Throughout my years of experience in healthcare working with diverse populations, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of embracing inclusivity. My mission is to advocate for patients who often face barriers navigating our complex healthcare systems. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, I bring my lived experiences to the forefront of my work. My goal is to provide inclusive, affirming, and accessible care for everyone who walks through our doors.
I’ve personally been inspired by the embracing and inclusive culture that Keta Medical Center has created. A space where patients feel safe to show up as their full selves and begin their healing journey with support and dignity by a staff who honors their patients’ individuality. Inclusive healthcare settings are deeply important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how being truly seen, respected, and affirmed can make all the difference in someone’s mental health and healing.
As someone who understands the direct needs of the community, not just as a healthcare professional, I’m proud to be part of a space that actively works to break down the bias and stigma that LGBTQ+ individuals too often face in healthcare, like being misgendered, dismissed, or not taken seriously when sharing their mental health concerns. At Keta Medical Center, we honor each person’s lived experience and lead with compassion from the first interaction to ongoing care.
We’re dedicated and remain committed to offering care that’s inclusive and affirming of all identities. Our goal is to create a space where LGBTQ+ individuals feel genuinely seen, safe, and supported, free from fear or judgment. This means:
At Keta Medical Center, we’ve seen how our care can support emotional healing, bring relief from symptoms, and help patients feel more connected to themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
Our team has seen firsthand how impactful this care can be. One patient shared,
“The medical and nursing professionals provide excellent care and understanding. Their nonjudgmental interactions and conversations have been a pleasure. They have demonstrated concern, care, and compassion in almost every one of my visits.”
When patients are given the space to heal on their terms, the results are transformational.
One of our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapists, Stacey Blume Frankel, LMSW, shares more on how loved ones can be a source of strength. Read her latest blog article here.
Contact us to learn how we can support your journey.
I’ve personally been inspired by the embracing and inclusive culture that Keta Medical Center has created. A space where patients feel safe to show up as their full selves and begin their healing journey with support and dignity by a staff who honors their patients’ individuality. Inclusive healthcare settings are deeply important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how being truly seen, respected, and affirmed can make all the difference in someone’s mental health and healing.
As someone who understands the direct needs of the community, not just as a healthcare professional, I’m proud to be part of a space that actively works to break down the bias and stigma that LGBTQ+ individuals too often face in healthcare, like being misgendered, dismissed, or not taken seriously when sharing their mental health concerns. At Keta Medical Center, we honor each person’s lived experience and lead with compassion from the first interaction to ongoing care.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health: What the Data Shows
- LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to the general population.
- Nearly 1 in 3 report having experienced discrimination from a healthcare provider.
- 75% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing symptoms of anxiety; 58% report symptoms of depression.
- LGBTQ+ people of color face compounded challenges, with higher rates of discrimination, economic instability, and barriers to care.
Our Allyship and Commitment to Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Healing
This Pride Month, and every day of the year, myself and the entire Keta Medical team proudly stand in allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and remain dedicated to celebrating and supporting each person’s unique journey. We believe that true healing begins with feeling safe, seen, respected and supported. That’s why we’re committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for everyone. Pride is a time to embrace the beauty in our diversity while also speaking truth to the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.We’re dedicated and remain committed to offering care that’s inclusive and affirming of all identities. Our goal is to create a space where LGBTQ+ individuals feel genuinely seen, safe, and supported, free from fear or judgment. This means:
Using inclusive and affirming language
- Every patient deserves to be addressed by their correct name and pronouns. We honor your identity and do our best to ensure our entire team reflects that respect in both language and action.
Reflecting Our Values in Who We Are
- We intentionally build a compassionate, culturally aware team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and is deeply mindful and supportive of the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Offering personalized care
- We recognize that every healing journey is unique. Our treatments, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), are tailored to the individual, taking into account personal history, lived experiences, and goals.
- We collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations and refer patients to affirming providers when needed.
The Role of Ketamine Treatments in Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often due to chronic stress, discrimination, and lack of affirming care. Ketamine therapy, whether in the form of intravenous (IV) infusions or Spravato nasal spray, is a unique and effective way to address a variety of mental health conditions, especially when other therapies have failed.At Keta Medical Center, we’ve seen how our care can support emotional healing, bring relief from symptoms, and help patients feel more connected to themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
Our team has seen firsthand how impactful this care can be. One patient shared,
“The medical and nursing professionals provide excellent care and understanding. Their nonjudgmental interactions and conversations have been a pleasure. They have demonstrated concern, care, and compassion in almost every one of my visits.”
When patients are given the space to heal on their terms, the results are transformational.
The Power of Support: How Families and Friends Can Uplift LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Many family and friends may not be familiar with how ketamine is used for mental health treatment, but their support can be deeply impactful, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals. Ketamine sessions often stir up emotional material, and having someone offer gentle and affirming support can help patients feel safe and grounded. Even simple words like “You are loved” or “I’m proud of you” can make a meaningful difference.One of our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapists, Stacey Blume Frankel, LMSW, shares more on how loved ones can be a source of strength. Read her latest blog article here.
At Keta, We Support Your Journey Toward Healing
We see you. We empower those left behind by traditional treatments to finally find relief and reconnect with the joy of living fully. We know the strength it takes to reach out, especially when you’re navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or just feeling stuck. With compassionate care, affirming support, and transformative treatments like ketamine therapy, we walk with you at your pace, without judgment. This community has faced so much and continues to rise with incredible strength. We’re proud to be here with you.Contact us to learn how we can support your journey.
