Ketamine therapy has been helpful in treating a variety of conditions including treatment resistant depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, chronic pain and substance use disorder.

In recent years, research has shown that ketamine, used at sub-anesthetic doses, can have rapid and powerful antidepressant effects. Though not known exactly how ketamine works it has been shown to interact with receptors in the brain, leading to increased neuroplasticity and the formation of new neural connections. This can result in a rapid and profound reduction in symptoms, often within hours of the treatment.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used for over 50 years as a general anesthetic. In the past 10 years ketamine has been emerging as an exciting and innovative treatment for mental health conditions, specifically treatment resistant depression. Ketamine does not have an indication for treatment of depression, anxiety of any other psychiatric condition by the FDA, (excluding the intranasal formula Spravato). Therefore, the provision of ketamine for these conditions is considered an ‘off-label’ use. This is a legal prescribing practice and occurs quite commonly – up-to 20% of medication in the US, by some measures. For example, the use of antidepressants for pain, stimulants for depression, or blood pressure medication for anxiety.

Ketamine therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include talk therapy and other modalities. It is important to note that ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be appropriate for everyone. A medical evaluation and consultation with our licensed healthcare professional is necessary to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you.

We will begin by setting the space for healing by sharing an intention or healing words. A low dose of ketamine will be administered via an IV infusion or intramuscular injection under the supervision of a medical provider (Sally) who will stay in the room with you throughout your session. If desired and by request, energetic healing or song can be offered. Ketamine sessions are booked for 2 hours to allow for preparation and recovery. Patients can expect be under the effect of ketamine for about an hour. An “afterglow” or effect from the medication can last up to 24 hours, so we ask that all patients have a safe ride home after treatment.

Ketamine therapy in the past 10 years has emerged as a promising treatment for several conditions, specifically treatment resistant depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, OCD, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and chronic pain and substance use. It may be beneficial for individuals who have not found relief from traditional medications or therapies. Ketamine has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, and though still being researched, there is suggestion that it may be helpful in certain chronic inflammatory conditions such as environmental illness or long covid.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy to treat various mental health conditions. The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can enhance introspection and emotional processing. Ketamine is thought to work by temporarily altering brain function and neural pathways, allowing patients to potentially break free from entrenched thought patterns and emotional states. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy assists in helping to integrate the material in a meaningful way to make positive and lasting changes.

Sally collaborates with Dr. Catherine Boyd at True North to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. More information about Dr. Boyd can be found at www.catherinemahanboydmd.com

Patients are encouraged to work with Dr. Boyd or their own therapists and mental health providers for the best support and integration throughout the ketamine process. Having an ongoing connection with a mental health professional can help to reflect on insights, reinforce positive changes, and process any challenging material that may arise during sessions.

Illumination Medicine honors the tradition of creating a sacred space for healing. Additional healing work through song during the ketamine session is offered at no additional fee per patient request. Our clients usually seek us out for a more personalized and integrative approach to healing. Our goal is to honor your own personal expression and to help you feel safe and held while you have the experience.

An average of six sessions has been an accepted beginning protocol for ketamine therapy. Research has shown starting with six sessions is ideal for longer lasting benefits. Number of additional sessions recommended is determined by therapeutic response. Most patients start with a 6 session package and then add a booster every 1-6 months as needed. Some patients experience remission of symptoms and feel complete with their ketamine treatments. Everyone is different and you will work with Sally and/or Dr. Neidhardt to determine what the best treatment plan may be for you.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Neidhardt incurs its own fees above and beyond the ketamine sessions and packages offered by Sally.

A consultation with Sally is needed to review medical history and medications, determine eligibility and make sure ketamine sessions are a good treatment option for you.

If ketamine is determined to be a good treatment option, the $200 of the initial consultation will be applied to the first ketamine session (savings of $200).

Initial Personalized Consultation with Sally (50min)-$200 plus tax and fees.

Ketamine Session (120min)- $500 plus tax and fees

About 70% of people with treatment resistant depression will be responsive to a ketamine series. Most people will feel an improvement in mood following the treatment as well as the days after up to 2 weeks post infusion and sometimes beyond in the first few sessions. The ketamine sessions build over time which is why a 6 session protocol has been recommended. Everyone has a different response to ketamine treatments which is why we work individually with patients.

In general, Ketamine is regarded as a very safe medication receiving FDA approval as a surgical anesthesia in 1970. Ketamine’s ability to reduce pain while maintaining heart rate, blood pressure and respirations as a “dissociative anesthetic”, has made it an essential medicine in emergency, battlefield and surgical settings.

Ketamine is given at about 10 times the dose for general anesthesia than we use for mood disorders and chronic pain. At the sub-anesthetic dose, which is what we use at Illumination Medicine, it can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure and can produce some nausea in some people. At higher doses it can cause a “dissociative, out of body” experience, which can be disorienting for some people. Most people are very responsive to reassurance especially when adequately prepared. We start with a lower dose and titrate dose based on each patients individual needs. Ketamine is very tolerable by most people, but please let us know if you have a history of any hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiac, or liver or kidney problems.

We offer a free 15 minute video consultation as an introduction and to discuss goals and if ketamine might be a supportive therapy for you.

We will then schedule a 50- minute personalized consultation to review medical history and discuss your treatment goals and expectations. If ketamine is determined to be a good fit for you, we will schedule your first ketamine session shortly after your consultation, usually within the following days.

To schedule an appointment, please reach out to:

sally@illuminationmedicine.com

or call or text

505-310-6974