Dr. Nathaniel Lepp, MD MPH
Dr. Nathaniel Lepp, MD MPH
SafeTaper was built to help you taper off benzodiazepines safely. We offer a medically-supervised withdrawal of benzodiazepines that is safe and responsive to your life.
SafeTaper was created by Nathaniel Lepp, MD MPH. Dr. Lepp is an expert in addiction medicine. He completed fellowship training in addiction medicine under Dr. Anna Lembke at Stanford University. He has comprehensive training in addiction medicine and has expertise to care for clients with a variety of dependencies and substance use disorders.
Dr. Lepp is also a board-certified family physician and surgeon. He completed intensive training in full-spectrum family medicine including obstetrics, pediatrics, adult medicine, geriatric medicine, and hospice medicine. Dr. Lepp was selected by his peers and supervisors to serve as chief resident and completed a surgical fellowship in obstetrics.
Dr. Lepp holds a bachelors in neuroscience, a masters in public health, and a doctorate in medicine.
Dr. Lepp's journey began in the halls of Stanford Medical Center, where his fellowship in addiction medicine under Dr. Anna Lembke revealed an overlooked healthcare crisis: clients struggling with benzodiazepine dependence who didn't fit the traditional addiction model.
During his specialized work in Stanford's dual diagnosis clinic, Dr. Lepp encountered numerous clients who were caught in a medical gray area. While they experienced significant difficulties when trying to discontinue their prescribed benzodiazepines, they didn't show the classic signs of addiction—no loss of control, compulsive use, or continued use despite consequences. Instead, these clients were experiencing what's known as chemical dependence, a physical response to long-term medication use.
This revelation highlighted what Dr. Lepp recognized as a critical gap in healthcare: clients experiencing iatrogenic harm—medical complications resulting from prescribed treatments—with nowhere to turn for specialized care.
Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Heather Ashton, a pioneering British psychopharmacologist, Dr. Lepp developed a comprehensive approach to helping clients safely discontinue benzodiazepine use. Over the past five years, he has successfully helped guide clients through this challenging transition, supporting them through major life events including:
Career transitions
Academic pursuits
Personal loss
Relationship changes
Business development
Housing transitions
Our Comprehensive Approach
Dr. Lepp and his practice are dedicated to serving this underrepresented clients population, offering hope and practical solutions where traditional medical approaches have fallen short. His practice combines evidence-based protocols with personalized support, ensuring each client receives the individualized care they need to reclaim their health and well-being.
By adapting and refining proven methodologies like the Ashton Manual, Dr. Lepp has created a supportive environment where clients can safely navigate the complexities of benzodiazepine dependence. His success stories span diverse circumstances and life challenges, demonstrating that with proper medical guidance and support, positive change is possible.
Dr. Lepp and his practice are dedicated to serving this underrepresented clients population, offering hope and practical solutions where traditional medical approaches have fallen short. His practice combines evidence-based protocols with personalized support, ensuring each client receives the individualized care they need to reclaim their health and well-being.
By adapting and refining proven methodologies like the Ashton Manual, Dr. Lepp has created a supportive environment where clients can safely navigate the complexities of benzodiazepine dependence. His success stories span diverse circumstances and life challenges, demonstrating that with proper medical guidance and support, positive change is possible.
Dr. Lepp and his practice are dedicated to serving this underrepresented clients population, offering hope and practical solutions where traditional medical approaches have fallen short. His practice combines evidence-based protocols with personalized support, ensuring each client receives the individualized care they need to reclaim their health and well-being.
By adapting and refining proven methodologies like the Ashton Manual, Dr. Lepp has created a supportive environment where clients can safely navigate the complexities of benzodiazepine dependence. His success stories span diverse circumstances and life challenges, demonstrating that with proper medical guidance and support, positive change is possible.
Our Patient-Centered Philosophy
At the heart of our practice lies a fundamental belief: every patient's journey is uniquely their own. Dr. Lepp and his team believe that successful treatment requires more than just medical expertise—it demands a deep understanding of each person's complete story.
Why We Go Deeper
This depth of understanding isn't just about building rapport—it's an essential part of your treatment plan. We believe that successful tapering requires mobilizing all available resources, both internal and external.
By understanding what makes you unique—what drives you, what brings you joy, what gives you strength—we can create a more effective, personalized support system for your journey.Every detail of your life story becomes a potential resource in your recovery.
Whether it's drawing strength from family connections, finding motivation in personal interests, or building on past successes, we weave your individual experiences and strengths into a comprehensive tapering strategy designed specifically for you.
Our approach recognizes that healing is not just about medical protocols—it's about understanding and supporting the whole person.
This commitment to knowing you deeply allows us to provide care that resonates with who you are and what matters most in your life.
Our Patient-Centered Philosophy
At the heart of our practice lies a fundamental belief: every patient's journey is uniquely their own. Dr. Lepp and his team believe that successful treatment requires more than just medical expertise—it demands a deep understanding of each person's complete story.
We take the time—often hours—to truly know you as a person, not just a patient. Our comprehensive assessment explores:
Your personal history and background
Your family dynamics and upbringing
Your current support system
Your passions and interests
The experiences that shape your daily life
What motivates and inspires you
