Ketamine therapy has been helpful in treating a variety of conditions including treatment resistant depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, chronic pain and substance use disorder.

In recent years, research has shown that ketamine, used at sub-anesthetic doses, can have rapid and powerful antidepressant effects. Though not known exactly how ketamine works it has been shown to interact with receptors in the brain, leading to increased neuroplasticity and the formation of new neural connections. This can result in a rapid and profound reduction in symptoms, often within hours of the treatment.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used for over 50 years as a general anesthetic. In the past 10 years ketamine has been emerging as an exciting and innovative treatment for mental health conditions, specifically treatment resistant depression. Ketamine does not have an indication for treatment of depression, anxiety of any other psychiatric condition by the FDA, (excluding the intranasal formula Spravato). Therefore, the provision of ketamine for these conditions is considered an ‘off-label’ use. This is a legal prescribing practice and occurs quite commonly – up-to 20% of medication in the US, by some measures. For example, the use of antidepressants for pain, stimulants for depression, or blood pressure medication for anxiety.

Ketamine therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include talk therapy and other modalities. It is important to note that ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be appropriate for everyone. A medical evaluation and consultation with our licensed healthcare professional is necessary to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you.

We will begin by setting the space for healing by sharing an intention or healing words. A low dose of ketamine will be administered via an IV infusion or intramuscular injection under the supervision of a medical provider (Sally or Dr. Neidhardt) who will stay in the room with you throughout your session. If desired and by request, energetic healing or song can be offered. Ketamine sessions are booked for 2 hours to allow for preparation and recovery. Patients can expect be under the effect of ketamine for about an hour. An “afterglow” or effect from the medication can last up to 24 hours, so we ask that all patients have a safe ride home after treatment.

Ketamine therapy in the past 10 years has emerged as a promising treatment for several conditions, specifically treatment resistant depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, OCD, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and chronic pain and substance use. It may be beneficial for individuals who have not found relief from traditional medications or therapies. Ketamine has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, and though still being researched, there is suggestion that it may be helpful in certain chronic inflammatory conditions such as environmental illness or long covid.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy to treat various mental health conditions. The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can enhance introspection and emotional processing. Ketamine is thought to work by temporarily altering brain function and neural pathways, allowing patients to potentially break free from entrenched thought patterns and emotional states. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy assists in helping to integrate the material in a meaningful way to make positive and lasting changes.

Dr. Neidhardt specializes in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy specifically for treatment resistant depression and PTSD and offers this service for an additional fee.

We encourage patients to work with Dr. Neidhardt or their own therapists and mental health providers for the best support and outcome through the therapeutic process of the ketamine sessions. Having connection with a mental health provider can allow for review and integration of positive changes and/or potentially challenging material that may arise during the sessions.

Illumination Medicine honors the tradition of creating a sacred space for healing. Additional healing work through song during the ketamine session is offered at no additional fee per patient request. Our clients usually seek us out for a more personalized and integrative approach to healing. Our goal is to honor your own personal expression and to help you feel safe and held while you have the experience.

An average of six sessions has been an accepted beginning protocol for ketamine therapy. Research has shown starting with six sessions is ideal for longer lasting benefits. Number of additional sessions recommended is determined by therapeutic response. Most patients start with a 6 session package and then add a booster every 1-6 months as needed. Some patients experience remission of symptoms and feel complete with their ketamine treatments. Everyone is different and you will work with Sally and/or Dr. Neidhardt to determine what the best treatment plan may be for you.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Neidhardt incurs its own fees above and beyond the ketamine sessions and packages offered by Sally.

A consultation with Sally is needed to review medical history and medications, determine eligibility and make sure ketamine sessions are a good treatment option for you.

If ketamine is determined to be a good treatment option, the $200 of the initial consultation will be applied to the first ketamine session (savings of $200).

Initial Personalized Consultation with Sally (50min)-$200 plus tax and fees.

Ketamine Session (120min)- $500 plus tax and fees

6 Session Ketamine Series Package-$2500 plus taxes and fees (does not expire)

The package includes a personalized consultation ($200 value) plus 6 ketamine sessions ($500) each, with the 6th session gifted for free ($500 value). Total savings of $700.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy track (KAP) with Dr. Neidhart.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation-$350 (90-120min) plus tax and fees

Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Planning and Integration Sessions- $300 (60min) plus tax and fees

Dr. Neidhardt Attending a Ketamine Session in Addition to Sally -$200 (120min) plus tax and fees

*We understand that medical costs can be prohibitive to getting quality care and we understand this to be a very real and current problem in the healthcare system. Your care and wellbeing are important to us. If you would like to work with us, but feel that costs are too prohibitive, please speak up and let us know and we will see how we may be able to help make care attainable for you. We appreciate your interest in our services and hope to be able to meet you soon!

About 70% of people with treatment resistant depression will be responsive to a ketamine series. Most people will feel an improvement in mood following the treatment as well as the days after up to 2 weeks post infusion and sometimes beyond in the first few sessions. The ketamine sessions build over time which is why a 6 session protocol has been recommended. Everyone has a different response to ketamine treatments which is why we work individually with patients.

In general, Ketamine is regarded as a very safe medication and is listed as an essential medication through the World Health Organization. Ketamine is given at about 10 times the dose for general anesthesia than we use for mood disorders and chronic pain. At the sub-anesthetic dose, which is what we use at Illumination Medicine, it can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure and can produce some nausea in some people. At higher doses it can cause a “dissociative, out of body” experience, which can be disorienting for some people. Most people are very responsive to reassurance especially when adequately prepared. We start with a lower dose and titrate dose based on each patients individual needs. Ketamine is very tolerable by most people, but please let us know if you have a history of any hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiac, or liver or kidney problems.

We offer a free 5 minute phone consultation if you have any specific questions regarding the therapies. We will then schedule a personalized consultation to review medical history and discuss your treatment goals and expectations to ensure that ketamine is the right fit for your needs. If we decide to move forward with treatment, we will schedule your first ketamine session shortly after your consultation, usually within the following days.

To schedule an appointment, please reach out to:

sally@illuminationmedicine.com

or call or text

505-310-6974