Sonia Slaba
DNAP, APRN, CRNA, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, NSPM-C
Sonia’s dedication to mental health advocacy is deeply personal, as she has experienced the devastating impact of depression in her own family. Her brother’s battle with depression, which tragically ended in suicide in 2015, serves as a driving force behind her commitment to raising awareness and preventing such devastating outcomes.
Since her brother’s passing, Sonia has actively engaged in suicide prevention initiatives, becoming an integral part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a member of the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Her passion extends to her professional pursuits, particularly in bringing ketamine infusion treatments to the Wichita area for psychiatric conditions. This initiative stems from the heartfelt wish that such services had been available to her brother, potentially providing relief and support for his condition.
Sonia’s educational journey reflects her multifaceted approach to healthcare. After graduating with an Associates Degree in Nursing in 1996, she worked in a small rural hospital while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. Her journey continued as she obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2000 from the University of Kansas. After four years as a primary care nurse practitioner, Sonia transitioned to anesthesia, earning her Masters Degree in Nurse Anesthesia in 2006 and a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice in 2017, both from Texas Wesleyan University.
In 2020, Sonia added another dimension to her expertise by obtaining a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Washburn University. Her commitment to holistic patient care is further emphasized by her graduation from the University of South Florida’s Nonsurgical Pain Management Program in 2023.
Sonia’s triple board certification underscores the breadth of her skills. She is certified in nurse anesthesia, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Her certifications are held by respected institutions such as the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) for nurse anesthesia, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANP) for family nurse practitioner, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Additionally, her Nonsurgical Pain Management certification is through the NBCRNA.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Sonia actively contributes to professional organizations such as the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners, the Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association. She is also a member of the American Medical Extended Reality Association, showcasing her commitment to advancing healthcare technologies.
Sonia’s dedication to progressive therapeutic approaches is evident in her training. She is trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychedelic Therapy through Polaris Insight Center (https://www.polarisinsight.com/). Sonia has completed the first 4 of 5 phases of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy training with Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MA PS). 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is still in the clinical trial phase with hope of FDA approval very soon. Check out MAPS website for the latest information. https://maps.org
Sonie is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) through The Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery. She is a member of International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Sonia has completed the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses waiver training for administering buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
With her extensive background as a registered nurse, certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, and certified registered nurse anesthetist, Sonia possesses a unique skill set to evaluate, recommend, administer, and monitor ketamine treatments safely and effectively. Her multifaceted expertise positions her as a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for those seeking mental health support.