Food for the Mind
Here at Bloom Healing Collective we also prioritize educating ourselves and the community on the latest reliable information covering all things mental health, holistic health, and healing!
Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health
We believe in the power of Ketamine therapy and integration for mental health. Check out this podcast interview with Marina Pitsilos where she discusses ketamine treatment to learn more on this alternative treatment.
Ketamine Facts
WHAT IS KETAMINE? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used to treat various common psychological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. First synthesized in 1962 at Wayne State University in Detroit, ketamine is currently the most widely used anesthetic worldwide. It has been included on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines list since 1985. In the United States, ketamine is classified as a DEA Schedule III medication.
HOW DOES IT WORK? The primary mechanism of action involves the antagonism of NMDA receptors and the regulation of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. Additionally, by promoting the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), it facilitates neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, leading to structural rewiring within the brain.
ROLE OF KETAMINE? Ketamine functions in multiple ways depending on the dosage administered. At higher doses, it serves as a powerful anesthetic. In contrast, at low doses, it offers a highly effective non-opioid solution for pain relief. When administered at moderate doses, ketamine acts as a dissociative medication, often leading individuals to experience sensations akin to an out-of-body experience. This unique dissociative effect can provide significant relief for a range of psychological conditions.
CAN I DRIVE MYSELF? No. Please do not drive yourself to your ketamine therapy session as you will not be permitted to drive home from the session and vehicles cannot be left overnight in our parking lot. You must arrange a safe driver to take you home after the session.
SET & SETTING? Refers to the essential elements that condition the experiences when using psychoactive substances such as ketamine. We take these very seriously. “Set” refers to a mindset, while “Setting” means the location where you experience the medication. We apply science and lessons learned from other psychedelic traditions to optimize the “set and setting” and create the best possible ketamine therapy experience for our clients. Our facilitators and providers are experts in optimizing your mindset prior to the initial Preparation phase of the experience, while our clinic’s setting feels warm and inviting, unlike most ketamine clinics.
INTRAMUSCULAR (IM) VS INTRAVENOUS (IV) ? IM ketamine means that the medication is injected directly into the muscle body of the shoulder. IV ketamine infusions are when an IV access line is first established into the vein, then medication is infused into the line over the course of one hour. Patients receive approximately the same amount of medication during either method of administration, with 93% bioavailability during an IM experience compared to 100% during IV infusion. IM ketamine peaks earlier than IV ketamine infusions and has fewer side effects, such as nausea and agitation. Most of our clients prefer IM experiences.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED? The optimal number of sessions varies by individual. Most of our clients choose a series of 6 treatments spaced closely together. These may be followed by maintenance sessions as needed. Our ketamine specialists will help you create a personalized treatment plan.
WHO SHOULDN'T USE KETAMINE? Ketamine Therapy is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant, have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, or for a variety of other reasons as well. Our team of ketamine specialists will help determine your eligibility for treatment during your initial evaluation. We do not treat patients who are acutely suicidal. If you are feeling suicidal, then it is important to call 988, 911, or proceed directly to your nearest Emergency Department for further evaluation.
SIDE EFFECTS? The most common side effects are temporary and may include nausea, drowsiness, fogginess, and headaches. Our team can provide medications to minimize side effects. Dissociation (feeling detached from your body) as well as visual or auditory hallucinations consistent with taking medications with psychedelic properties, are commonly achieved during our ketamine sessions and are not considered to be side effects.
IS KETAMINE ADDICTIVE? Ketamine is not physiologically addictive with infrequent use, and at low to moderate doses, as administered safely by the appropriate providers. At frequent dosing, ketamine can become a moderately addictive substance, which should be used with caution in people with a history of substance use disorders.
IS KETAMINE FOR ME? If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, PTSD, or chronic pain, ketamine therapy may be a viable option. A consultation with our experienced providers determine if you are a suitable candidate.