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MIAMI | SOUTH BEACH | KENDALL | AVENTURA |  FORT LAUDERDALETAMARAC  BOCA RATON | | DELRAY | ATLANTIS | JUPITER/PALM BEACH GARDENS

Spine Doctors in South Florida

SPINE AND WELLNESS CENTERS OF AMERICA

TREATMENTS & PROCEDURES

KETAMINE INFUSIONS

Treating chronic pain, especially Neuropathic.
4-hour infusion sessions, series of 3-6 over a few weeks.

Ketamine is available in-office and initial consultations can be done via telemedicine throughout South Florida!

MIAMI | SOUTH BEACH | KENDALL | AVENTURA |  FORT LAUDERDALETAMARAC  BOCA RATON | | DELRAY | ATLANTIS | JUPITER/PALM BEACH GARDENS

Most chronic pain results from tissue injury and treatment is aimed at targeting the tissue involved and the nature of the injury. Think of it this way: the existing nerve endings are traumatized and irritated, and this results with the nerves constantly sending burning, searing pain signals directly to the brain. What Ketamine treatments do is to extinguish these ‘bad’ nerve pulses and begin to grow new pathways. These new, fresh nerve endings create new pathways to the brain. Since they do not have a history or ‘baggage’ of the old trauma, they only send healthy signals to the brain.

Ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a treatment option for a variety of chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia, small fiber neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and psychiatric conditions including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Amazing Reports and Studies: Ketamine IV Treatments

Amazing Reports and Studies: Ketamine IV Treatments
SWCA offers IV Ketamine Infusion treatment and patients are reporting amazing, miraculous results with only a few treatments.

A 2006 study in the American Journal of Therapeutics found that 85 percent of neuropathic pain patients who underwent outpatient ketamine infusion saw improvements in their conditions. Just over half of the study participants reported continued relief one month after discontinuing treatment. Ketamine has proven its effectiveness as an analgesic to treat non-responsive neuropathic pain.

​Known more popularly for its abuse as a club drug, ketamine has been recognized and used for several decades as an anesthetic. It works to stop the transmission of pain by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Recent research has identified the hyperactivity of these receptors as a possible factor in generating neuropathic pain.

Ketamine Team

Integrative mental health and trauma specialist SHARI B. KAPLAN, LCSW Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW is the founder/clinical director of Cannectd Wellness. She has 30 years of experience in both NYC and Florida. Kaplan is the creator of integrative mental health and well-being programs, based on trauma treatment protocols, designed to help individuals on their path of mind, body, soul healing, well-being and empowerment.
Kaplan is also an innovative formulator of plant extracts for the cannabis and health and wellness industries. As the founder of CANNECTD Wellness™, Kaplan successfully treats people using the ‘Whole Life Plan© (WLP),’ her signature integrative approach to well-being.
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 Kaplan received her Masters in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University. She is also the founder of the Can’t Tell Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization (www.canttellnetwork.com). Kaplan collaborates with Dr. Michelle Weiner using ketamine assisted therapy, cannabis and plant medicines to support their patients on their path of well-being. Additionally, Kaplan, along with Dr. Weiner and the University of Miami, has completed a study on Ketamine assisted therapy.

Peak Performance and Psychedelic Integration Coach, Facilitator

JENELLE BECERRA

Jenelle Becerra, MS, is a Miami-based trauma-informed psychedelic integration coach specializing in life transitions and performance, using an integrative approach that combines modern coaching methods with the intentional use of psychedelics. As a certified professional coach with a degree in health science, she employs diverse modalities such as embodiment, pain reprocessing therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), behavior change, and design thinking. Her practice focuses on connecting with the emotional root of behavior, identifying limiting beliefs, and empowering clients through personalized goal-setting and accountability. Whether in-person or virtually, Jenelle guides those ready to change on a transformative journey toward self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment.

