balanced life.
Katie Chaudry, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Santa Monica, California
Katie Chaudry offers a holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing judgment-free support for those navigating life's challenges. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and personal growth, she draws from her own experiences to provide practical guidance and support to young adults seeking a more meaningful life.
Jyoti Nadhani, LMFT
Psychotherapist
Palo Alto, California
Jyoti Nadhani, blending business acumen with counseling expertise, offers holistic, non-judgmental therapy focused on growth and healing. Her practice includes psychedelic-assisted therapy and is rooted in personal experiences with yoga and mindfulness, guiding clients towards a fulfilling life.
Our collaborating network includes 600+ clinicians across the country.
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