About Us

A Journey to Better Health

Our experienced team address a broad spectrum of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance dependencies as well as several other complex psychiatric conditions by employing a variety of integrative medical practices incorporating ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, medication management, nutrition and diet optimization as well as other holistic practices.

We are North East Florida’s only ketamine-assisted psychotherapy center that provides holistic therapy protocols for mental health improvement in cancer patients.

Lauren Marchefka FNP-BC

Lauren J. Marchefka, FNP-BC, MSN, ABAAHP, CMHIMP

Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Anti-Aging Diplomate

Lauren is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in integrative mental health. She is also board-certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, with additional training in psychedelic assisted therapy, Maharishi Ayurveda, East-West medicine, somatic breathwork, and epigenetics.
Lauren is honored to create a safe, supportive space for individuals on their journey toward better mental health, guiding them through the transformative healing potential of Ketamine.

Lena Russell, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Lena Russell, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Lena is a mental health practitioner with an integrative approach, combining traditional
psychiatry with modern, holistic techniques. She is certified in ketamine and psychedelic-
assisted therapy, and has extensive experience supporting patients through altered states of
consciousness. Lena is passionate about nutrition, gut health, and mind-body wellness, utilizing
yoga, Vedic bodywork, and nutritional psychiatry in her practice.

Julie Norman, LPC-A

Counselor/Therapist

Julie Norman, a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Masters level EMDR practitioner, extends her expertise to our community, offering personalized mental health care and ketamine therapy. With a holistic approach that includes EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic work, Julie is passionate about helping individuals focus on the present moment and lead more fulfilling lives.

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Jenny Piraino, M.S.

Practice Manager and Director of Clinical Research

Jenny Piraino is the Practice Manager and Director of Clinical Research. Her master’s in neurochemistry enables her to lead diverse research projects and manage the orthopedics clinical research program at UF Shands. She is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through rigorous and multidisciplinary research.

Babur H. Bhatti, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Babur H. Bhatti, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, joins us as the Medical Director. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Bhatti has a compassionate approach to treating anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, making significant contributions to the mental health field through his affiliations with prominent hospitals like St. Simons by-the-Sea and River Point Behavioral Health.

David Mathai

David Mathai, M.D.

Medical Advisory Board

Dr. David Mathai, a board-certified psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, brings advanced training as a behavioral pharmacologist and a wealth of research experience in psychedelic therapies. With a focus on conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, he collaborates closely with patients to make informed decisions about psychiatric medications, aiming to cultivate deeper relationships and well-being.

Dr. Aneel Paulus

Aneel Paulus, M.D., M.S.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Hi! I’m Dr. Aneel, CEO of West Eastern Health. With over 15 years of experience in oncology, I understand the deep impact cancer has beyond the physical, affecting emotional and psychological well-being. At our clinic, we address the whole person, integrating innovative therapies that include promising psychedelic treatments for anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Choosing WestEastern Health means prioritizing your mental health alongside your cancer care. Our comprehensive approach supports your journey towards not just surviving, but thriving despite cancer. Lets connect and see how we can help you.

Jamie Grooms

Director

Jamie is a pioneering figure in regenerative medicine, renowned for his leadership and innovative contributions to the field. As the former CEO of regenerative medicine startups RTI Surgical (NASDAQ: RTIX) and AxoGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXGN), as well as the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research Fund, Jamie has successfully raised over $200 million in capital. He brings to West Eastern Health, his extensive corporate experience and is dedicated to advancing the blend of cutting-edge psychedelic science and holistic therapeutic modalities offered at the center.

Dr. Joe Mignone, MD

Medical Advisory Board

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