Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Interested in learning more about the new Ketamine-Assisted Therapy program at the Metaphysical Healing Institute of Palm Beach? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Q: What is ketamine?
​
A: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. That means, when given in high doses, it uniquely induces a state of mind-body dissociation combined with relief of pain. It has traditionally been used for anesthesia in the emergency treatment of physical trauma.
Q: How can ketamine help me?
​
A: More recently, research has erupted demonstrating ketamine’s effective use in another area of medicine. In March 2019, esketamine (brand name Spravato) gained FDA approval in the United States for use in treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidality. Since then, studies have continued to emerge showing positive outcomes, particularly when combined with other psychotherapeutic modalities, in the treatment of many psychological disorders including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive, compulsive disorder, and substance abuse and addiction disorders, to name a few.
Q: How do I know if ketamine treatment is right for me?
A: Prior to your treatment, you’ll be evaluated by a medical professional to help you make an informed decision determining whether ketamine-assisted therapy is a good option for you. There are a large array of conditions ketamine has been found to ease, ranging from mild depressive or anxious symptoms all the way to treatment-resistant major depressive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder with suicidal ideation. Many of the pharmaceuticals currently on the market have been suboptimally effective and/or are coupled with intolerable side effects that can severely affect one’s quality of life. This leaves us, as a collective, looking for new solutions for how to best support our clients. As ketamine is a relatively new treatment option in the psychological world, new studies continue to be published about best uses of ketamine. We’ll keep ourselves - and you - up to date on the cutting edge research and together make choices about how to best support you in your journey towards healing.
Q: Is it safe?
A. One of the benefits of ketamine, even in the world of anesthesia, is that it is as effective as other medicines without carrying some of the associated risks. Unlike other anesthetics, ketamine does not significantly lower heart rate or blood pressure, particularly when used in low doses, which is common in ketamine-assisted therapy. You’ll be medically evaluated by our team to make sure that you are a good candidate. You’ll receive a unique dose based on your individual body weight and your previous exposure to ketamine and/or other psychedelic medicines. During your session, your vital signs will be monitored closely by a medical professional to ensure you are tolerating the medicine appropriately. When given IV, ketamine is short-acting, meaning that if necessary, at any time during the session the infusion can be discontinued, and you will return back to your baseline within minutes.
Ketamine does have some known side effects, which can include anxiety, dizziness, confusion and disorientation, blurred vision, and nausea. These, among others, will be reviewed with you in depth prior to your session. You’ll be given ample opportunity to discuss risks and benefits with your provider, ask any questions you may have, and let us know how to best support you in providing a sense of safety. Your physical and psychological safety is our top priority and is vital to the effectiveness of your treatment. We want you to know that you are safe!
Q: Is it legal?
A: Yes, the prescriptive use of ketamine by a licensed medical professional is completely legal in the United States.
Q: What should I expect during my ketamine session?
A. For your medicine session, you’ll lay comfortably in an aesthetically pleasing and calm setting. After checking your vital signs and going over any last minute information, you’ll settle in for your hour-long IV session. You will be offered eyeshades to encourage an internal experience. Relaxing music will support you, with the option to experience live sound healing during your session at an additional cost.
The best advice we can offer is to leave all expectations for your experience at the door. Ketamine sessions can greatly vary from individual to individual, and even from session to session. Your coach will make sure you are prepared for anything that is likely to arise, and will be there, along with a medical professional, to support you through your entire journey.
Q: Who are the practitioners?
A: Your medical provider is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner from Wellness IV Infusions. Your coach is a physician assistant who holds a Certificate of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research from the California Institute of Integral Studies and has completed multiple trainings through the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Click below for more details regarding your team!
Q: What if I’m already under the care of a mental health professional?
A: If you are already under the care of a mental health professional, we want to collaborate! We are happy to consult with your current provider in order to cocreate the best possible treatment, follow-up, and continuity of care for each of our clients.
Q: How much does ketamine-assisted therapy cost?
A: You can experience a single session for a $900 investment. This includes a 60 minute preparation session, a 60 minute ketamine session, and a 60 minute integration session.
Based on current research, we recommend our three session package. For $2100, your experience includes a 60 minute preparation session and three 60 minute ketamine sessions, each followed by its own 60 minute integration session.
Q: Can I use my medical insurance?
A: No. At this time, most insurances do not
cover ketamine-assisted therapy.
Q: How do I get involved?
A: Just give us a call at MHIPB to set up your initial consultation!
​
