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.

1

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.

4

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.