A new mental health clinic in Pinehurst, North Carolina, is bringing advanced treatments like ketamine therapy directly to veterans and first responders in a region with deep military roots. Dérive Health, a physician-led wellness clinic focused on evidence-based, brain-centered care, officially opened its second location in the state at 140 Applecross Road, Suite A, in Pinehurst. The 1,700-square-foot facility includes four private treatment rooms designed to provide a calm, supportive environment for patients seeking care. Why Are Veterans and First Responders Turning to Ketamine Therapy? Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising option for people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. When delivered in a carefully monitored clinical environment, ketamine can offer relief for individuals who haven't responded well to traditional medications or therapy alone. For veterans and first responders who carry what Dr. Jonathan Leake calls "invisible wounds from years of service," this approach represents a meaningful alternative. "Moore County has a deep connection to the military community, and it was important for us to be present in a place where so many people have spent their lives serving others. Many veterans and first responders carry invisible wounds from years of service. Our goal is to provide safe, ethical, physician-led care that gives people new tools to heal, regain clarity, and move forward with their lives," said Dr. Jonathan Leake, co-founder and medical director of Dérive Health. Dr. Jonathan Leake, MD, Co-Founder and Medical Director at Dérive Health The clinic's approach goes beyond simply administering ketamine. At Dérive Health, ketamine therapy is integrated into a broader treatment plan that prioritizes safety, preparation, and long-term mental health outcomes. This comprehensive model reflects a shift away from high-volume medicine toward more intentional, personalized care. How Does Dérive Health Remove Financial Barriers to Treatment? One of the biggest obstacles to advanced mental health care is cost. To address this, Dérive Health has partnered with Task Force Dagger, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting members of the U.S. Special Forces and their families. Through this partnership, Task Force Dagger funds full ketamine therapy treatments for eligible Special Operations veterans, eliminating the financial burden that often prevents people from accessing care. "This partnership is incredibly meaningful to us. Special Operations veterans often face some of the most complex and long-standing mental health challenges, yet many struggle to access advanced treatment options. Working with Task Force Dagger allows us to ensure these men and women receive the care they deserve without cost standing in the way," said Keith Parris, co-founder at Dérive Health. Keith Parris, Co-Founder at Dérive Health This model recognizes that Special Operations veterans often face some of the most complex mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their service, yet many lack access to cutting-edge treatments. By removing financial barriers, the partnership ensures that those who have served in some of the military's most demanding roles can receive the care they need. What Treatment Options Does Dérive Health Offer? Dérive Health provides a comprehensive range of services designed to address multiple mental health conditions and support overall brain health. All treatments are overseen by licensed medical professionals and grounded in current research and clinical best practices. Here's what the clinic offers: - Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A carefully monitored clinical treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. - NAD+ Therapy: A brain-boosting treatment that supports cellular energy and cognitive function. - Vitamin Infusions: Specialized brain-boosting vitamin infusions designed to support mental wellness and overall health. - Personalized Treatment Plans: Individualized care plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and mental health goals. The clinic's primary focus areas include depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, brain fog, and burnout. Each treatment is delivered in a private, warm, and comfortable space where patients can relax and begin their healing journey. Dérive Health's expansion to Pinehurst marks significant growth for the organization. The clinic first opened in Charlotte in May 2023 and has since expanded its ketamine-assisted therapy programs in specialized settings. The co-founders, Dr. Jonathan Leake and Keith Parris, created Dérive Health after seeing growing demand for psychedelic-assisted therapy and ketamine treatment options. What Makes This Clinic's Approach Different? Dr. Leake emphasizes that the clinic's philosophy prioritizes depth over volume. "Our work requires time, safety, and intention," he explained. "This isn't high-volume medicine. It requires a thoughtful environment where patients can feel supported and where clinicians have the space to do this work properly. Pinehurst allows us to practice medicine the way we believe it should be practiced, collaboratively and with depth". Dr. Leake This patient-centered approach reflects a broader shift in mental health care toward more intentional, individualized treatment. Rather than rushing patients through appointments, Dérive Health prioritizes creating a supportive environment where healing can actually take place. For veterans and first responders who have often been trained to suppress emotions and push through challenges, this compassionate, unhurried approach can be transformative. The opening of Dérive Health's Pinehurst location represents a meaningful step forward in expanding access to advanced mental health care in rural areas. By combining evidence-based treatments, financial partnerships that remove barriers to care, and a philosophy centered on patient support, the clinic is helping to address a critical gap in mental health services for those who have served their communities.
