Frequently
Asked Questions

Yes. I often work with clients who already have a therapist they are working with. I’m happy to collaborate with your therapist, offering only the ketamine therapy while you do the integration work with your current therapist.

Ketamine is a safe and legal medicine, long used as an anesthetic. It’s also used for mental health concerns. It is a rapid-acting antidepressant and has also been shown helpful for anxiety, PTSD, OCD and substance abuse issues. It works by boosting the brain’s ability to grow new neurons and to induce new connections between neurons. This makes the brain more adaptable and able to create new pathways, and gives patients the opportunity to develop more positive thoughts and behaviors.

A ketamine session is 2.5 hours long. There is time for preparation and setting intentions (about 30 minutes), time for dosing and the ketamine experience (about 45 minutes-usually with headphones and eyeshades), and about one hour for integration (i.e. unpacking your experience, connecting it to your treatment goals). After the session, you will need a ride home (uber or lyft is fine).

Ketamine has properties of psychedelics and is a dissociative. Ketamine engenders a different state of consciousness than ordinary consciousness. Experiences vary widely, but most people describe the experience as interesting, peaceful and relaxing. Some people see colors, shapes or figures. Some people have introspective thoughts. Some feel disconnected from their body. Most people report a change in perspective on their worries or problems. The acute effects last 45-60 minutes.

I partner with medical providers who write prescriptions for oral doses of ketamine. Oral doses have 10-20% bioavailability. Dosing is based on body weight and usually is between 300 and 400mg (translating to 30-60mg of ingested ketamine). We always start with a small dose and work our way up to your full dose.

Ketamine therapy has been shown to be helpful for depression, PTSD, and addiction issues. It’s also showing promise for parents, veterans, and first responders. It is helpful to reduce ruminating, worrying, persistent negative thoughts and getting “stuck” in unhelpful thinking patterns.

Your treatment plan is individualized to you. That said, most clients complete 8-10 ketamine sessions.

There are risks to every medical intervention. The risks of ketamine therapy include potential for addiction, temporary blood pressure changes, and bladder issues with long-term use.

There are several conditions that are contraindicated for ketamine therapy. Epilepsy and seizure disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, current Lithium treatment and schizophrenia are not compatible with ketamine treatment. Your medical evaluation will make sure ketamine treatment is a safe choice for you.

Most of the time, yes. There are several medications that are not compatible with ketamine. However, ketamine is known as a “buddy drug” and is safe to take alongside common medications like antidepressants. Your medical team will give you personal guidance about your medication.

Ketamine is usually a gentle and pleasant experience. Having experiences that are intense, uncomfortable or anxiety-producing are rare. Having the support of your therapist the entire time greatly reduces the likelihood of an uncomfortable experience. That said, having a confronting experience with our own emotions and memories can be catalysts for healing. Your therapist will work with you to prepare for any discomfort.