Ketamine Infusions & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
More than a medicine, we understand ketamine to be a powerful tool for healing and a therapeutic change agent. Which is why we always administer in a holistically supported setting designed to advance personal healing and growth.
We believe in the value of ketamine as a rapidly-acting antidepressant, and more broadly in the benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Currently, ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, is the only FDA-cleared medication that can be used off-label to to harness the altered state of consciousness and neuroplastic effects of traditional psychedelics in the context of a medically supervised, contained, and guided therapeutic process(1). This allows us to use ketamine as medicine to move beyond symptom relief from depression, trauma-related disorders, and refractory anxiety and OCD, to concurrently support the psychotherapeutic process that is so important to sustained recovery from these conditions.
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We offer ketamine infusions as well as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as part of our integrative approach, and we can talk with you about your needs and whether you might be a candidate for one of these treatment options.
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To help you get started, we have included some information below on ketamine itself as well as our services. ​
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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
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What is Ketamine and How Does it Work?
Ketamine is a well-researched anesthetic agent that has been used safely and effectively in medical settings to treat a variety of mental health concerns, addictive disorders, and physical medical conditions (2-6). For those who are seeking to deepen a psychotherapeutic process and become more fully in touch with themselves as they work through stuck patterns and symptoms, we provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. All of what we offer can be adapted to fit your needs.
But first, how does ketamine work?
Ketamine can provide symptom relief and create space for solidifying new patterns of thinking, feeling, and responding to daily stressors through multiple effects on the brain. By blocking receptors for glutamate, the most prevalent excitatory signaling chemical in the brain, we observe a subsequent increase in release of glutamate into the space between cells. This has a cascade of effects and ultimately triggers release of brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. BDNF is a key player in neuroplasticity, which helps to restore normal connectivity between key brain regions. The activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN) then dampens and diminishes, which can be felt as a lessening of obsessive and negative thinking. As old stuck patterns begin to loosen up, and new connections form, the brain has the opportunity to transform over time into a healthier baseline state (1).
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The mechanism of ketamine, which is so different from that of traditional antidepressant medications, has inspired research into its various clinical applications. Its impact on neuroplasticity, in particular, suggests potential use in treating traumatic brain injury, and, when in a controlled environment and paired with a recovery program, disorders of addiction. Much of this research is still unfolding.
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You can also take a look at our ketamine information packet for more detailed information.
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Ketamine Infusions: The Potential for Rapid Relief from Treatment-Resistant Symptoms
At YWP, we use intravenous ketamine as adjunctive treatment for treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder, depressive phases of Bipolar Disorder, suicidality, severe anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. We have also observed significant benefit with ketamine treatments in addictive disorders, as a means of priming the brain to learn new patterns of response and coping, and to disrupt the experience of painful symptoms that can fuel addictive behaviors.
Because we understand ketamine's effects on the brain and the importance of the surge in nerve cell growth and connectivity (1), we support this process by following all ketamine infusions with high-dose Vitamin C intravenously, as an antioxidant, in an effort to enhance ketamine's antidepressant and neuroplastic benefits (7).
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Research consistently demonstrates improvement in depressive symptoms and suicidal thinking with the first infusion, but these effects are temporary, and a proper schedule of induction and maintenance is necessary to ensure ongoing benefit.
We believe that ketamine infusions are most effective in the context of intentional self-care and an integrative wellness plan that includes psychotherapy and working toward a balanced lifestyle. We provide lifestyle coaching, functional testing, and traditional psychiatry and psychotherapy. We are also available to coordinate with your existing mental health providers to ensure a supportive and connected team approach.
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Pricing starts at: $550 per infusion.
Standard induction protocol is 2 infusions per week for 3 weeks.
We are then able to space out infusions gradually over time, observing for the minimum necessary frequency to maintain your recovery.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: Maximizing Your Opportunity for Long-Term Change
Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been medically observed to overlap with more traditional psychedelics in its capacity to promote neuroplasticity and state changes in consciousness (1). At YWP, we believe that ketamine can go beyond symptom relief to increase one's capacity for real psychic change, self-exploration, and enhanced awareness.
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We have observed patients begin to shift lifelong patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating with the aid of KAP and the subsequent therapeutic integration work. We also frequently observe an improved connection to the body, general sense of acceptance, and clarity. These changes are all essential building blocks for the "rewiring" that is needed to secure longer-acting benefits, beyond rapid symptom relief.
Communities interested in psychedelic medicine theorize that the mystical and psychedelic experience itself initiates these changes (8-9) by expanding one's conscious experience to "right size" our egoic concerns, which can intrude into life in unhelpful and extreme ways. We also believe firmly in the importance of therapeutic integration, which begins with the KAP session and extends between sessions in your own reflective practice and in psychotherapy. The open and plastic state created by ketamine can be respected and incorporated into intentional change.
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How Do I Know What Ketamine Protocol is Right for Me?
At your intake appointment, we will discuss your needs, whether ketamine could be an appropriate treatment for you, and the approach that is mostly likely to provide the support you need. We have years of experience working with ketamine in a medical and psychotherapeutic framework, and we are here to help.
