Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that can produce a range of effects: physical, emotional, psychological, and even spiritually. For those considering ketamine treatment, it's natural to feel apprehensive about the experience. However, understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns.

Ketamine's effects differ based on the route of administration. It is typical for intramuscular (IM) sessions to begin within a few minutes of injection into the shoulder. Sublingual (SL) sessions involve holding the medicine and swishing it around their mouth for 20 min, so the onset is more gradual with typical symptoms of oral numbness and tingling starting around 6-8 min into the swishing. The initial effects of ketamine feel like a sense of detachment from one's physical body. Some describe feeling a floating or "out-of-body" sensation, while others feel blissfully unaware of their body and a sense of limitlessness. This can be accompanied by visual changes, such as kaleidoscopic images, shapes, faces, places, or experiences.

The psychological effects of ketamine are often described as introspective and dreamlike. Clients may experience vivid imagery, profound insights, or a deep sense of connection with the self and the world around them. It is common for people to experience the “quiet” of the mind for the first time. Some report feelings of tranquility, joy, or even spiritual awakening during the ketamine experience.

It's important to note that the specific sensations can vary greatly from person to person, and are influenced by factors such as the dosage, individual neurobiology, and the setting in which the ketamine is administered. We work closely with clients to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness can be a deeply profound and transformative experience. These altered states can evoke a wide range of sensations and perceptions that transcend our everyday waking consciousness. Beyond consciousness is the subconscious - the areas of our mind that hold memories, experiences, and events outside of our ability to willfully remember or recall.

For many, the experience of a non-ordinary state may feel expansive, with a heightened sense of connection to the world around them or a profound sense of inner peace. Others report feelings of profound awe, wonder, or even ecstasy as they encounter realms beyond the limits of the physical senses.

The subjective experience can be highly personal and vary greatly between individuals. Some may feel a complete dissolution of the ego, while others describe intense emotional or mystical encounters. Ego dissolution feels like a loss of “self” or the identity we’ve constructed through life. This can be particularly important and powerful as we often construct an identity for ourselves based on a series of conditioned beliefs, labels, and traumas we’ve experienced in life. Regardless of the specific sensations, non-ordinary states often leave a lasting impact, providing a glimpse into the vast, untapped potentials of human consciousness.

It's important to approach these experiences with care, respect, and an open, compassionate mindset. They can be deeply meaningful, but also potentially challenging. Seeking guidance from experienced practitioners or licensed professionals can help ensure a safe and meaningful journey of self-discovery.

Ketamine's effects can last for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. When administered under medical supervision, the duration of the experience is typically between 30 minutes to an hour. However, the after-effects may linger for several hours. It's important to understand that everyone's response to ketamine can be different, and it's crucial to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals to ensure safety and well-being.

After treatment and recovery, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home. This is for your own safety, and for the safety of the community around you. You will not be allowed to operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery for the remainder of the day. You may take a taxi/Uber/Lyft if needed, however, we encourage you to have family or a friend drive you after the first session.

You will be in a safe environment with a skilled provider monitoring and responding to your needs. If there is anything in the room you would like removed, please let us know. If there is anything you’d like to add, we can provide it if available or you are welcome to bring it along with you.

Because of the unique nature of psychedelic journeys, we do not typically allow non-trained personnel in the room. We can never predict where the medicine is going to bring the client, what is going to be accessed, and what needs to be expressed. It’s important for the client to feel completely free to say what they want without tending to anyone or anything but themselves. The facilitator needs to be solely focused on the client, and not anyone else’s interpretation or reactions to what is happening. To the untrained eye, psychedelic journeys can look scary, when in fact they are deeply healing and cathartic. In some instances, the presence of a loved one can be very regulating and enhance feelings of safety and security. In those cases, we do allow them into the room at the bookends of the session - at the beginning and again at the end.

Please plan to take the rest of the day off after a psychedelic journey to allow you time for rest, self-care, and integration. Suggestions include a walk in nature, a bath with sea salts and candles, journaling/writing, making art, or getting a massage. You can process and talk with friends or family, but do not feel pressured to distill down the meaning of your experience; that will come later. You may be sensitive to light and sounds for a short while after your session. Find a quiet and calm place to rest and recover. Avoid overcrowded, high-activity, high-stimulation or high-demand environments.

Absolutely, when used appropriately with trained professionals. Ketamine is a complex topic, and it's understandable to have concerns about its safety. And, while it is a powerful and safe medicine, it's crucial to approach this medicine and this work - like any health intervention - with care and compassion.

The safety of ketamine ultimately depends on the context and manner in which it is used. When administered by trained professionals for legitimate biopsychosocial purposes, such as in the treatment of depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, ketamine can be a safe and effective option. Holding a medical degree does not constitute adequate training. This may qualify a provider to inject or prescribe ketamine, but may not qualify them to offer adequate preparation for the journey, hold the psychological and emotional safety of the client during their experience, or provide (most don’t even offer) adequate integration of the journey post-administration. It bears mentioning, the recreational or unsupervised use of ketamine carries significant risks and should be avoided.

It's important to remember that each individual's experience with ketamine may vary, and what is safe for one person may not be for another. If you or someone you know is considering using ketamine, it's essential to consult with a qualified provider who can assess the potential risks and benefits based on your unique circumstances.

Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment option for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Unlike traditional medications, ketamine works in a unique way, targeting the brain's glutamate system (NMDA receptor antagonist) to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

For those who have found little success with conventional therapies, ketamine can offer a compassionate path forward. The drug's ability to quickly alleviate distressing thoughts and emotions can be a lifeline for those in crisis, providing a window of respite and hope. It is unique in that it can also be given safely with antidepressants and other psychotropic medications.

Importantly, ketamine is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful medical supervision and an individualized approach to ensure safety and efficacy. But for those who qualify, ketamine-assisted therapy can be a transformative experience, helping to restore a sense of balance, resilience, and joy.

Stop eating 4 hours prior to your treatment. Eating can enhance the sense of nausea, increase the risk of vomiting, or reduce the effects of the medicine.

Stop all liquids 2 hours before each treatment. A stomach full of water can increase the risk of nausea and/or vomiting.