Keith Heinzerling, MD

Overview | Location and Contact | Insurance | Frequently Asked Questions

About Dr. Heinzerling

Dr. Keith Heinzerling practices internal medicine and is an addiction medicine specialist at the Pacific Brain Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute. His clinical and research focuses are on the treatment of alcohol, drug and substance use problems, with anti-addiction medications. As director of the Pacific Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) Center, he is involved in the development of psychedelic-assisted therapies for those suffering with addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He is the principal investigator of clinical trials using psychedelic-assisted therapy tackling conditions including alcohol use disorder and major depression. Dr. Heinzerling is a trained psychedelic guide and holds a Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research (CPTR) from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).

Dr. Heinzerling is a nationally recognized expert in Addiction Medicine with numerous research papers, presentations, and trainees to his credit. Working on new treatments and innovations that give patients hope that they can get better is what he loves most about practicing medicine.

Prior to joining PNI, Dr. Heinzerling was is an Associate Professor in the UCLA Department of Family Medicine. He was a founding member of the UCLA Comprehensive Chronic Pain Integrated Practice Unit and is founder of BDH Pharmaceuticals, LLC.

From an early age, inspired by his researcher mother, he wanted to be a scientist, but going into medicine fulfilled his desire to witness and impact science beyond the lab while improving peoples’ lives. He graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine and the Internal Medicine/Primary Care program at NYU/Bellevue Hospital where he was a Chief Resident.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his academic years and for his research. He is recognized as a “Top Doctor – Best Addiction Medicine” by Los Angeles Magazine. Dr. Heinzerling received a financial award to support a substance abuse start-up and treats patients for a variety of addictions including problems with opioids (heroin, prescription pain medications, and patients with addiction and chronic pain), alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

He is active in community service, volunteering over the years in the New York and Los Angeles areas working with organizations by consulting and educating communities about addiction, prevention, and safety.

When not at work, Dr. Heinzerling enjoys running in the Santa Monica Mountains, hiking, skiing and backpacking.

Now accepting online and in-person appointments

APPOINTMENTS
Our specialists have consultation openings for new patients in crisis anywhere in California.
Schedule a virtual video or in-person visit by calling 310-582-7612.

CLINICAL TRIALS
For more information about the Treatment & Research in Psychedelics (TRIP) clinical trials program call 310-582-7611.

Medical Specialties

• Addiction Recovery
• Alcohol, Drug & Substance Abuse
• Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

Accepted Insurance

Medicare, medicaid and most insurance plans are accepted. Please contact us to confirm coverage.

Useful Links

• Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP)
• Pacific Brain Health Center
• Addiction Disorders
• Schedule a Consultation
• Dr. Heinzerling’s CV

Clinic Location & Contact Information

Videos by Dr. Heinzerling

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy at Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Ketamine at PNI

The Promise of Psychedelics | Dr. Keith Heinzerling & Louie Schwartzberg

Related Articles

Keith Heinzerling

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is used to treat of depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, drug/alcohol problems, and more. Learn how it works.

Guest Author

Psilocybin and the TRIP Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute

A growing body of research now supports the potential use of mushrooms containing the chemical psilocybin for a range of cognitive, mental and behavior disorders. Several research projects at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center are aimed at determining the safety and…

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A Life-Changing Clinical Trial with Psychedelics | Vikki’s Grateful Patient Story

Vikki was walking her dog and listening to NPR in Santa Monica one day, when she heard an advertisement for an unusual medical trial. Pacific Neuroscience Institute was studying whether psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, could help alcoholics kick their habit.

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Managing Stress, Isolation, and Risk of Drug or Alcohol Relapse During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The affects of social distancing are a serious concern. Those who suffer from drug or alcohol problems are not only at risk of exposure, but may also be at risk of a relapse. How can stress and isolation during COVID-19 result in a relapse? The…