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

ALESSANDRA ZAPATA

Alessandra is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a plethora of experience in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Internal Medicine & Mental Health. She has been in the healthcare industry since 2007 as an LPN where her first job was working in a juvenile correctional setting, it is no wonder that mental health is one of her passions! Since then, she has obtained a Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in Women’s Studies, Associate in Science of Nursing & a Masters in the Science of Nursing. Alessandra has worked in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, doctors offices among many other settings. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, participating in community events and practicing aesthetic medicine. You will always feel at home with Alessandra, her priority is always providing a cathartic experience no matter what your appointment is for!

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

SANDRA SEGURA

Sandra Segura, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience in Pain Management, Aesthetics, Mental Health, PM&R, and alternative medicine.

Sandra has worked in healthcare for over 17 years. She began her work as a nursing assistant at Baptist Hospital as a recipient of the Baptist Health Scholars program, while working towards her bachelor’s in nursing at the University of Miami. In 2007, She graduated from UM with a BSN and joined the first cohort of the Versant Program at Baptist, a nursing training program. After completion of the program, she was hired as a registered nurse in the emergency department, where she worked for over 7 years. Shortly after, she began working Per-diem in Plastic surgery and sparked an interest in aesthetics. At the end of 2013, Sandra completed her Nurse Practitioner program and obtained her board certification. Shortly after, she began working in PM&R and pain management. At the end of 2015, Sandra began to pursue her interest of working in aesthetics and obtained her advanced certification as an injector of neuromodulators and dermal fillers. She also obtained certifications in Kybella, Carboxytherapy, and Mesotherapy.

Sandra is a reliable, holistic, and ethical healthcare provider with ability to stay calm under pressure and intervene during crises. She developed strong triage, assessment, and treatment skills through my years of expertise in emergency nursing. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and has a proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians, and other medical professionals.

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Sandra is an employee of Spine and Wellness Centers of America and is actively collaborating with Dr Michelle Weiner and her team to treat patients who suffer with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, OCD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and other mental health disorders. Through her passion for holistic medicine, Sandra is currently assisting in the administration of intravenous and intramuscular ketamine for KAP (ketamine assisted psychotherapy). She is also collaborating in research associated with providing alternative medicine to replace opioid use in patients who suffer with chronic pain. Sandra is a caring and compassionate nurse practitioner, who empathizes with her patients and provides excellent quality care service.

Sandra was born in Colombia and emigrated to the United States at the age of 6. She has children of her own and hopes to continue the family traditions and customs from her native, Colombia. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. On her days off, Sandra enjoys pending time with her family, traveling, gardening, outdoor activities, and loves to dance salsa.

Holistic Health & Wellness Coach/ Psychedelic RN

JESSICA STARK

Jessica is a prior traveling nurse who decided to leave the hospital and go back to school to pursue holistic nursing. She has a growing passion for natural/alternative medicine, including psychedelics and places a priority on mental health. Working as a Ketamine integration nurse and sitter, Jessica is with the patient from beginning to end. She will sit with the patient before the session to go over what their set intention is and create a space for them to feel safe. Jessica will remain with or near the patient as they go about their journey, and once completed, will listen and speak on what they experienced during their psychedelic conquest. She will then educate the patient on how to integrate the profound insight from the journey to do the “work” once they’re ready to go home. Jessica holds much empathy for each individual and believes everyone has the power to connect to their highest wisdom. With this belief, she wishes to provide accountability to her patients while enacting a positive, lasting change to all aspects of their health- Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.

ANAMARGRET SANCHEZ

Anamargret was born in Kingston, Jamaica into a racially mixed family. This diverse background has given her the ability to move effortlessly throughout the world. Her curiosity and reverence for the esoteric directed her toward yoga philosophy.

For the past two decades she has taught and shared yoga from her personal experiences.

By cultivating a strong mindfulness practice she has courageously moved through both the shadow and the light that yoga has helped her uncover. These discoveries help her relate to students wherever they might find themselves. Her classes are fun, challenging, compassionate and create space for students to shine in their own light.

In addition to teaching the many limbs of yoga like meditation, postures and breathing Anamargret is also a Transformational Coach. This work is rich in supporting others in their journey to an abundant and thriving life.

