Ketamine can be a highly effective treatment for patients struggling with various forms of depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Treatment-Resistant Depression is often defined as a client who has not previously experienced adequate benefits from two or more antidepressant medications.

In studies, over 70% of patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression responded to ketamine treatment.

Emerging research also supports the use of ketamine with conditions such as Anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, suicidality, Post-Partum Depression, Dysthymia, sleep disorders and pain disorders such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome.

Many people who don’t have a clinical mental health diagnosis also benefit from KAT.

The transformative psychedelic experience and powerful biochemical effects (especially new neuronal connections) can support personal growth and may assist in resolving issues such as burnout, existential anxiety (e.g. fear of death), spirituality, identity challenges, or feelings of stagnation in one’s life.

On the continuum of severity of psychological disorders, it is important to note that significant personality disorders (such as Schizoaffective Disorder) are not best-treated with KAT.

For these individuals, the response rate is unimpressive and KAT is unlikely to be worth the time, effort, and cost to the individual and/ or their family.

Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) combines the biochemical and psychedelic benefits of ketamine with clinical talk therapy to maximize the positive benefits of this unique drug. The combination of therapeutic support with ketamine treatment helps patients discover deeper insight, connection, healing and personal growth.

KAT should always include consultation and oversight by a medical provider, preparation session(s), ketamine experiential, and integration therapy sessions. KAT can be accomplished with ketamine infusions, however, Vytality Natural Medicine offers other routes of administration.

Unlike conventional therapies, ketamine assisted therapy typically provides greater access to deeper insights than the standard talk-based approach. Patients often describe their experience as a “guided journey” that is supported by a medical professional or therapist.

Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity in the brain, the reorganization of neural networks and pathways. This is further enhanced through the use of psycho-emotional investigation and support in tandem with a series of ketamine treatment sessions.

Ketamine assisted therapy (KAT) has shown remarkable results in helping patients break through the barriers and defenses that traditional therapies often struggle to penetrate. The safe and supported experience allows individuals to confront distressing emotions, fears, and traumatic memories, helping foster a sense of acceptance, self-compassion, and healing.

Ketamine assisted therapy provides a unique opportunity for introspection that enables individuals to gain precious insights into their mental health challenges and how to live more fully.

Completing a full round of KAT can take between four and six weeks. Each week includes a 3-hour session one day and a 1-hour session 2-3 days later. The most beneficial outcomes are enjoyed by those who can receive treatment consistently over the 4 to 6 weeks; however, if you have life circumstances that prevent this, you will still benefit from the therapy, and we will work with you to find the best treatment plan to fit your life events and schedule.

Thereafter, patients are placed on a maintenance program where they return as necessary for a single booster (as frequently as once a month). During the maintenance phase, the duration of relief following the initial treatments and the first booster, and between subsequent single booster treatments varies from patient to patient.

There is no way to predict what your specific needs will be, but Dr. Robin will work with you to identify your ideal, individualized maintenance. We recommend every patient participate in at least 4 treatment sessions and Integration sessions before terminating treatment.

The rare patients who do not feel any effects after 4 sessions, are deemed non-responders, a frustrating but occasionally unavoidable outcome. This outcome occurs for fewer than 20% of patients. Vytality Natural Medicine cannot offer any guarantee of individual results, and there are no refunds. While it is always the hope that you will not be a non-responder, it is very important that you understand this possibility does exist.

A full KAT treatment session lasts 3 hours. Your treatment will last 1-2 hours, and the remainder of the time is set aside for your safety – to ensure you are prepared for the session before receiving treatment, and to ensure that you can safely navigate to your ride home after receiving treatment.

Follow-up sessions are 1 hour in length, as are intake and preparation sessions. There may be times when an additional preparation session is deemed necessary for your mental or physical health.

To maximize the benefits of ketamine, it is best to limit your commitments on the day of your ketamine experiential session and even over the following days.

Patients tend to be more reflective and internally focused for a period of time after their ketamine session, and the greatest healing is attained by honoring that tendency in yourself.

It may be difficult to concentrate on work as you usually would. Set yourself up for success by limiting what you “have to do” so you are empowered to take whatever time you feel you need after your ketamine session.

Yes. You will remain in the office post-treatment until you are steady on your feet; then you will want to go home a rest for the remainder of the day. For your safety, you will not be given Ketamine if you do not have a ride home arranged.

A patient’s “set and setting” are the most important aspects of an effective KAT session.

“Set” refers to the patient’s mindset coming into the treatment. Coming to the experience with an open mind and avoiding any negative triggers prior to your appointment, will help you have the best outcome. Examples might include avoiding any confrontational conversations with loved ones, watching the news, starting projects that are stressful, etc.

