In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Katelyn Kalstein, a licensed naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and psychotherapist specializing in integrative mental health and psychedelic medicine. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-298/?ref=278 Dr. Kalstein shares her journey from growing up with natural remedies to her transformative experiences in India and Brazil, where she first encountered ayahuasca and joined the Santo Daime church. She discusses her unconventional career path through naturopathic medicine, neurofeedback at 40 Years of Zen, and as Clinical Director at Field Trip Health in Los Angeles. Dr. Kalstein offers valuable insights on the importance of community in healing, the limitations of current medical models, and why psychoanalytic theory remains essential in psychedelic work. 

Through her experiences with various modalities, she illuminates the path toward a more integrated approach to mental health that honors both traditional wisdom and modern science.

Dr. Katelyn Kalstein is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, acupuncturist, and psychotherapist specializing in ketamine assisted psychotherapy. The former Clinical Director of Field Trip Health in Los Angeles, Dr. Kalstein has seen hundreds of patients through ketamine treatment, both as a prescriber and a therapist. She is certified in Psychedelic Therapy and Research (CIIS) and looks forward to utilizing MDMA and psilocybin therapy when they become legally available.

Starting her career in primary care medicine, Dr. Kalstein is passionate about an integrative approach to mental health care - treating mind, body and spirit. In addition to formal training, Dr. Kalstein has over 20 years of personal experience with psychedelics and meditation, traveling to India, Peru and Brazil for over a decade in order to study with various spiritual teachers and shamans. She has a deep respect for indigenous knowledge and mindfully integrates these teachings into her modern clinical practice.  

Driven by a passion for the safe and ethical use of psychedelics, she views these medicines as powerful catalysts for personal and planetary change.

Highlights:

• Her grandfather's natural medicine influence
• First ayahuasca experience—in an Indian ashram
• The Santo Daime church experience
• Shaving her head and following a guru
• Disillusionment with conventional medicine
• Neurofeedback vs. psychedelic experiences
• Field Trip's clinical model challenges
• Psychoanalysis in psychedelic integration
• Understanding healthy ego development
• Nashville's emerging psychedelic community

Episode links: 

• Website
• Instagram: @drkatelynkalstein
• Simply Being Therapy (Nashville)

Episode Sponsor:

• The Intensive for Psychedelic Professionals in Costa Rica - a transformative retreat for personal and professional growth.