After exhausting traditional treatments for depression and suicidal ideation, Derek relucantly tried ketamine therapy 2019. Derek experienced a rapid mental transformation, which inspired him to collaborate with clinicians from Stanford’s Psychedelic Science Center and Depression Research Clinic to explore ways to increase accessibility to psychedelic medicine. After discovering how psychedelics may treat a multitude of mental health challenges, making psychedelic medicine more accessible became his mission. In 2021, Derek partnered with Dr. Sam Zand, a pioneer psychiatric and psychedelic medicine from Johns Hopkins University, to create Better U. “It was the single most profound moment in my life at that time. For months it felt like everyone around me was breathing and I was drowning. After the first session, I felt like I could breathe again. My entire ethos was plant-based medicine and prior to this I thought ketamine was a horse tranquilizer. After researching the benefits of this type of therapy, I decided what else do I have to lose and gave it a go. Grateful that I did, not sure if I’d still be here if I didn’t make the appointment. Psychedelic therapy saved my life. The treatment was expensive ($1,500 per treatment) and there zero mental preparation prior and no support after the session. I grew up in Wisconsin and thought of my family and friends that are struggling with depression and how this may help them but it wasn’t accessible. After 2 years of development, Dr. Zand & I created Better U to make breakthrough mental health treatments more accessible, provide support system for people who are struggling, and improve the standard of care.
Dr. Sam Zand utilizes expertise in neuroplasticity to help patients address the root cause of their problems and establish new ways of thinking. After initial psychedelic medicine research at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Zand began treating patients clinically with ketamine in 2019. Dr. Zand teaches psychedelic medicine rotations to psychiatry residents, medical students, and is an advocate and spokesperson for the FDA-approved esketamine, Spravato. Training includes: general psychiatry, addiction recovery, psychotherapy, and has a passion for psychedelic therapy, crisis intervention, relationship counseling, and integrated spiritual therapy. He has merged his passions for lifestyle medicine, performance coaching, and entrepreneurship to establish platforms that build leaders and healers in the community. Crisis Intervention Training for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, assisted with developing the Mental Skills department for the San Francisco Giants, and recently initiated clinical trials at U.C.S.F. Dr. Zand is dedicated to increasing education to end the stigma that surrounds mental health topics, advancing the integration of psychiatry and psychedelic medicine, and making clinically proven, innovative breakthrough therapies more accessible for all.
Dr. Zand is a board-certified dermatologist with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a dual M.D. from Harvard Medical School and MIT. At Harvard, she carried out a Melanoma Research Fellowship and then trained in dermatology at UC Davis, where she was honored to be appointed Chief Resident. In 2000, Dr. Zand was selected by USA Today as one of the top 20 college students in the nation. Diagnosing and treating skin cancer is an important part of Dr. Zand’s practice. Her full skin exams are meticulously thorough, from scalp to toes. She is highly trained in the advanced techniques of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and reconstruction for facial skin cancers. She also offers minimally invasive treatments for skin cancer whenever possible, to reduce scarring, healing time, and emotional stress. Dr. Zand is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and a member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, Pacific Dermatology Association, and the Marin Medical Society. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and has served on the Medical Staff at Marin General Hospital. She has had the honor of being chosen for the Howard Hughes Research Fellowship and Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, for her commitment to research and community service.
Zishan Majeed is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in the state of Florida. Zishan has experience working with adults who are experiencing chronic anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, eating disorders, OCD, parenting difficulties, low self-esteem, and more. Zishan offers medication management services in English, Hindi, and Urdu. Zishan earned his Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. While continuing his education, Zishan began working as a clinician for Jackson Health Systems (JHS) and the University of Miami’s Neuroscience Department. Being part of JHS and Miami's Neurology and Neuro-Science department gave Zishan the foundation and building blocks of what would later guide him into the field of psychiatry. Zishan aims to help break down the barriers created by stigma, providing the help you need without judgment or negative feedback. Zishan’s attentiveness and passion lead him to provide care by using a collaborative and holistic approach to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact a client’s health. Zishan believes that one of the most crucial factors in being an effective Advanced Practice Nurse is to promote hope in individuals and families with mental health conditions, instilling self-responsibility and empowerment. With his emphasis on hope, he'll partner together with you to create the life you value and desire. Work with Zishan—you'll receive his professional assistance opening new doors that lead to healthier relationships and life goals.