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Tending to the next generation is of vital importance. She is proud to facilitate this work through the P3 program at Educate Tomorrow. This program supports young women 18-24 years old that have been homeless or in foster care to find the nurturing they need to not just survive but rather thrive.

Her love of community led Anamargret to create a free yoga class that has served the Miami area for 14 years. The average class has over one hundred and fifty students and is a melting pot of demographics.

In further service to the public she accepted a nomination to the FBI citizenship academy.

This organization brings together community leaders to learn about the different branches of the FBI and strengthen relationships with different communities.

When she’s not on the mat you can find Anamargret walking Fonzi, reading 3 books at a time and honoring the ancestors with dance and laughter.


Online classes:
Anamargret on Yoga International,
Omstars and Youtube videos.

Social media IG:
@anamargret and @legionparkyoga

Email:
[email protected]

Registered Dietitian

JILLIAN ACOSTA

Jillian Acosta is a registered dietitian and owner of the functional nutrition private practice, The Root Cause Method. In her practice she works with clients to uproot life-long behavioral patterns and deeply buried traumas that result in physiological imbalances. Through her expertise in functional nutrition, she provides personalized dietary guidance to support the body, but Jillian takes her clients beyond the physiology to address the underlying psychological and emotional reasons that drove each client to their current state of health. Her work results in measurable and lasting changes, that dramatically improve her clients’ relationships to food, their bodies, and themselves.  Uncovering and uprooting what shapes our relationship with food is, in her experience, what’s missing in the reversal and prevention of obesity and associated chronic illnesses, and what’s standing in the way of true embodiment, fulfillment and connection.

Jillian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University. She has received extensive training from the Institute for Functional Medicine through the University of Western States. She lives in Delray with her dog, Daisy.

Website:
therootcausemethod.com

Psychedelic Nurse Practitioner

BIANCA ABBOTT

Bianca Abbott, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC is a Psychedelic Nurse Practitioner, Transformational Wellness Coach, Detoxification Specialist, Plant-Based Nutrition Expert, and Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She specializes in Functional and Integrative medicine, merging Eastern and Western practices to empower her clients to embody thriving health.

Bianca received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Eckerd College, a Bachelor’s in Nursing from New York University, and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Miami. She is the co-founder of the LunaFast, a virtual holistic fasting program that has helped 1000+ people fast and detox around the world. By combining the LunaFast with psychedelic therapy and integration, she creates a personalized program for her clients to heal at the root and tap into their inner physician!

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For the past 8 years, Bianca immersed herself in the personal exploration and education of psychedelic medicines. Through facilitating in ayahuasca and psilocybin ceremonies, she saw miracles that couldn’t be explained by Western medicine and was able to deeply heal from past trauma. Since then, Bianca has been on a mission to break the stigma surrounding psychedelics and share this medicine with her community.

Currently, she serves ketamine therapy for clients at Spine and Wellness of American and combines all her expertise and bio-hacking therapies for cellular rejuvenation, mental health optimization, and spiritual awakening. Bianca also leads global yoga wellness retreats and organizes live and online monthly events, workshops, and trainings.

Awareness Coach

IRINA VLADA

As an Awareness Coach, Irina’s path is deeply rooted in the discovery and exploration of the authentic self. After obtaining her coaching certification from University of Miami and establishing her coaching practice, Irina traveled to the Himalayas, India, to study with living Masters and embody the ancient knowledge of Kriya Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation. Her coaching style expanded into mindful practices, inviting the clients to combine the tools of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy.

This path has led her to co-create Evolve, the Wellness App for personal transformation via evolutionary modalities. This curated marketplace platform connects mindful leaders and clients from around the world for live virtual sessions and ultimately contributes to building a healthier society.

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Irina’s personal story is a powerful narrative that blends international roots, world travel and unique experiences as well as adversity, addiction and new beginnings. Life experiences inspired Irina to continue her education in addiction recovery and psychedelic integration to cultivate the connection and sense of unity for those who have been suffering from disconnection and isolation. Working in partnership with Mindbloom, a national ketamine telemedicine company out of New York, Irina has seen 150+ clients in the last year who are embarking on ketamine medicine journeys for mental health purposes, and the success stories are overwhelming.

