What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is used to treat depression, anxiety and trauma-related responses also called PTSD. In the 1970s, it was discovered that Patients who were administered ketamine as an anesthetic reported psychedelic “tripping experiences” as they came back from anesthesia. It was soon noted that these patients also reported improvement in anxiety and depression*. Thus began the interest and research into ketamine as a treatment for mental health. At that time it was found that the greater the dissociation the patient reported, the greater the improvement in depression. Ketamine has since been found to be an effective treatment for depression and other mental health issues, with a rapid- onset of improvement from start of treatment and an excellent safety profile. We are thrilled to offer Ketamine in Westchester county and bring this transformative therapy to our patients.
What are the benefits of Ketamine Therapy?
- Improvement in anxiety and depression, PTSD, eating disorders, suicidal ideation
- Connection to mind and body
- Connection to universality, a chance to explore ones spirituality
- Get to know your own subconscious mind and what stops you from living in alignment as your true authentic self
Who is Ketamine Assisted Therapy good for?
Anyone who carries emotional weight. At Blum Center, we believe that when the emotional body and the physical body are not in alignment, dis-ease develops: autoimmunity, gut issues, chronic pain, headaches, tension, etc This does not mean at all that symptoms are in your head, but that an overactive sympathetic nervous system and being stuck in a constant fight or flight or freeze response can literally change your physiology.
Ketamine can help strengthen your vagus nerve, the parasympathetic, rest and digest, part of your nervous system. As you emerge from the fight, flight, and freeze, we expect to see your digestion improve, your immune function improve, pain levels decrease. What the literature shows, and what Dr. Danielle Greenman’s experience in this field confirms, is an improvement in anxiety and depression and pain.
What to expect before ketamine treatments?
Prior to your first session, you will have a medical screening and intake with Dr. Greenman. She will review your full medical and psychological history to help assess if you are an appropriate candidate medically. She will then help you weave together your story and help set an intention on your healing journey. This session usually lasts about an hour and is not always on the same day as your first Ketamine session. These initial sessions are a chance for you to gain clarity of your health and life narrative.
What to expect during a ketamine treatment?
You will come into Blum Center and Dr. Greenman and Crystal Persky, our infusion nurse, will greet you and set up your room. You will be seated in a reclining chair and given an eye mask and a set playlist to journey with. Most patients experience a calm, relaxing 60-90 minutes before the infusion is complete.
Is there support given post-treatment?
We have several options for support:
- We have a list of therapists* with whom we work closely.
- Dr. Greenman, who is trained in Psychedelic Assisted psychotherapy, can work with you on integrating your experiences during the journey, and what it means for you as you leave our doors and return to your daily routine.
- Our Health Coach Melissa, who also has a background in psychology, can also sit with you for reintegration.
How often is Ketamine Therapy recommended?
1-2 sessions per week for 3-6 weeks followed by “booster sessions” as needed which varies greatly per patient.
Why should you try Ketamine Therapy at Blum Center for Health?
At Blum Center, we understand that all things are connected. Our mind, our body, and our spirit.
Is there anyone this treatment isn’t good for?
- Patients with history of active substance use
- Uncontrolled heart disease or blood pressure
- Hypomania or history of psychosis
- Untreated thyroid disease