Lindsay has been a Physician Assistant since 2015 after graduating from South University in Savannah, Georgia. She has experience in Primary Care, Urgent Care, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry. She spent her undergraduate years playing soccer at the University of Florida. While there, she made the academic honor roll all 4 years. She also won 3 Southeastern Conference Championships. Lindsay is passionate about traveling, music, friends, flag football, her partner, and her pets. She has found great fulfillment treating patients in Psychiatry.
I am a registered nurse originally from Dallas Texas, but I live on an island of Panama currently. You can usually find me at the beach with my dog, hiking, paddle boarding, or on the sand volleyball court. I believe that mental wellness is important and takes work, and I am happy to help others along their psychedelic journey.
Hi, my name is Hannah Gantt and I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina but have lived in Los Angeles for almost 6 years now. I have always been interested in mental health, and grew up learning a lot about it as both my mother and sister are mental health counselors. I completed my undergraduate degree at USC and I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have gained experience in life coaching and counseling throughout the years and I have seen ketamine therapy be extremely beneficial to many people I have worked with. I am a big advocate for wellness of all forms, including physical exercise, the foods we eat, and self care. I myself find happiness in hiking, rock climbing, going on walks, cooking healthy meals, journaling, and meditating.
Dorea has practiced in the alternative medicine field since 2000, the cannabis arena since 2015 and most recently working with BetterU since 2021 to help educate others about the benefits of ketamine and how this medicine can help with mental wellness issues like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Dorea is passionate about helping others find tools to help them feel better, the outdoors, traveling, and being with family. Dorea lives with her husband and two teen daughters on a ranch in Northern Nevada where she enjoys gardening, mountain biking, backpacking, yoga/meditation practice, and playing tennis with her family.
Tyler Hare is part of our Care Concierge team and a military veteran. Tyler believes mental and physical health are a foundation for wellbeing and are within reach for anyone. With a career leading and coaching tactical teams Tyler enjoys helping others rise to their potential. He brings with him the mindset learned in uncomfortable, high-stress environments, helping those around him overcome fears in crisis situations and now mentors harmonizing those experiences into daily practices of gratitude, self-realization, and integration.
Kyle has been a plant-based alternative medicine enthusiast and functional medicine practitioner since 2014 and a Psychedelic advocate since around 2019. My journey in medicine started in 2012 with pediatric home health services and quickly navigated into managing a compounding pharmacy and medical equipment supplier. This experience led me to functional medicine where I founded Trokie and the Patient Care Clinic to educate people about the benefits of plant-based and functional medicine to help treat root causes rather than just apply band-aids. This way of thinking has led me to where we are today, leading a team to change the way people perceive mental health and psychedelic therapy. I have always had a passion to improve the quality of people’s lives and Better U gives me the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day. I live in Long Beach CA with my wife, 2 kids, and Thor my boxer/lab. My hobbies are anything outdoorsy and sports related. I spend my free time at the beach, the park, the pool or gardening. I’m a foodie and a sourdough bread fanatic.
Megan brings her varied and unique work experience in the field of customer relations to compassionately partner alongside each client to help guide and support them towards the betterment of their individual mental health journey. After struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, Megan is excited to be able to help others along their healing journey. With Megan’s integration skills as well, she provides customized support programs to each clients specific needs to seek the improvement of the overall quality of their lives.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. I used to be a scholar athlete in high school and college where I was a health science major. I now live with my boyfriend and our Pitbull, Blue. During my free time, I like to spend time with my family and goddaughters, take my dog to the park and play softball with friends. As an athlete my whole life, especially throughout college, mental health became very important to me. Now I get to spend every day working with a team that helps other people with their mental health journey.
