Meet the Team
Get to know more about our experienced team including education and credentials
Christopher Fischer , M.D.
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Education
Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley
Medical School: University of California, San Diego
Adult Psychiatry Residency: University of California, Los Angeles
Child and Adolescent Fellowship: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship: University of California, Davis
Academic Affiliation
Clinical Assistant Professor, Volunteer Clinical Faculty, University of California, Davis
Dr. Christopher Fischer is a triple board-certified Child, Adult, and Forensic Psychiatrist. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor (VCF) in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Fischer has over 10 years of experience in treating treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as many other mental health conditions.
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Dr. Fischer first became interested in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy when he realized the limitations that traditional oral anti-depressant medications can have in terms of effectiveness and side effects for some patients. After reviewing the evidenced-based research, it became clear to him that ketamine assisted-psychotherapy represented the most significant breakthrough in multiple decades for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
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Dr. Fischer understands that ketamine therapy is a powerful treatment that must only be recommended after carefully evaluating an individual’s mental health history, indications, and potential for treatment responses. Prior to any treatment, Dr. Fischer conducts a comprehensive psychiatric consultation to understand a patient’s current symptoms, goals of treatment, and diagnoses as he strongly believes that successful treatment outcomes start with an accurate diagnosis and a collaborative treatment plan.
Dr. Fischer looks forward to meeting you in our Sacramento ketamine clinic and helping you recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Sofia Peeva, M.D.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Dr. Sofia Peeva is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist. She has an expertise in airway management, anesthetic administration for a wide range of operations and medication infusion and titration.
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Dr. Peeva became interested in ketamine while she was a resident in Anesthesia. She has used the medication thousands of times to provide anesthesia in many different settings.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Peeva’s career came when she experienced her own burnout. She emerged from that with a renewed sense of self and a new professional focus in ketamine therapy.
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Dr. Peeva’s commitment to mental health led her to join forces with other like-minded physicians and together they created one of the cutting-edge centers for ketamine assisted psychotherapy called Propel Therapeutics. Witnessing the profound impact of mental health on individuals and their families, Dr. Peeva felt a calling to redefine the narrative surrounding mental well-being.
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In her pursuit of excellence, Dr. Peeva has been at the forefront of groundbreaking new approaches for treatment resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain. Dr. Peeva’s commitment to advancing mental health knowledge extends beyond her clinical practice, as she actively participates in conferences, lectures, and collaborations aimed at shaping the future of psychiatric care.
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Guided by a holistic approach, Dr. Peeva recognizes the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical health. Her integrative model of care acknowledges the importance of collaboration between psychiatric and medical professionals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind and body. In an era where mental health is gaining the recognition it deserves, Dr. Peeva stands as a trailblazer, dismantling stigmas and fostering a compassionate, inclusive approach to mental well-being.
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Her therapeutic approach blends evidence-based interventions with a personalized touch, acknowledging the uniqueness of everyone’s journey. Dr. Peeva’s commitment to creating a safe and judgment-free space has earned her the trust and gratitude of her patients. As a physician, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Peeva continues to illuminate the path toward mental well-being.
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Dr. Peeva looks forward to meeting you in our Sacramento ketamine clinic and helping you recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Education
Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley
Medical School: Medical College of Virginia (MCV), Richmond
Anesthesia Residency: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Carrie Friedman, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Education
Undergraduate: Chamberlain College of Nursing
Graduate School: Gonzaga University
Carrie is a board certified nurse practitioner in Primary Care with a second masters as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
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Carrie has over 25 years experience as a registered nurse and almost a decade as a nurse practitioner. For the last 10 years she has worked in Internal Medicine/Pain Management, Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry and Mental Health.
Carrie was first exposed to I.V. Ketamine therapy as a R.N. 20 years ago when treating patients with CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome). In addition to relief of their pain symptoms many patients noticed significant improvement in their depression and anxiety.
In her many years of caring for patients Carrie recognizes that each patient has a unique set of physical, biological, emotional, psychological ,and spiritual needs that must be considered if we are to effectively treat the whole patient.
Her philosophy of patient care involves meeting each patient where they are and engaging in deep listening with heart. She believes discovering what is most important to the patient while considering treatment goals as well as creating a safe space while working together is essential in creating a therapeutic relationship. Carrie has a special interest in helping those with neurodiverse backgrounds and trauma.
When she isn't changing the lives of our patients here at Propel, she dedicates herself to her family and four rescue dogs, enjoying nature, doing yoga, reading, watching documentary films, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
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Carrie looks forward to meeting you in our Sacramento ketamine clinic and helping you recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