Additionally, you will benefit most from the therapy if you spend some time quietly reflecting on your intentions for your ketamine sessions; this will “prime” your conscious and unconscious mind to open as fully as possible to the insights awaiting you. You will be offered guiding materials to do this preparatory work.

You will need to avoid any kind of solid foods and/or milk for 4-plus hours prior to your ketamine treatment. You may drink water only until 2 hours before your treatment.

Absolutely avoid alcohol or the use of any illicit drugs for at least 24 hours before and after a treatment session. These substances are extremely dangerous in combination with ketamine.

We encourage you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if the process is something you might want to look into, followed by an intake appointment with Dr. Robin.

After determining that KAT is safe and indicated for you, you can schedule your treatment sessions and Integration sessions to begin approximately 1-2 weeks later.

During a treatment session, you will be made comfortable on soft and supportive mats/ cushions, and you will have the option of using an eyeshade and noise-cancelling headphones.

Ketamine is administered orally or via intramuscular (IM) injection. As the treatment progresses, you may encounter a feeling of “lightness” or “floating,” which for some feels as if a “weight is being lifted off their shoulders”.

One of the main effects of Ketamine is referred to as dissociation. Dissociation in this context is a temporary state of consciousness where a person feels ‘detached’ from the physical world. It has been described as a dream-like state with a floating calm sensation.

Some patients report visions of colors and shapes. This out-of-body experience is why it is sometimes categorized as a psychedelic. Each person’s experience of dissociation is very different and can vary from session to session, but it is generally very well tolerated.

You will be accompanied and monitored by Dr. Robin throughout each session. Within 60 minutes of completing the treatment, you will start to regain your senses and your thinking will return to normal.

Unlike IV ketamine, once you initiate the treatment, it cannot be stopped or reversed. However, you will be able to remind yourself that it will end and that you are safe.

Dr. Robin will remain with you throughout and monitor your vitals as needed.

We suggest going into the experience with your goals for treatment in mind. This makes the dissociative phase as beneficial as possible, as your brain works to adapt itself.

No. The dose of ketamine you will receive does not cause patients to fall sleep. Depending on your sensitivity to the drug, you may feel you have lost command of your muscles, but your mind will remain awake.

Prior to your first treatment, you will fill out a few brief questionnaires that will provide a baseline. We will then follow up after each treatment to assess your response. If needed, Dr. Robin will adjust the treatment accordingly to maximize benefits and minimize any adverse effects.

After a treatment, you may notice positive effects immediately, but typically improvements begin several hours post-treatment.

Usually, those who struggle with thoughts of self-harm and suicide notice those thoughts and feelings recede first, bringing immense relief. Many times, patients notice a gradual improvement in mood and mental health as they progress through the course of their treatments.

Note: The dissociation that may occur during your first Ketamine experiences can be intense and most patients find it helpful to process the experience. If you do not have an existing relationship with a Ketamine-certified therapist or cannot see your therapist for any reason during the weeks of treatment, Vytality Natural Medicine requires follow-up Integration appointments with Dr. Robin.

We advise you to go directly home to rest after your first treatment session. Once you have completed one or two treatments, you will have a better idea of how the medicine makes you feel.

It is common to feel a little intoxicated, tipsy or nauseous directly after taking Ketamine. You may feel tired and fatigued for the remainder of the day. Some patients are able to return to work 1-2 hours after their treatment, but it is prudent to avoid committing to this.

Absolutely not. It is imperative that you arrange transportation for after every treatment session. Further, it is highly recommended that you do not drive or operate any dangerous machinery until the next day.

The beneficial effects of a single Ketamine treatment can last from 2 days to 2 weeks. After a series of six treatments, some patients remain symptom free for several months. We also offer the option of booster treatments, which can be given monthly or a few times per year, as needed.

Ketamine is an FDA approved anesthetic agent originally developed in the 1960s and used solely as an anesthetic for surgical procedures. For instance, ketamine was used as a field anesthetic by medics and physicians during the Vietnam War.

Emergency medicine doctors today use ketamine for procedural sedation and as an alternative to opioids for pain management, and it is widely used in pediatric surgery due to its strong safety profile.

Ketamine is known as a “dissociative anesthetic.” The word “dissociative” in this context means that it produces feelings of detachment from the environment and self, as well as changes in one’s sensory perception at higher dosages. The word “anesthetic” refers to reaching a controlled state of muscle relaxation, as well as a temporary reduction of pain.

Ketamine is a fast-acting medication with various intriguing effects on mood, suicidal thinking, anxiety, and chronic pain. These uses of Ketamine are safe and legal, though they are not technically approved by the FDA, to date.