Now she leads Psychedelic Integration Circles and Psychedelic Panel Discussions to raise awareness around the power of intentional use of psychedelic medicine. She is a consummate student of life, yoga, philosophy and academics.

Our Ketamine Areas

First consultation should be
covered by insurance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ketamine therapy can relieve various types of depression, suicidal thinking, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), other mood disorders, and chronic pain conditions.

Ketamine is an FDA approved dissociative anesthetic developed in 1962 used for general anesthesia in surgery for children and adults. It is remarkably safe as it doesn’t affect respiration. Yale University discovered that a subanesthetic dose of Ketamine can be used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and even addiction.  Ketamine is very unique as it works on the neurotransmitter glutamate as its mechanism differs from antidepressants which work on the serotonergic pathways.

The effects of a single infusion typically last up to two weeks. After a series of six sessions based on evidenced based research, most remain symptom free for months. We also offer the option of booster sessions which can be given monthly or a few times per year as needed.  The idea with Ketamine is that you’re building up new neural pathways in your brain to offset the trauma or pain. Ketamine can help you depattern and adapt and be less affected by triggers allowing you to create a healthier pathway down a new ski slope instead of assuming your usual ride. 

Using ketamine in a medical setting through IM injection, IV infusion or oral route with guidance and psychotherapy are the best options. We rarely prescribe ketamine for at home or daily use to avoid addiction minimizing repetitive use. The idea is that a series of sessions using ketamine may have long lasting effects so that we can decrease pharmaceutical use and addiction and feel well. We also do not prescribe the intranasal Esketamine route. 

No, Ketamine is not a hallucinogenic it’s a dissociative. It can aid in connection to self. Most patients describe Ketamine as being one of the most peaceful, meaningful experiences in their lives.

Our setting allows for a very calming and peaceful experience as most describe a “floating” feeling. Dr Weiner and the therapist or coach prepares each patient with a specific intention for each session healing trauma and pain. We typically begin with a starter dose which is based on your body weight and previous experiences and can increase the dose with each session as tolerated. Unlike other treatments, the ketamine session helps get to the root of your trauma, pain or depression. Most people find the experience very healing, and afterwards they report feeling less reactive or triggered and “lighter.”

Ketamine is extremely safe, that is why they use it on children for surgery. Some report nausea, so we give you an anti-nausea medication before your treatment and recommend no eating for 4 hours before. Your blood pressure, which is monitored may elevate temporarily during the treatment but resumes to baseline following. You will need a ride home from the treatment.  

We recommend you continue your medication. We do not recommend taking stimulants or benzodiazepines that morning. We have noticed that healing through ketamine assisted psychotherapy allows us to taper off pain medications as well as antidepressants and anti anxiety medications. You can continue seeing your psychiatrist while doing ketamine treatments.

Dr Weiner will see you for an initial evaluation through insurance to establish a plan including the route of administration and help prepare you for the first session. We charge $300 for an intramuscular ketamine treatment, and $500 for an IV infusions with the protocol being to receive 3-6 treatments.

Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance. We hope this insurance coverage changes in the future. We want Ketamine to be an option for those suffering and unfortunately most who try ketamine have already tried and failed other medications. 

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist and an AMPA receptor stimulator. AMPA stimulation is necessary for increasing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which in turn stimulates the formation of new receptors and synapses. This process is critical for making connections between neurons and is often severely compromised among those suffering from PTSD, depression, and mood disorders.

Scientific Studies

Play Video

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment of
Comorbid Depression and Chronic Pain

Principal findings support ketamine-assisted therapy’s efficacy for the treatment of depression and chronic pain comorbidity and indicate its potential use for anxiety and trauma-informed indications. Results suggest that the psychedelic approach may be superior to the psycholytic approach, which implies that larger doses and intramuscular routes may be optimal.

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