Frequently Asked Questions

Psychedelic therapy refers to the therapeutic use of psychedelic molecules like ketamine. Studies have shown that when taken in a safe environment with therapeutic support, psychedelics can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety after only a few hours. Participant must first undergo a medical and psychiatric screening to make sure they are a candidate for treatment.

On the day of treatment, you receive psychedelic treatment via two routes, intravenous or intranasal. Once administered participant lays down with an eye mask and listens to music. After the session post treatment reflections with our staff allow patients to recount their experience, describe their feelings during and after. We talk through lingering questions and/or feelings to further glean key insights or takeaways.

While each person’s experience varies, a ketamine treatment lasts about 45-60 minutes. You’ll start to feel the effects 10-15 minutes after the ketamine is administered. The peak experience lasts about 30-45 minutes. Within 1-2 hours following administration most people return to their a normal level of alertness.

Most of the clinical research with ketamine has involved people who receive the treatments twice a week for 6 weeks (12 ketamine sessions total). Maintenance therapy is discussed on case by case basis. Maintenance therapy varies from 1-3x month per month to once per month every 3 months. We work with your physcians to create the best program for you.

The effects from a psychedelic dose of ketamine are usually felt within 10 to 15 minutes but every person has a slightly different experience. Participants may experience:

Deep relaxation

Calm sensation

Heaviness in the body

Visual patterns and colors

Separation from usual states of thinking

Sense of being awake but on a different plane of consciousness

Separation from the body

Limited verbal expression

People, places, or events from their past

Since some of these experiences in an altered state may be novel, they can be frightening or challenging if you are not prepared. Therefore we review the range of possibilities with each person.

You should not stop any medications without consulting with your prescribing mental health provider. Any modifications to your medication will be discussed during your medical intake before being cleared for treatment.

Medications that can affect your response to ketamine:

• Stimulants (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse)

• Benzodiazepines

• Lamotrigine

• Memantine

• Opioids

While ketamine has been used safely since the 1960s for pain and anesthesia, just like any psychoactive medicine, it can be misused, especially at lower doses and in recreational settings. However, when ketamine is administered by a medical professional in a clinical setting with proper education and support, the likelihood of addiction is low.

If you are experiencing any of the following conditions you will not be able to receive a ketamine infusion:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)

• Unstable heart disease (arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, chest pain etc.)

• Untreated thyroid disease

• Active substance abuse

• Active manic phase of bipolar disorder

• Active delusions and hallucination symptoms (not on medications or while taking street drugs)

• Schizophrenia

.

The importance of a continued therapeutic process in conjunction with ketamine cannot be understated.

We recommend all patients continue working with their outpatient providers for medication management and/or psychotherapy.

Ketamine infusions for therapeutic use are considered safe when administered in a clinical environment by medical professionals.

Participants will be carefully screened to ensure they’re appropriate candidates for the treatment. People are monitored throughout their treatment process for any signs of discomfort, dependence, or increased heart rate.

Side effects of ketamine infusions can include:

Increase in blood pressure

Nausea or vomiting (we can add a medication to prevent this from happening)

A sense of impaired balance and coordination

A feeling of dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, and/or numbing sensation of the skin

These side effects are normal, rarely require any medical intervention, and resolve soon after the infusion ends.

It is recommended not to eat at least 2 hours before your ketamine treatment to optimize its effectiveness.

No. You must have a chaperone to take you home or schedule a ride with a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft.

Ketamine can produce various sensations depending on the individual, due to factors such as dosage and personal tolerance.

Altered Perception:

– Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. Users may experience a sense of detachment from their surroundings which can lead to altered perceptions of time, space, and one’s own body.

Euphoria:

– Users may experience feelings of euphoria and an improved sense of well-being.

Changes in Body Sensation:

– Users may feel a sense of weightlessness or a disconnection from their physical body. Some report a feeling of floating or “out-of-body” experiences.

Numbness:

– Ketamine is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Users may experience a numbing or tingling sensation.

Changes in Thought Patterns:

– Ketamine can alter thought patterns and cognitive functioning. Some users describe a feeling of “mind expansion” or a shift in their perception of reality.

Dizziness and Lack of Coordination:

– Users may experience dizziness, lack of coordination, or difficulty with motor skills.

Nausea

– Users may experience nausea briefly after adminstration, but overall it is one of the less common side effects.

Individuals may not be eligible for intranasal ketamine therapy if they:

– Are pregnant

– Have uncontrolled hypertension

– Have acute cardiovascular disease

– Had a previous negative response to ketamine therapy

– Have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia , substance abuse, or increased intracranial pressure

– Active mania or unstable bipolar affective disorder

– Certain personality disorders

We do a complete medical intake covering the patient’s history before beginning treatment to ensure that they are a candidate and will not experience adverse effects.

You may come to us directly, or any licensed mental health care professional or physician can refer you, our medical team will review your intake information to make sure you can receive Ketamine safely.

After screening, we will consult with your outpatient providers to confirm that you’re medically fit for treatment before moving forward.

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