National Trailblazers in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Wholeness Center was one of the first clinics in the country to offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and the use of multiple methods of administration. We are the only facility in the region to offer the combination of psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapists trained in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy. Wholeness Center is the only program in the state of Colorado that employs all four modalities of ketamine use: IV, IM, SQ and oral. We rarely use the nasal inhaler method because of unpredictable response and excessive cost. We do not believe in the infusion-only model of care found at most ketamine treatment facilities: where a provider delivers an infusion in a clinical room with little preparation, oversight, or integration to ensure a positive and effective treatment. Over time, our providers have found that the benefits of the infusion-only method are short-lived. We have found that integrating the powerful insights from the ketamine experience with talk therapy are necessary to make lasting behavior and personal changes.
Ketamine- Assisted Therapy at Wholeness is Different
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy at Wholeness offers a unique approach Wholeness Center stands apart as the sole program in Colorado that embraces all four modes of ketamine administration: IV, IM, SQ, and oral. Our philosophy diverges from the common infusion-only model often found at ketamine treatment facilities, which lacks comprehensive preparation, oversight, or integration for a truly effective and positive experience. Every ketamine-assisted therapy session at Wholeness encompasses a holistic range of combined services aimed at fostering symptom remission. These services are provided at no additional cost when you are an active patient receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Two hour individual session with a ketamine-assisted trained psychotherapist
- One personalized one-on-one sessions with our health coach, focusing on nutritional guidance, sleep hygiene, movement, and other essential lifestyle support. Enjoy one session for every three ketamine treatments.
- Engage in two monthly classes that center around healthy routines, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and additional coping strategies. These courses are designed to reinforce your knowledge and action, fostering the maintenance and enhancement of your mental well-being.
- Timely check-in calls following treatment sessions to ensure ongoing support and progress tracking.
Studies document that even treatment resistant depression with many failed courses of therapy and medications responds to ketamine, often very quickly. We think of it as a way to catalyze the benefits of psychotherapy by reducing our defensiveness and sensitivity while enhancing our ability to see our life in a new perspective. As evidence of this, multiple studies now document that ketamine typically eliminates suicidal ideation within hours.
Ketamine Can be Administered in the Following Ways
Sublingual (Oral Solution)
This method involves holding a ketamine solution in your mouth for 10 to 12 minutes while it is absorbed. Is similar to the lozenge method, but you do not need to wait for the lozenge to dissolve. Forewarning: this solution tastes like medicine, but it can be improved with a small amount of juice. The oral method comes on the slowest and can linger on for a few hours after the session. It is the gentlest form and can be dosed quite low to help with adjustment to this new form of psychotherapy. The oral method has the highest risk of nausea, but this can be reduced by spitting out the solution after the absorption period.
Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections (IM/SQ)
Intramuscular (IM) injections may be the most common form that we employ at Wholeness. This route uses an injection into the deltoid muscle of the arm. It is fast and intense with a powerful peak that occurs quickly. It is effective for breaking up old patterns of thought and experiencing full dissociation that pulls us out of our routine frame of mind and perspective. IM tends to have a clean finish with less side effects than any other method. Because this method is the most intense, we often will start with oral or SQ as the onset is more predictable.
Subcutaneous (SQ) is a newer method that we have imported from Australia, where it is more commonly used. SQ injections are delivered under the skin of the arm, where they are absorbed more slowly than the IM method and offer a gentler and more sustained experience that can allow more time to process and explore in the altered ketamine state. It tends to have less side effects than the oral method and the onset can be more predictable.
Intravenous Line (IV)
Intravenous (IV) is the best established and most expensive route of administration. It requires an IV placed in the arm and close medical monitoring in a special treatment room. We have the ability to turn off the administration if blood pressure increases too much or other side effects become a problem. We can also speed or slow the drip rate to accommodate personal preference or specific concerns. This method potentially delivers the highest dose of ketamine into the brain over the 40-minute administration. We generally recommend the IV route to the most severely depressed and suicidal patients.
Every single Individual KAT appointment is followed by an Integration Session, typically scheduled the next day, which is unique to the Wholeness Method. In the Integration Session, you will discuss the Ketamine journey with your therapist in order to better understand and process the experience. It is a crucial part of the overall treatment and will help you process and integrate the insights, emotions, and experiences that arose during the journey into your daily life.
Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Wholeness Center also leads Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy programs. These groups can range from three to six weeks. Each program includes up to three ketamine sessions, integration and prepration work.
Group KAT provides the following benefits:
- Peer support and connection
- Diverse perspectives that can help you process and reframe your individual issues
- Lower cost
- Build stronger relationship and communication skills
Upcoming Group Therapy Programs: see calendar
Dyadic Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Dyadic ketamine-assisted therapy is a new approach to healing and deepening the relationship between two people. Whether it is a romantic partner, a parent, or a best friend, in this treatment two people embark on a journey together integrating ketamine and therapy to transform old patterns, reduce defensiveness, increase openness, improve communication, and cultivate deeper connection and understanding.