Dr. James T. Leathem, DO
Meet Dr. James T. Leathem, DO
Dr. James Leathem is a board-certified anesthesiologist and co-founder of Gilbert Chandler Ketamine Therapy Clinic and Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic. With over a decade of experience in anesthesia and 10,000+ administered anesthetic cases, he has dedicated his career to transformative care through ketamine and psychedelic medicine. Passionate about mental health, he helps patients struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. A certified Psychedelic Integration Coach, Dr. James T. Leathem, DO blends medical expertise with holistic healing, ensuring each patient receives personalized, compassionate treatment.
Education & Professional Background
Dr. James Leathem’s journey into medicine was unconventional but deeply personal. Originally a business major, he pivoted to medicine after a life-altering moment in 2002 when he faced a near-death experience following a ruptured appendix. Determined to make a difference in people’s lives, he embarked on an intensive academic journey that led him to become a board-certified anesthesiologist and later, a pioneering advocate for ketamine-assisted therapy.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management and minors in Sociology and Communications from Florida Southern College (1999-2004). He then pursued his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (2007-2011).
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO completed his Anesthesiology Residency at Michigan State University and its affiliated McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital (2011-2015), where he administered thousands of anesthetics, honing his expertise in patient care, sedation techniques, and precision dosing.
Certifications & Advanced Training
- Board-Certified Anesthesiologist (American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology – AOBA)
- Certified Psychedelic Integration Coach (Being True To You, 2021)
- Former Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Former Pharmacy Technician
- Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO’s training extends beyond conventional medicine, incorporating psychedelic-assisted healing, mindfulness practices, and integration coaching, setting him apart in the mental health field.
Notable Achievements & Media Features
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO is a recognized thought leader in ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic medicine. He has been featured in numerous podcasts, conferences, and publications, advocating for the transformative power of ketamine.
- Featured Speaker – Genius Network Ten-Minute Talk (May 2024)
- Foreword Author – Ambassadors of Truth: Magic Mushrooms Explained & Why You Should Care by Joel Einhorn
- Co-Author – Ketamine Integration Workbook (2021)
Podcast Features:
- Psychedelic Journeys Podcast (2023)
- The Ketamine Startup Podcast (2024, Ep. 17)
- Spirituality for Everyday Living Podcast w/ Melinda Vail (Ep. 80)
- Plant Body Soul Podcast – Psychedelic Treatments for PTSD & Depression (2023)
- Capital Fit Podcast – Anesthesiologists turned Psychedelic Medicine Specialists
- Apollo Neuro Webinar (2023)
- Health is a Skill Podcast – Mental Wellness & Ketamine Therapy (Ep. 11)
See full media list here
Experience
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO has had a diverse and impactful career spanning over 13 years in medicine and over 9 years as an anesthesiologist. He has personally administered over 10,000 anesthetic cases and has developed deep expertise in procedural medicine and pain management.
After practicing anesthesiology at Red Mountain Anesthesiologists and Banner Baywood Medical Center (2015-2019), he transitioned out of the hospital environment into surgery center and clinic-based anesthesia, setting the foundation for his current work in psychedelic medicine.
In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, he co-founded Gilbert Chandler Ketamine Therapy Clinic and Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic, formerly known as Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic (AWAP) with Dr. Deepak Sharma and Dr. Gregory Wong. The clinic specializes in ketamine-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant mental health conditions and chronic pain syndromes, rapidly becoming one of Arizona’s top-rated ketamine therapy centers.
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO is passionate about the neuroscience behind ketamine and its ability to promote neuroplasticity, modulate glutamate transmission, and facilitate profound healing for patients struggling with mental health challenges and chronic pain.
Conditions Treated
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO specializes in treatment-resistant mental health and chronic pain conditions, including:
- Depression (including bipolar depression)
- PTSD & Complex PTSD (cPTSD)
- Anxiety & Suicidal Ideation
- Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Fibromyalgia, Neuropathies, Migraines)
His integrative approach combines ketamine infusions, psychedelic integration coaching, breathwork, meditation, and holistic lifestyle modifications to help patients achieve lasting transformation.
Why Ketamine?
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO’s pivot to psychedelic medicine was inspired by the profound, life-changing transformations he witnessed in his patients. He believes ketamine therapy is the biggest breakthrough in depression treatment in over 50 years, offering relief when traditional medications fail.
“I don’t just administer ketamine—I curate a journey. Healing is more than just medicine; it’s about setting the right intention, environment, and integration support to maximize results. That’s where we make the difference at AWAP.”
A Unique Approach to Healing
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO believes in a holistic and integrative approach to healing. Rather than simply administering ketamine, he emphasizes preparation, intention-setting, and integration coaching to maximize treatment outcomes. He tailors each patient’s experience by incorporating mindfulness practices, breathwork, and personalized coaching, ensuring a comprehensive healing journey. His expertise in psychedelic medicine allows him to create a transformative, multi-sensory experience that fosters deep personal growth.
Looking to the Future
As a thought leader in ketamine therapy, Dr. James T. Leathem, DO envisions a future where personalized medicine, AI integration, and expanded psychedelic treatment options revolutionize mental healthcare. He stays at the forefront of research by attending conferences like ASKP3 (American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners) and MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies). His commitment to education and innovation ensures that patients receive cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments.
Outside of the Office
Dr. James T. Leathem, DO is passionate about personal growth, family, and adventure. He lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with his wife, Doreen, an optometrist, and their five-year-old son, Jakobé. Traveling and experiencing new cultures is one of his greatest joys, believing that “the world is a story, and those who don’t travel only read one page.” He enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and exploring Arizona’s landscapes, as well as practicing cold plunging, meditation, and biohacking to optimize health and well-being. A lifelong learner, he dedicates time to reading and listening to podcasts focused on self-improvement. A former college baseball player, he remains active in sports, whether watching or playing. On a lighter note, he has a few fun talents—he can say the alphabet backward, juggle three items, and even rap.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. James T. Leathem, DO Today!
We provide complimentary consultation on a phone call. One of our experienced doctors will discuss your concerns and provide guidance.
Call us on 480-253-9710 (Scottsdale) or 480-256-9322 (Gilbert), or fill the form below to receive a call back