Professional Experience

Meghan is the Chief Clinical Officer of Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic. Prior to joining Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic as a ketamine provider, Meghan has over 11 years of experience working with children and adults in the emergency room setting struggling with physical and mental health issues. She has experience working for a queer affirming private practice supporting individuals struggling with their mental health, gender identity issues, religious trauma, and intersectionality. 

Meghan attended Macalester College for her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Ecology and moved to Chicago for her masters in nursing and doctorate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Rush University Medical Center. Following completion of her doctorate degree, she continued her education to become dual-boarded as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. By advocating for continuity of care and supporting major changes within outpatient and hospital frameworks, she aspires to provide the highest quality of psychiatric care for a range of issues across the lifespan for a variety of unique and marginalized populations. 

Philosophy

I believe physical and mental health care involves a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of individuals while promoting their overall well-being. By engaging in a person-centered approach and prioritizing the individual’s autonomy, dignity, and self-determination, each person’s preferences, values, and goals can be recognized and validated to guide the treatment process.

Mental health care and in particular psychedelic medicine, should consider the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and social environment. It should address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes, taking into account biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. It is my goal to foster a collaborative relationship with patients so that not only are you actively involved in the treatment planning, decision-making, and goal-setting process, but also that care is tailored to the unique needs and experiences of your cultural background, beliefs, and values.

As a practitioner, I utilize evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective through scientific research. This includes using therapies and interventions with demonstrated efficacy and regularly evaluating outcomes.  By collaborating between mental health professionals, primary care providers, and specialists I strive for integration amongst healthcare providers in order to provide a more coordinated and comprehensive approach, particularly for individuals with comorbid physical and mental health conditions.

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for patients to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of patients in my care is of the utmost importance to me as a ketamine provider and the clinic as a whole. Creating this supportive environment and assisting in establishing a positive mindset, can aid in processing and integrating a patient’s experience and can ultimately lead to improved outcomes and personal well-being. 

A Little Bit More About Meghan Leahey, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Prior to jumping into medicine full-time, Meghan was a soccer player in college and spent time playing in Iceland following her collegiate career. She is also a lover of travel and adventure and spent several years exploring her love of ecology in Alaska working for the Department of Fish and Game on commercial crabbing vessels.