Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Mandel
Hi Sam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into mental health and Ketamine Infusion Therapy is very personal. I’ve lost many friends and family to suicide, addiction, and mental health struggles since I was young, so this cause is close to my heart. When I was 12 years old, I volunteered for a teen-to-teen suicide prevention hotline, and that experience ignited my passion for helping people in a mental health crisis.
Fast forward to 2014, I co-founded Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles with my father, Dr. Steven L. Mandel. Back then, ketamine therapy was viewed as a very radical thing. Most clinicians had never even heard of ketamine for mental health, and those who had, considered it as some experimental therapy. The general public knew even less. We were followers of the early research on ketamine’s potential to treat mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine was generally not used to treat mental health conditions outside of research, so there was a lot of stigma and misinformation. We knew there was something special in it, though—ketamine simply worked. It works faster, better, and safer with fewer side effects than nearly all other treatments.
We started just the two of us, my father and I, bootstrapping everything. I built the website, got a prepaid Motorola flip phone at Radioshack, began taking calls, checked in patients, and did whatever was necessary to create the company while simultaneously running it. My father developed clinical protocols, managed care for all patients, and gave every patient his personal cell phone number to text or call after hours if needed. Today, we’ve grown into a 5,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility with an incredible team of 15 employees. We’ve treated more than 6,000 patients, administered over 30,000 ketamine infusions, and maintained an 83% success rate. We have added Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to our toolbox of interventions, among other innovative therapeutics. The impact we’ve participated in has been life-changing for the people we’ve cared for, the lives they touch, and for us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but that’s part of what makes it all worthwhile. In the early days, the biggest challenge was educating people about what we do. Ketamine was very misunderstood—it was associated with veterinary medicine, party drugs, and anesthesia, not mental health treatment. People were very skeptical, and I spent hours on the phone with each potential patient, explaining the science behind it and reassuring them that this was a legitimate, safe, and effective treatment.
Financially, it was tough, too. We put everything on credit cards. We had little cash to invest and did not seek loans or outside investment. We are proud to remain family-owned and operated today.
Our space was very humble. We started in a literal closet—an eight by seven-foot room—with two folding chairs, a folding table, and two laptops. Patients were cared for in an adjacent operating room recovery area with two beds separated by a curtain. Over time, the good word spread that this father-son duo was attentive, compassionate, and high-quality, and this “weird” new therapy they provided worked, even for the most treatment-resistant patients. Those early challenges forced us to focus on what mattered most: patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. This is what would become the foundation we stand on today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) is a pioneering center in Ketamine Infusion Therapy and comprehensive mental health care. We stand out for our unique features. Co-founded in 2014 by Dr. Steven L. Mandel and Sam Mandel (me), KCLA operates from a state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot center in Los Angeles. I am proud to have built our space from scratch and done all the design and direction down to the last detail. It’s a beautiful, tranquil environment. We are the first and only ketamine clinic accredited by Quad A, a testament to our high standards. With over 30,000 infusions administered and over 6,000 patients cared for, we have an 83% success rate in treating various mental health conditions. Our multidisciplinary team, led by board-certified anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, and other specialized medical professionals, offers personalized treatment plans incorporating Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychiatric Medication Management. KCLA’s acceptance of 12 of California’s largest health insurance networks further enhances accessibility. With a commitment to innovation and compassion, KCLA is a modern mental health care leader. So many things set us apart; we have highly trained staff (ACLS, BLS, and ASA), an accredited world-class facility, a 1:1 clinician-to-patient staffing model, a serene and beautiful environment, and our technique of delivering ketamine is unmatched. We utilize digital syringe pumps instead of IV bags, individualized dosing, preparation and integration support incorporating virtual reality, unmatched treatment outcomes, and we genuinely love this work.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Many people deserve credit for where we are today. First and foremost, my father and partner, Dr. Steven L. Mandel—he’s an incredible physician. His dedication to our patients and to medical innovation is unmatched, and I’ve learned so much from him over the years.
Next would be our entire team; they deserve tremendous credit. Everyone at KCLA is passionate about what we do and committed to delivering the best possible care to our patients, from our clinicians to administrative staff. Many of our patients are facing severe mental health challenges, and the compassion and professionalism our team brings to every interaction is what sets us apart. Patients have rated our team an average of 9.5 out of 10 on satisfaction surveys and written us more than 300 five-star reviews on Yelp and Google, a testament to the level of care we provide. We would not be where we are today without our staff’s dedication, especially those who have stayed the course with us long-term; special shout out to Angel and Alyssa for 8+ years each! We love and appreciate you so much. You are truly incredible.
Much credit is due to the providers, organizations, and community partners who have trusted us to care for their patients and loved ones over the last decade. We cherish these partnerships and strive to enhance treatment outcomes through seamless collaboration with other professionals.
Finally, our patients are why we get up in the morning. They are the reason we exist in the first place and the only way we can carry on. Many of them credit us for their continued existence; we must thank them for ours, too. The trust they place in us, often during their most vulnerable moments in life, is something I never take for granted. Being part of their transformations is what keeps me going. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ketamineclinics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesammandel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ketamineclinicsLA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KetamineClinicsofLosAngeles
