If you’re curious to try something new and ready for change, here’s how you begin:
1. FIRST CONTACT:
You and I begin when you first email me with your questions or interest. I’ll respond by email to discuss possible next steps. If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule a free 30 minute consultation.
2. OUR INITIAL CONSULTATION CALL:
We’ll briefly talk about your interest and I’ll answer any questions you might bring. We’ll discuss whether ketamine sessions are the right choice for you at this time. If you decide to move forward then I’ll refer you to the medical provider.
3.MEDICAL PROVIDER CONSULTATION:
I’ll make the referral and you’ll schedule a telehealth evaluation with them. They’ll go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment and determine if you are eligible for ketamine sessions.
If the medical provider determines that you’re eligible, they’ll develop a personalized ketamine prescription for you. A small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home for your initial session(s. You will be taught how to self-administer the ketamine lozenges in advance of our sessions.
4. PREPARATION SESSION:
Once you are eligible and have decided to move forward, we’ll have at least 1 preparation session prior to your first ketamine dosing session.
The goal of the preparation session(s) is to answer questions, align on the process, set intentions and help you feel comfortably prepared for your ketamine explorations.
5. KETAMINE DOSING SESSION / JOURNEY:
(This experience is also referred to as a journey or ceremony.)
A typical 1:1 ketamine session lasts about 2.5-3 hrs. This is a remote session over Zoom. Group sessions last 3 hrs and can be remote or in-person.
During a dosing session, you’ll self-administer your ketamine lozenges. You’ll be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask (if you prefer) and listening to calming music. Although your ketamine experience may be largely internal, I will be present with you the entire time to facilitate your process. I will integrate and help guide your experience with you between doses.
6. INTEGRATION SESSIONS:
After your exploration with ketamine, we’ll meet for an integration session to review the memories, sensations, visions, feelings, symbols, thoughts and insights that arose during your experience. We’ll talk about how you want to implement what you learned into your daily life and we’ll prepare for your next ketamine session if you choose to have another one.
7. FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATION WITH MEDICAL PROVIDER:
After your initial ketamine sessions, you’ll schedule a follow-up with the medical provider to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow-ups is up to you and depends on your unique treatment plan.
WHAT KIND OF KETAMINE IS PRESCRIBED?
We work with racemic, or generic ketamine lozenges. This ketamine is equal parts esketamine (S-ketamine) and arketamine (R-ketamine) The lozenges are taken sublingually, under your tongue, and are rapidly dissolving.
(Note that racemic (generic) ketamine is currently used off-label and not FDA approved as a treatment for mental health conditions, although there is substantial research literature to support the use of racemic ketamine in psychiatry and psychotherapy.)
HOW MANY KETAMINE SESSIONS DO I NEED?
The number of sessions varies depending on the person. Some people experience an immediate reduction in symptoms, but lasting change comes for most people after a longer period of sessions with ketamine. Usually 6-8 sessions are the most effective as there is a cumulative effect from the sessions.
I recommend you schedule as many sessions as your medical provider initially allows, usually 3 sessions. However you are also welcome to try only one session before deciding whether to reschedule.
Many people decide they would benefit from more sessions and schedule a follow-up with the medical provider. Some periodically schedule a ketamine “tune-up” for maintenance. We’ll figure out together what would work best for you and the flow of your process.
WHAT IS THE COST OF TREATMENT?
This sublingual lozenges ketamine approach is an affordable, accessible modality,especially compared to intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) modes of administration in a clinic. Cost varies depending on whether or not your insurance will help cover it. Ask me for details.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT KETAMINE AND THIS WORK?
Educating yourself will help you make a decision and is an important part of your own personal preparation.
Keep exploring the various topics on my ketamine menu:
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
If you want to explore the possibility of including ketamine in your process please email me to discuss next steps.