Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine has been safely used in medical practice as an anesthetic since the 1960s. More practitioners have come to accept that ketamine’s treatment applications extend beyond anesthesia. We offer ketamine assisted therapy with mindfulness in Ventura as an adjunct to psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain syndromes.

Evidence Based Treatment

• Emerging research suggests ketamine therapy provides immediate antidepressant effects for treatment resistant depression.

• Ketamine therapy significantly reduces refractory anxiety.

• Ketamine therapy showed fast, safe, effective intervention for chronic PTSD symptoms.

• Mindfulness and meditation offer healing potential in supporting mental health.

• Ketamine therapy is safe under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Once you have decided to pursue ketamine therapy, the first step would be to schedule a phone consultation. This will give us the opportunity to discuss your individual needs.

Expectations

We are often asked “what should I expect during my ketamine therapy.” This question may be difficult to answer since every session is unique to the person and how s/he is feeling on a particular day. Nonetheless here is some general guidance which should be helpful:

1. Each ketamine therapy session begins with 30-45 minutes of mindfulness training with Rebecca. This includes meditation, sound bath, and breathing exercises. A moment of stillness and introspection allows you tune in to your mind and body.

2. We check your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation) before and after receiving ketamine. Likewise we go over your state of mind, any challenges you may be experiencing, and how you hope this therapy might help. Setting a specific intention before every therapy is encouraged.

3. The ketamine is administered by Dr. Dakwar intramuscularly, usually in the shoulder. Each patient is provided an eye cover for the ketamine therapy and we encourage you to keep your eyes closed. Music may be played to facilitate relaxation.

4. Dr. Dakwar will stay in the room with you, encouraging stillness and deep breathing. He provides guidance and reassurance as needed though most patients are silent during the ketamine therapy. It is often described as an ascending or floating experience, removed from time and place.

5. During your ketamine therapy Dr Dakwar will continuously monitor your breathing, intermittently checking in on your level of arousal, and provide guidance as needed.

6. You should expect the experience to last about 60 minutes.

7. Afterwards, you may report feeling an immediate sense of calm and relaxation. Likewise, you may find yourself feeling “realigned” or “shifted”.

8. Expect to spend at least 3 hours in the clinic for each session. Please arrange a ride home afterwards, you will not be able to drive yourself.

Pricing

The cost for a 4 session ketamine cycle is $1,400. A session may last 2-3 hours and includes mindfulness training and integration. This therapy is not covered by insurance though we accept HSA.

Our practice provides compassionate care in an intimate setting. The goal is to effect purposeful change in the lives of our patients. Ketamine therapy is not a magic solution, though it may open the door to possibilities which have eluded you.

We are here to help.