In this episode of the HEALS Pod, I, Diego Trujillo, CEO of Las Vegas HEALS, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sid Khurana, one of the co-founders of Nevada Mental Health. Our conversation delved into the pressing issues surrounding mental health care in Las Vegas, particularly the challenges of access and the ongoing shortage of healthcare providers.

We began by discussing the inspiration behind Nevada Mental Health, which stemmed from a personal encounter Dr. Khurana had with a handyman seeking mental health resources for a family member. This moment highlighted the lack of accessible, insurance-based mental health care in the community, particularly for those who fall in the middle-income bracket. Dr. Khurana shared his journey of moving to Las Vegas and how he has witnessed the city evolve over the past 12 years, noting its family-friendly aspects and the abundance of outdoor activities that often go unrecognized.

As we explored the current state of mental health care in Nevada, Dr. Khurana pointed out that despite some progress, the state still ranks last in the nation for mental health access and disease prevalence. We discussed the interconnectedness of mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to these issues.

Dr. Khurana elaborated on the mission of Nevada Mental Health, which focuses on providing quality, patient-centered care without the common practice of double booking appointments. He emphasized the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship between patients and providers, which is crucial for effective treatment outcomes. We also touched on the significance of patient engagement and the need for reeducation to foster a collaborative approach to mental health care.

A significant portion of our discussion revolved around innovative treatment options, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive procedure that targets specific areas of the brain to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. Dr. Khurana explained the science behind TMS and how it offers an alternative for patients who may not respond well to traditional therapies.

We also addressed the broader cultural context of mental health in Las Vegas, including the transient nature of the population and the impact of individualism on community support systems. Dr. Khurana highlighted the importance of resilience-building in children and the role of supportive family structures in fostering mental well-being.

Towards the end of our conversation, we touched on the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies and the need for ongoing research to explore their efficacy in treating mental health conditions. Dr. Khurana expressed his openness to integrating new scientific findings into practice, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and evidence-based approaches in mental health care.