The mechanism action of ketamine is still being widely studied, and is st incompletely understood.

Unlike antidepressant medications which work on the serotonin, dopamine, or noreill pinephrine neurotransmitter systems, ketamine boosts BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a critical brain hormone that promotes the creation of new connections between neurons. The resulting neuroplasticity can reverse some long-term effects of chronic depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Ketamine also appears to reset the Default Mode Network (DMN), which provides an opportunity to shift away from negative thinking patterns and establish hope for a healthier future.

Additionally, ketamine blocks glutamate, a neurotransmitter linked to brain inflammation. Inflammation is widely associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Finally, ketamine manages pain by acting against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA), a chemical receptor found in the nervous system that modulates pain. Ketamine has been shown to be useful for patients who have taken opioids for pain and found them to be ineffective.

Ketamine is used off-label for mental health treatment, and also initiates a psychedelic experience reminiscent of those of MDMA or psilocybin.

Vytality Natural Medicine only provides Ketamine Assisted Therapy. There are several reasons for this, including the gentleness of Ketamine journeys, the well-established safety profile of Ketamine, the shorter treatment times needed for KAT, and the lower cost to patients.

Individuals who have significant experience with altered states of consciousness may prefer a different option; however, for most people looking to manage or overcome their suffering, KAT is the most appropriate therapy to try first.

Mental illnesses have many interweaving causes that can be hard to tease out, and the established treatment paradigm has shown itself to be limited in effect.

When medications targeting certain neurotransmitters (serotonin, for example) showed positive effects several decades ago, they largely became the focus for intervention. However, for as many as 75% of patients, these drugs are ineffective.

Ketamine off-label use is a revolutionary breakthrough, as it approaches mental health treatment from an entirely new perspective, focusing on remodeling neural pathways and developing healthy neurons. This has proven to be far more effective for many individuals suffering with mental dis-ease.

In addition to this, ketamine assisted therapy can change the way the brain responds to medications, potentially increasing the effectiveness of already prescribed drugs. Many patients who haven’t found adequate improvement through traditional treatments experience life-changing relief with this combination.

This question will be answered on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Robin is licensed to prescribe and deprescribe most modern anti-depressant medications. Once KAT is initiated, and we understand the effects of the drug on you as a unique individual, this will likely be an ongoing conversation with Dr. Robin and/ or your original prescriber.

It is recommended that you wait at least 3 weeks after changing any medications before starting KAT. Please inform Dr. Robin if you have recently changed any of your medications.

Vytality Natural Medicine is not a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center. As of Spring 2019, Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA approved for treatment resistant depression; however, the 30% success rate is significantly lower than the expected success rate of oral and IM Ketamine administration.

Should it become clear that a nasal route of administration is needed for a specific patient, generic ketamine nasal spray may be available from the compounding pharmacy, and can be discussed further in such cases.

Research to date indicates that Ketamine is not addictive when a prescribing clinician administers it at the appropriate dosage and frequency for treating mental health concerns. Certainly, ketamine, like other medications, can be abused when misused outside of a clinical setting, however risk for misuse is extremely low when proper controls and monitoring are in place.

KAT uses a lower dose than when taken recreationally, and special attention is paid to ensure the medicine is given at safe dosages for the purpose of healing. Moreover, KAT limits the frequency of ketamine administration to ensure that your body does not have the opportunity become dependent on the medicine from overuse.

A personal history of addiction to substances other than Ketamine does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Ketamine Assisted Therapy; in fact, individuals living with addiction often find Ketamine extremely helpful.

It is incumbent upon you to ensure that you disclose all relevant information to Dr. Robin to ensure the safest, most personalized treatment plan can be developed for you.

Despite its impressive safety profile, Ketamine has a history of recreational mis-use and is a scheduled (“controlled”) substance.

Dr. Robin and Vytality Natural Medicine take the physician responsibility of safe administration of scheduled drugs very seriously.

Before any patient receives a prescription for Ketamine or a refill, the Oregon PDMP will be consulted on at least one occasion.

Unlike many other medications, ketamine has few side effects.

That said, Ketamine can cause nausea, temporary hallucinations, and a lack of appetite. These are often very short-lived and mild. A strong concoction of ginger root tea can help to reduce nausea.

For patients highly prone to nausea, the underlying cause should be investigated, and, if necessary, an anti-nausea medication may be prescribed.

Patients commonly feel tired and groggy after a treatment, but this typically resolves completely after a night of sleep.

Other less common, but possible side effects of ketamine treatment treatments may include, but are not limited to, increased or irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, vivid dreams, confusion, irritation or excitement, a floating sensation, jerking or twitching in the muscles, muscle tension, confusion, decreased thirst, lack of appetite, headaches, a metallic taste in the mouth, constipation, blurry vision, double vision, vomiting, and memory changes.

