What is Psychedelic Medicine?
Psychedelic medicine refers to the use of certain psychoactive substances, such as ketamine, to promote mental health and healing by altering brain function in ways that support deep therapeutic work.
At Widening Circles, we offer Individual IM Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to help individuals address mental health challenges such as depression, trauma, and anxiety. For those whom it is clinically indicated, we also incorporate KAP into our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). KAP is not a requirement to participate in our Heartwood IOP.
Ketamine works by temporarily quieting the brain’s default mode network, which is responsible for rigid thought patterns and self-limiting beliefs. By doing this, it allows the brain to form new neural connections, promoting healing, emotional processing, and growth in ways that traditional therapies alone may not achieve. This approach is offered if clinically indicated and then personalized, providing a supportive tool to enhance other therapeutic modalities and accelerate progress.
While we currently offer KAP as part of our services, we hope to explore other psychedelic options in the future, such as MDMA, psilocybin, ibogaine, and ayahuasca, as research continues to show promising results for treating various mental health conditions. These substances are still in clinical trials and are not yet FDA-approved for general use.
At Widening Circles, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments to support your healing journey.
Individual IM Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
The inclusion of psychedelic medicine such as ketamine in your treatment plan is determined through comprehensive clinical assessment. Prior to treatment, you will meet with both a medical provider and a KAP-trained psychotherapist to ensure this care is clinically indicated.
What Happens During an Individual IM KAP Session?
During your 2-hr KAP session, one of our medical providers will assess your vitals, confirm dosage, and provide the IM injection. The medical provider is available on-site throughout the session. A psychotherapist is with you during the duration of your experience.
Insurance does not cover the cost of the 2-hour KAP session. Assessments, preparation, and integration sessions can typically be billed through insurance.
Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine has proven to be a powerful tool for:
- Relief from Depression: Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects, often providing relief within hours.
- Reduction in Suicidal Ideation: It has shown significant promise in reducing suicidal thoughts.
- Deepening Therapeutic Work: KAP enhances other forms of therapy, helping patients integrate insights and foster long-lasting change.
By combining ketamine with personalized therapeutic support, we create an environment where patients feel safe, supported, and empowered to process complex emotions and uncover new perspectives.
Our Unique Approach to Ketamine Therapy
At Heartwood, we don’t rely on the medicine alone to do the work. We believe in the synergistic interplay between:
The Medicine
Ketamine stimulates brain growth and flexibility.
The Relationship
Trust and connection with your provider amplify the healing process.
The Setting
Thoughtfully curated playlists, comforting blankets, and a calming environment enhance your experience
Integration
Detailed post-session processing ensures you’re not left alone to decipher your journey.
This holistic approach ensures you receive the full benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy, creating meaningful and lasting outcomes.
What to Expect During a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session
Each KAP session is thoughtfully structured to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Here’s what a typical session looks like:
Pre-Session Preparation:
Meet with your medical provider to discuss dosage and address any concerns.
Set intentions for your session.
Administration:
Ketamine is administered via IM injection by our trained medical staff.
Patients are invited to relax with eyeshades and a curated playlist for 45-60 minutes.
Post-Session Integration:
Journal your thoughts and emotions.
Participate in a group integration session to process your experience and connect with others.
Engage in grounding exercises to help you transition back to your day.
Our compassionate providers are trained to guide you through any challenges, including the emergence of painful memories or trauma. We ensure you have the medical and emotional support you need every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Your Providers
The Four Pillars of the Heartwood IOP
About the Heartwood IOP
Heartwood is a CARF-accredited intensive outpatient mental health program that combines cutting-edge treatments with integrative care. Our mission is to help patients overcome complex mental health challenges through innovative and compassionate approaches.
What sets us apart:
- Innovative Treatment: From ketamine therapy to neuromodulation, we offer state-of-the-art solutions.
- Experienced Teams: Decades of expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy, including MDMA clinical trials.
- Accessible Care: We accept most major insurances to make transformative care available to more people.
At Heartwood, we empower individuals to unlock their potential, embrace healing, and achieve lasting wellness.
