From Crisis to Healing: Keta Medical Center’s Dr. Haviva Malina on Ketamine’s Potential
In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Dr. Haviva Malina, MD of Keta Medical Center, a physician whose career bridges the critical fields of emergency medicine and mental health. Dr. Malina’s journey to becoming a leading voice in ketamine-assisted therapy is rooted in her deep understanding of patient needs and the persistent gaps in conventional mental healthcare. We delve into her path, the foundational principles guiding Keta Medical Center, and her vision for a future where mental well-being is within reach for more individuals.
HealingMaps: You’ve worked at the intersection of emergency medicine and mental health. What first drew you to ketamine-assisted therapy, and how has your perspective evolved since opening Keta Medical Center?
Dr. Haviva Malina: During my years as an emergency physician – especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – I witnessed firsthand the overwhelming gaps in mental health care. Too often, patients in crisis were left with few immediate options. Ketamine offered something rare: fast, evidence-based relief. Since founding Keta Medical Center, I’ve seen how, when delivered through structured, physician-led care, that relief can become a real path to long-term healing. It’s reshaped my understanding of what’s possible in this field.
Keta Medical Center
HealingMaps: Many patients arrive at ketamine therapy after exhausting other options. What’s something you wish more people knew before starting treatment?
That needing help isn’t failure – it’s strength. Ketamine isn’t just for “last resort” cases. When delivered in a supportive, clinical setting, it can jumpstart healing for many people earlier in their journey. As one patient shared, “I am so grateful that I found Keta Medical Center. I am finally healing after many years of a deep, dark depression.” – Lynn D.
HealingMaps: In your experience, which conditions respond best to ketamine treatment—and are there any common misconceptions about who is a good candidate?
We see strong responses for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and OCD. A common misconception is that ketamine is only for the most severe cases – but with the right screening, many people struggling with chronic symptoms can benefit.
HealingMaps: Integration is a buzzword in the psychedelic space. How do you help patients integrate their ketamine experiences into lasting change?
At Keta Medical Center, integration starts with patient-centered care. We meet each person where they are, tailoring support to their unique goals and needs. That includes ongoing check-ins with our clinical team, symptom tracking (PHQ-9), and collaboration with referred therapists/psychiatrists. Integration isn’t a one-size-fits-all process – it’s about helping patients translate their experiences into meaningful, lasting change in their daily lives.
HealingMaps: KetaMC offers Spravato and IV ketamine. How do you determine which treatment protocol is right for each patient?
We take a fully individualized approach – looking at diagnosis, medical history, treatment goals, and lifestyle. Some patients benefit from the FDA-approved, insurance-covered Spravato protocol for treatment resistant depression, while others respond better to IV based on absorption and response and its use in treating PTSD, Anxiety, and OCD.
HealingMaps: You’ve seen firsthand how the field is evolving. What excites you most about where ketamine therapy—and psychedelic medicine in general—is headed?
I’m excited to see science and access finally catching up to the promise. We’re building a field rooted in research, safety, and inclusivity – not hype. With FDA-approved options like Spravato now covered by insurance, more patients can access treatment without the financial burden. And the results speak for themselves – over 70% of patients report significant relief from depression and anxiety.
As one patient shared:“The ketamine treatments have definitely helped me more than anything else has in the past. Hands down this has been the most effective way to address my depression and anxiety – getting to the root causes and understanding how to overcome it.” – A.G., Keta Medical Center patient.
If we keep centering patient outcomes, the future is incredibly hopeful.
RELATED: 5 Simple Ways Ketamine Clinics Can Save Money
HealingMaps: How do you balance the medical rigor of your background with the more subjective, emotional nature of psychedelic experiences?
I believe they complement each other. Medical rigor ensures safety and accountability; the emotional experience is what makes the treatment transformative. Our job is to honor both.
HealingMaps: We hear from patients who are nervous about “tripping” or losing control. How do you talk to patients about what to expect during a ketamine session?
This is a very common concern – and one we always take seriously. At Keta Medical Center, we prioritize patient education and emotional safety. From the very first consult, we walk patients through exactly what to expect: how the medication works, what the experience may feel like, and how we ensure their comfort throughout.
I personally review each case and often speak with the referring provider to better understand the individual’s needs and background. Our sessions take place in a calm, private setting with full medical supervision, and we stay closely attuned to how each patient is responding – both physically and emotionally.
Interested in treatment at Keta Medical Center? Click here to Schedule a Consultation or give them a call at 212-548-6180.