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Below is a summary comparison between the two basic approaches, although we can (and often do) customize our approach according to each individual's need.
Ketamine Infusions
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90 minutes of treatment and observation.
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Observed by medical staff, such as a nurse or nurse practitioner.
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Intravenous route of administration.
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IV access provides more consistent levels of exposure to ketamine over the course of the session and provides a direct route for managing side effects such as blood pressure elevations.​
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Infusions are followed by high dose IV Vitamin C as an antioxidant to support nerve cell connection formation. We provide the option of additional IV nutrition if indicated or desired.
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Induction phase of 6 treatments over 3 weeks​.​
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Ideal for: patients who are in urgent need of symptom reduction, or who are trying to avoid a higher level of care. Has the best data for treatment of severe psychiatric illness and suicidal ideation.​
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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3 hours of treatment, observation, and psychotherapeutic process.
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Psychotherapist present throughout, with clinical staff present for medical clearance and dose administration.
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Intravenous or Intramuscular (injection) route of administration available.
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Injection provides more rapid onset and offset of ketamine's effects, highlighting egoic dissolution and minimizing the medical "feel" of the process.​​
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Mindfulness practice, somatic inquiry, and psychotherapy support the process surrounding the medication experience. EMDR can be integrated.
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Induction phase varies, most often 6 KAP sessions over 6 weeks.​
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Ideal for: those working on problematic, stuck relational and personality patterns, patients with significant trauma history, or those whose symptoms, while significant, are stable enough to "go deeper" into self-inquiry.
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Experience and Versatility Matter When it Comes to a Ketamine Provider
As a psychiatrically-driven, integrative practice, we use our expertise to guide and customize your treatment. We are a well-integrated, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to holistic health: body, mind, and spirit. We respect ketamine as a medicine and we respect your unique experiences of struggle and healing.
We have been working with ketamine to treat individuals seeking healing and recovery for years, and our strength lies in our ability to apply that experience to your unique needs, supporting your whole self.
Functional Wellness
We provide education and recommendations on how nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements can support the ketamine process.
Psychotherapeutic Integration
We offer a complete ketamine-assisted psychotherapy experience, or we can tailor your IV treatments to ensure additional therapeutic support.
Psychiatrist-Driven
As an integrative psychiatry practice, we provide a thorough assessment, consider root causes, and can advise as to whether other approaches may be warranted before investing in ketamine treatment.
Specialty and Genetic Testing
Specialty testing can provide information about your anticipated response to ketamine and whether you may require additional interventions.
Private, Welcoming Treatment Rooms
Treatment set and setting are important components in the healing process. Our rooms are private and designed for your comfort, with music, lighting, and weighted blankets ideally suited to support treatment.
Individually Curated
Protocols serve as the starting point for treatment planning, but our wide array of services allow us to meet your clinical needs wherever they may be with a curated approach. We believe in personalized, not "assembly line" medicine.
IV Nutrition
Depression can impact self-care and nutrition status. In addition to our standard Vitamin C support, we can advise on the utility of additional micronutrients to aid in your healing.
1:1 Staff Support
Your therapist or medical provider attends to you throughout the treatment, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Validated Outcome Measures
All patients receive the convenience and precision of electronic symptom monitoring, which empowers you to directly observe your progress, and enables us to respond better to your evolving needs.
References
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(1) Aleksandrova LR, Phillips AG. Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2021 Nov;42(11):929-942. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.08.003. Epub 2021 Sep 24. PMID: 34565579.
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(2) Zarate CA, et al. A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Aug; 63(8): 856-64.
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(3) DiazGranados N, et al. Rapid Resolution of Suicidal Ideation After a Single Infusion of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder. J. Clin. Psychiatry. 2010 Dec; 71(12): 1605-11.
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(4) DiazGranados N, Ibrahim L, Brutsche NE, et al. A Randomized Add-on Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression. ArchGen Psychiatry. 2010; 67(8): 793–802.
(5) Glue, P, Neehoff, SM, Medlicott, NJ, Gray, A, Kibby, G, & McNaughton, N (2018). Safety and Efficacy of Maintenance Ketamine Treatment in Patients with Treatment-Refractory Generalised Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorders. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(6), 663–667.
(6) Feder A, Parides MK, Murrough JW, et al. Efficacy of Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment of Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014; 71(6): 681–688.
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(7) Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Mar 15;46(6):719-30. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018. Epub 2009 Jan 6. PMID: 19162177; PMCID: PMC2649700.
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(8) Rothberg, Rebecca L et al. Mystical-type experiences occasioned by ketamine mediate its impact on at-risk drinking: Results from a randomized, controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2021 Feb;35(2):150-158. doi: 10.1177/0269881120970879. Epub 2020 Dec 13. PMID: 33307947.
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(9) Kwonmok, Ko et al. Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Volume 13 - 2022. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917199. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917199
Testimonials
"The amazing ladies who run [this practice] are experienced in a wide array of medicine...this includes promotion of gut health, lab testing to discover sensitivities, balancing diet, etc. What was once considered new age is now essential in our daily health."
-Brian