Offering individual, couples, and group therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, medication management…
Offering individual, couples, and group therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, medication management…
Join Acheron Psychiatry for an evening of networking, conversation, and fresh insights as we explore one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving intersections in contemporary cognitive health: the relationship between neuroplasticity, cognition, and ketamine-assisted treatment.
The evening will begin with an opportunity to connect with fellow clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals over light refreshments before transitioning into a panel discussion featuring experts from neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, psychiatry, and psychedelic medicine.
One of the most compelling areas of overlap between neuropsychology and psychedelic medicine is the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to adapt, reorganize, and develop new pathways throughout life.
Ketamine has attracted significant attention for its antidepressant effects, but many clinicians and patients report something more: shifts in perspective, increased cognitive flexibility, enhanced creativity, new insights, and a greater ability to step outside longstanding patterns of thought and behavior.
What underlies these experiences? Are these changes primarily psychological, neurocognitive, or both? What role does neuroplasticity play in the therapeutic process? How might ketamine influence higher-order cognitive functions such as present-mindedness, self-reflection, cognitive flexibility, and insight? And how can neuropsychology help us better understand, measure, and harness these effects in clinical practice?
Together, our panelists will explore the emerging science behind ketamine’s effects on the brain and discuss the broader implications for cognitive health, aging, cognitive rehabilitation, recovery, and personal growth.
Dr. Sacks-Zimmerman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neuropsychology in Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, which she first joined in 2013. She has assessed and treated neurosurgical patients with a variety of disorders. She has extensive experience in the treatment and research of the cognitive impact of brain injury.
Dr. Sacks-Zimmerman uses cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive remediation to treat a variety of patients who suffer from cognitive and emotional difficulties. She focuses on utilizing strengths and optimizing functioning even in the context of serious neurological illness. Patients find hope, clarity and life meaning in this approach.
A baby boomer and writer exploring how older adults are discovering, and re-discovering, the drugs of our youth in ways that enhance the way we age. Her book, Psychedelics and the Counterculture of Aging (Park Street Press) is the first to document the emerging phenomenon of older adults using psychedelics, and its vast implications at the individual and societal levels. Abbie serves on the Psychedelic Elders Advisory Panel for the NIH-funded INSPIRE study of Psychedelics for Older Adults with Chronic Pain. She also writes on Substack: The ELDEREVOLUTION Newsletter on Psychedelics in Older Life. Her work has been featured in Forbes, NextAvenue, Double Blind and other publications. She is based in Washington, DC.
An internationally recognized cognitive neuroscientist, clinical neuropsychologist, and author whose work has shaped modern understanding of the brain, cognition, and aging. He has spent decades advancing the study of the frontal lobes, executive functioning, and hemispheric specialization. Dr. Goldberg is the Founding Director of the Luria Neuroscience Institute and serves as Clinical Professor of Neurology at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Goldberg is the author of several influential books, including The Executive Brain and The Wisdom Paradox, which explore the relationship between cognitive health, innovation, and the aging brain. His work continues to bridge clinical neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and lifelong brain health.
Dr. Brustein completed advanced clinical training through Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. His clinical work integrates CBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic theory, with a focus on anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, rumination, emotional regulation, and the relationship between affect, motivation, and meaning-making. He is the author of Perfectionism: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. His current interests include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, preparation and integration, and how altered states may support psychological flexibility, insight, and creative change. He is especially interested in the relationship between perfectionism, rigidity, and divergent thinking.
A licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist specializing in the assessment of adults and older adults experiencing changes in cognitive or behavioral functioning. Her clinical work focuses on memory disorders, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, psychiatric conditions, stroke, and other neurological disorders affecting cognition. Dr. Kanellopoulos earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Neuropsychology from the City University of New York and completed advanced training at North Shore University Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College’s Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry. Her research has explored the cognitive and emotional brain networks involved in late-life mood disorders using neuroimaging and neuropsychological methods. She currently practices at New York Presbyterian Westchester Division.
A body-centered psychotherapist, spiritual counselor, and energy healer in private practice in New York City. Drawing on a background as both a musician and music educator, Dr. Gold integrates psychotherapy with somatic, spiritual, and experiential approaches to support healing. Her training includes the Gestalt Institute, the Kabalistic Healing Institute, the Center for Intentional Living, the Core Energetics Institute, and the Internal Family Systems Institute. She emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit, helping clients cultivate greater self-awareness and navigate life with authenticity and resilience. Dr. Gold is passionate about creating a therapeutic space where individuals can reconnect with their authentic selves and discover their unique voice in harmony with their relationships, and the world around them.
We’re proud to partner with Melanie Forman, LMSW, whose support has helped make this networking event possible. As a Treatment Placement Specialist with Acadia Healthcare, Melanie collaborates with clinicians to connect individuals with appropriate behavioral health and addiction treatment resources, helping ensure patients receive the level of care that best meets their needs.
As one of the nation’s leading behavioral healthcare organizations, Acadia Healthcare operates a comprehensive network of mental health and addiction treatment programs across the United States, providing evidence-based care through inpatient, residential, outpatient, and specialty treatment services. Together, we share a commitment to expanding access to quality behavioral healthcare and strengthening collaboration across the mental health community.
This event may be especially relevant for:
Whether you are already working in these areas or simply curious about the evolving science, we invite you to join us for an evening of thoughtful discussion and meaningful connection.
Reserve your spot today and join us for an evening of meaningful connections, collaboration, and community—we’d love to see you there.