Rare side effects of ketamine may include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, pain at the injection site (for injected ketamine), increase in the pressure inside of the eye, inflammation, increased likelihood of bladder infection, respiratory complications, hallucinations, euphoria, involuntary eye movements, low mood, and suicidal thoughts.

Ketamine treatment plans vary in cost dependent on treatment frequency. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover KAT.

The number of KAT sessions, including both the ketamine experiential and integration sessions, depends on a patient’s response to the medicine and treatment goals.

Understandably, the cost can feel like a large investment up front. However, most often, ketamine treatment will save a patient time, energy, and resources by enabling them to reduce time in therapy, preventing the need for a higher level of care, and decreasing time off from work due to mental health.

Ultimately, your mental health is priceless, and you are worth the investment!

The following information is based on our four (4) or six (6) Ketamine Experiential Session KAT Packages. Both packages include:

A 60-min Medical Intake, four (4) or six (6) 3-hour Ketamine Experiential Sessions, and four (4) or six (6) 60-min Integration Sessions

Ketamine Assisted Therapy Package Pricing

Six (6) Ketamine Experiential Session KAT Package: $3375 investment

Four (4) Ketamine Experiential Session KAT Package: $2375 investment

A la Carte Sessions:

Additional intake or preparation sessions may be deemed necessary, and additional (booster) therapeutic sessions are frequently desired. Costs for individual sessions are as follows:

60-Min Medical KAT Intake $150 investment

3-Hour Ketamine Experiential Session $450 investment

60-min Integration or Prep Session $150 investment

For orally administered ketamine, the cost of the drug is additional, and is paid directly to the compounding pharmacy.

For established patients, a monthly payment plan may be negotiated, based on Ala Carte rates. An established patient is defined as one who has paid for and completed all intake requirements.

The initial intake appointment must have been paid in full, and the minimum monthly payment is a $280 investment.

Ketamine is not recommended for patients wit uncontrolled hypertension and some other cardiovascular conditions, active mania, a history of psychotic illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia), liver disease, kidney disease or neurological disorders.

Ketamine is also not indicated for individuals who are actively abusing substances or have abused ketamine in the past.

It is essential for your safety that you disclose any personal medical history of these types of concerns so Dr. Robin can determine the best plan for your care and safety.

If you do have a medical history including any of these concerns, it may be necessary for your primary care physician to provide a medical clearance before beginning KAT.

Patients should not take benzodiazepines or any prescribed narcotics on the day of their treatment.

Anti-convulsant medications are a strong contra-indication for Ketmaine Assisted Therapy.

Typically, there is no need to stop any of the medications you are currently taking.

You may be required to take your meds early the day of treatment, or in some instances skip one day. Your medications will be discussed thoroughly during your intake appointment(s)

While referrals are welcomed, you do not need a referral for KAT from your doctor, as Dr. Robin performs all the necessary screening and evaluation throughout the treatment process.

The first step is meeting with Dr. Robin for your medical consultation. During your course of treatment, Dr. Robin will work with you and your other providers (with your signed consent) for ongoing assessment of the appropriateness of KAT for you and your individual situation.

We recommend that our patients continue working with their outpatient providers for medication management and/or psychotherapy. It is essential for your safety that this branch of your care team be kept up to date on additional drugs you start taking (including Ketamine).

Dr. Robin requires the ability to consult with your psychiatrist before initiating treatment. If you do not have a psychiatrist or therapist, you will have the opportunity to discuss and arrange your ongoing care options with Dr. Robin.

Vytality Natural Medicine provides Ketamine Assisted Therapy exclusively.

There are several reasons for this, including the gentleness of Ketamine journeys, the well-established safety profile of Ketamine, the shorter treatment times that are appropriate for KAT, and the lower cost to patients, compared with psilocybin.

Individuals who have significant experience with altered states of consciousness may prefer a different option; however, for most people looking for options to manage or overcome their suffering, KAT is the most appropriate therapy to try first.

In general, patients seeking Ketamine Assisted Therapy should be at least 18 years old. Adolescents from 13-18 may request consideration for treatment, with referrals from their PCP, a therapist and ideally a psychiatrist.

Vytality Natural Medicine is 100% HIPAA-compliant. Doctor-patient confidentiality is of utmost importance in creating and sustaining a safe healing environment for you, and as such, is not only a closely-followed law, but at the core of our values.

If you are interested in discussing whether or not Ketamine Assisted Therapy is right for you, we are more than happy to talk to you. You are encouraged to schedule a free 15 minute conversation with Dr. Robin.