Dérive Health marks an exciting new chapter for Dilworth and highlights the growing importance of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental and emotional wellness. The word dérive (n.) means a spontaneous journey where the traveler leaves their life behind for a time to let the spirit of the landscape and architecture attract and move them. Dérive Health is a space for healing. The center is poised to become a leading provider of cutting- edge treatments in the Charlotte area, helping clients achieve their best health and well-being.

One of the primary treatments offered at Dérive Health is psychedelic-assisted therapy with ketamine. Ketamine is a non-narcotic medication, most commonly used for sedation in anesthesia. Ketamine was discovered in the late 1960s and used in the military as a battlefield anesthetic. It has now been used safely in operating and emergency rooms for decades. More research is being conducted on ketamine’s anti- depressant and therapeutic benefits. The science is that ketamine works directly on glutamate receptors in the brain, offering immediate relief of depressive symptoms in PTSD, OCD and anxiety. Ketamine promotes long-term brain healing by activating BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor), allowing the brain to heal and grow new connections.

After years of extensive research and training, Dr. Jonathan Leake and Keith Parris (ACNP-BC) created a highly effective ketamine program. “Ketamine has shown to be effective in 70% of patients in multiple studies, and we see about an 80% response rate in our clients,” says Dr. Leake. “At Dérive Health, we created a space and environment in care so that you can heal and experience transformative change. We work to give the mind, body and spirit the support needed to heal.” Noise-canceling headphones, therapeutic music and eye shades minimize distractions and allow the brain to focus on healing. There are no prolonged side effects, and the dissociative effect will fade 30-35 minutes after the drip. There are no flashbacks or other long symptoms. Ketamine is a groundbreaking treatment for severe depression, and it works quickly.

Dérive Health also offers NAD+ infusions. IV NAD+ therapy can help those struggling with drug addiction, anxiety or burnout. Drug use changes brain functions, which makes quitting “cold turkey” almost impossible, even if the user has the best intentions and wants to stop. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+, is the active enzyme form of Vitamin B3. This is a key enzyme in cell function and energy production and there is evidence it acts directly as a neurotransmitter as well. In the process of addiction, the brain is depleted of neurotransmitters and neuronal dysfunction persists. Dérive Health is excited to be one of the few offices in North Carolina that now offer NAD+ treatments.

Any IV infusion at Dérive Health is administered by highly skilled and trained emergency medicine professionals. Dr. Leake is also certified in psychedelic-assisted therapies and research from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Vital signs are monitored closely throughout all infusions.

Dérive Health is located in the Dilworth Crossing Center and opened in May 2023. To learn more about Dérive Health, call 980-221-2689 or visit derivehealth.com.

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