Dr. Jonathan Leake
Where Science Meets Meaningful Healing
Physician • Founder • Integrative Mental-Health Leader
I help people heal through a blend of evidence-based medicine, psychedelic-informed care, and intentional human connection. My work centers on creating safe, compassionate, and transformative experiences rooted in neuroscience, presence, and the belief that healing happens in relationship.
Visit Dérive Health
A Different Kind of Physician
I began my career in Emergency Medicine, spending more than a decade caring for patients in high-acuity settings.
Those years shaped my medical philosophy — healing is not only biological, but relational and contextual.
Today, as Founder of Dérive Health, I work at the intersection of neuroscience, psychedelic medicine, and intentional therapeutic design.
My focus is on creating treatment spaces grounded in safety, compassion, and meaningful human connection.
What guides my work:
  • evidence-based practice
  • integrative frameworks
  • trauma-informed care
  • preparation + integration
  • honoring each patient's story
Healing Is Both Science and Story
Safety Is the Foundation
Every healing journey begins with trust, preparation, and support.
Set and Setting Are Medicine
Internal mindset and external environment shape therapeutic outcomes.
Presence Is Powerful
A skilled, attuned clinician is as important as the medicine itself.
Integration Creates Change
Lasting transformation happens after the session — through meaning-making.
We Treat the Whole Person
Symptoms matter, but so do values, history, relationships, and purpose.
Professional Work
Dérive Health
Premium integrative ketamine therapy for depression, PTSD, and emotional healing. Built on evidence-based protocols, relational care, and intentional preparation and integration.
Hydrate Medical
Co-founder and Medical Director of a multi-location IV health practice, pioneering accessible wellness and clinical IV therapy across the southeast.
Emergency Medicine
Board-certified Emergency Physician with more than a decade of experience across urban trauma centers and rural single-coverage departments.
Professional Background & Experience
A blend of clinical rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to transformative healing.
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Training & Education
California Institute of Integral Studies - Psychedelic Therapy Certificate (2022)
MAPS Training - Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (2022)
Carolinas Medical Center - Emergency Medicine Residency (2005-2008)
Emory University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine (2005)
Georgia State University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology (2000)
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Clinical Leadership
Dérive Health - Co-Founder & Medical Director (2023-Present) - Integrative ketamine therapy and psychedelic-informed care
Hydrate Medical - Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer (2014-Present) - Eight-location IV therapy and wellness brand
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Clinical Practice
Lake Norman Regional Medical Center - Emergency Medicine Physician (2016-Present)
UNC Caldwell Memorial Hospital - Emergency Medicine Physician (2024-2025)
Cleveland Regional Medical Center - Emergency Medicine Physician (2008-2022)
Kings Medical Center - Emergency Medicine Physician (2008-2022)
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Awards & Recognition
ASKP3 Conference Featured Speaker (2026)
Spectrum News Healthcare Innovation Feature (2024)
Emergency Medicine Excellence Award (2005)
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Professional Memberships
American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
Speaking, Teaching & Media
I speak on psychedelic medicine, ketamine-assisted therapy, integrative mental health, set and setting, clinical leadership, IV Hydration, NAD+ and the future of mental-health and body-health innovation.
ASKP3 Conference 2026
Presenting on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, clinical protocols, and the integration of psychedelic principles into mainstream psychiatric practice.
Spectrum News Interview
Featured discussion on innovative mental health care approaches and the role of ketamine therapy in addressing treatment-resistant conditions.
Positively CLT
In-depth conversation about ketamine, psychedelics, and the transformation of mental-health treatment in Charlotte and beyond.
Community Voices: Psychedelics in Charlotte
Co-host and panelist exploring the local landscape of psychedelic medicine, community education, and responsible implementation.
Clinician Training Programs
Developing and delivering training for therapists and medical professionals in psychedelic-informed care, preparation, and integration practices.
Beyond the Clinic
Medicine is only one dimension of a meaningful life. My passions outside the clinic inform how I show up in it—with presence, intention, curiosity, and an appreciation for beauty, precision, and connection.
Aviation
Private pilot exploring freedom, clarity, and perspective.
Travel
International exploration focused on culture, landscape, and meaning.
Wine & Food
Lover of hospitality, sensory experience, and connection.
Automotive
Co-owner of Euro Cars; passion for performance, engineering, and design.
The Dérive Approach
At Dérive Health, we've created something rare in modern medicine: a clinic where time, attention, and relationship are the foundation of care. Our model integrates the best of neuroscience, psychopharmacology, psychedelic medicine, and trauma-informed therapy into a seamless continuum of support.
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Initial Consultation
Comprehensive evaluation, medical history review, and collaborative goal-setting to understand your unique story and needs.
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Preparation
Intentional readiness work addressing mindset, expectations, safety protocols, and creating the optimal conditions for a meaningful experience.
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Treatment Experience
Ketamine-assisted sessions in a carefully designed environment with continuous medical presence and therapeutic support throughout.
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Integration
Structured follow-up to process insights, develop actionable strategies, and translate experience into lasting behavioral and psychological change.
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Ongoing Support
Continued collaboration with your care team, medication management as needed, and long-term partnership in your healing journey.
Every element is designed with intention. Every detail matters. Because healing isn't a transaction—it's a transformation that unfolds over time, in relationship, with care.
What Patients Say
The most meaningful measure of our work is the transformation we witness in the lives of those we serve. Here are reflections from patients who have experienced Dérive Health's approach.
"Dr. Leake created a space where I finally felt safe enough to do the deep work I'd been avoiding for years. His presence, knowledge, and genuine care made all the difference."
"This wasn't just treatment—it was a turning point. The integration support helped me actually apply what I learned, and I'm living differently now because of it."
"I'd tried everything for my depression. Dérive Health's approach was the first thing that helped me see a path forward. I'm grateful every day."
"Healing is not a destination. It's a return—to yourself, to presence, to the possibility of living fully. My role is simply to walk alongside you as you find your way back."
— Dr. Jonathan Leake
Let's Connect
For collaboration, speaking engagements, media inquiries, or professional questions, I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're a clinician interested in psychedelic-informed care, a journalist exploring mental-health innovation, an organization seeking a speaker, or someone curious about Dérive Health's approach—reach out.
I believe in the power of conversation, collaboration, and community. The future of mental healthcare will be built through connection, shared learning, and collective commitment to doing better.
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LinkedIn
Connect for professional updates and thought leadership
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Instagram
@drjonathanleake – Behind the scenes and insights
Dr. Jonathan Leake is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, founder of Dérive Health, and integrative mental-health leader specializing in ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic-informed care. His work explores the intersection of neuroscience, compassion, and transformational healing—creating pathways for people to reconnect with themselves, their purpose, and their capacity for meaningful change.
Through clinical practice, entrepreneurship, speaking, and education, Dr. Leake is helping shape the future of mental healthcare: one that honors both science and story, evidence and empathy, precision and presence.
© 2025 Dr. Jonathan Leake. All rights reserved.