Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is legal, safe and highly effective in treating various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Ketamine works by changing some things in your brain (blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors) to help boost your mood and decrease stress.

It has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can take effect within 1-2 hours after treatment. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity and anti-inflammatory processes for lasting symptom improvement.

There are a few different ways to take ketamine, like through an IV, injection, nasal spray, or sublingual lozenges. At The Holistic Counseling Center, we stick to the sublingual lozenges - they're our go-to for treatment.

During ketamine treatment, most people find the effects to be quite pleasant, and they typically last for around 45 minutes. It's common to feel disconnected from your body and experience a shift in awareness that can have a profound impact on your thoughts and feelings.

As a result, you may have reduced muscle function and difficulty speaking, which is why we'll make sure you're in a safe and comfortable space throughout your session. You're welcome to move around if needed, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way.

After the initial effects wear off, your therapist will give you the time and space you need to process and reflect on your experience. Although it can be hard to put into words, many people find that the insights they gain are quite profound and meaningful.

Here's what you can expect during your ketamine treatment with us:

Step 1: Schedule a no-cost consultation call to find out if ketamine therapy is a good option for you.

Step 2: If ketamine therapy feels like a good fit for you, you’ll schedule an appointment to meet with your therapist. You can expect a minimum of three preparation sessions to establish a relationship and set intentions for your treatment.

Step 3: You'll have a video evaluation with a prescribing doctor at Journey Clinical, the medical team we work with, who will determine if ketamine treatment is right for you. Once approved, they'll deliver the medication right to your door.

Step 4: It's time to begin your ketamine series with your therapist. Each session lasts around three hours and involves lying down in a comfortable position, wearing an eye mask, and allowing the therapist and music to guide your experience. The day before your treatment, you'll have a prep session to help you focus on your intentions, and the day after, you'll have an integration session to help consolidate your experience.

24-72 hours before your session:

• Avoid any and all mind altering substances including alcohol and cannabis.

• Make sure you have a blood pressure cuff (Journey Clinical will guide you on this one).

• Make sure your set and setting will be ready (for in-office sessions your therapist will have the space prepared for you).

• For remote and self-guided sessions, make sure your chaperone is available at the time of your session.

• Don’t eat any food.

• Reduce caffeine intake.

• Do not plan to drive or operate other modes of transportation after your KAP session.

• Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid activities that could be dangerous while dizzy or lightheaded.

• Check your blood pressure and heart rate again.

• Schedule time for reflection, journaling, quiet and spaciousness.

• Clear your schedule for the rest of the day so you do not have to drive or be out in the world too much.

Fees and Estimated Costs for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy:

Fees:

Ketamine Preparation Session (50 minutes): $190-250

Guided Ketamine Journeys (3 hours each): $500

Therapy Integration Session (50 minutes): $190-250

Please notes ketamine assisted psychotherapy at The Holistic Counseling Center does not include the costs for a medical intake, medicine or medical follow-up appointments. We are partnered with Journey Clinical for these services.

Estimated costs for Journey Clinical services includes:

Medical Intake: $250

Ketamine Medicine: $25

Medical Follow-up Appointment: $150

Good faith estimate available here.

Each Ketamine treatment holds the potential for profound transformation. It's important to note that most individuals require multiple ketamine treatments to fully embrace the valuable insights offered by the medicine. Our recommended protocol entails one to two preparation sessions, followed by six medicine sessions and six integration sessions. Additionally, some individuals may find it beneficial to occasionally engage in additional ketamine treatments on an ongoing basis. We understand that everyone's journey is unique, and we're here to provide informative, empathetic, and supportive guidance throughout the process..

No, we do not offer IV ketamine.

Please know, there are various ways to take ketamine:

• IV

• Injection

• Nasal spral

• Sublingual lozenges.

Here at The Holistic Counseling Center, we stick to the sublingual lozenges - they're our go-to for treatment due to their ease of administration, limited side effects and benefits.