Ketamine is a longstanding sedative and general anesthetic that has been used for decades in hospital settings. However, its newer purpose as an infusion offers positive results for many individuals with chronic symptoms. Ketamine has an extremely high safety profile as an FDA-approved anesthetic agent. Slow intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy is an exciting intervention that has gained recent attention for its rapid-onset antidepressant effects and it is being touted as one of the biggest breakthroughs in mental health disorders in recent years. One feature of ketamine that was recently published is Ketamine’s neuroplasticity effect. Neuroplasticity is the increased growth of neurons in the brain. It’s like building more interstate roads, increasing the brains connectivity. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate can travel down these new roads allowing one neuron to communicate to the next. In theory when when someone is having a Ketamine infusion the volume of glutatmate increases, accounting for the brain’s excitatory state. This is when the “journey’ begins. Ketamine blocks the release of another neurotransmitter, NMDA. Without NMDA, glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter, volume is more robust.

A behavioral health professional is a vital component of the Comprehensive Wheel. They may be a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or a psychiatrist. M&BWC HIGHLY recommends establishing intentions with a behavior health professional. They understand the importance of the work before and after Ketamine treatment to maximize and sustain the gained benefits. It is our intention to collaborate with our clients behavioral health professionals to continue the continuity of care. If you do not have a professional to reflect with, we can refer you to one we have networked with.

Set and setting at M&BWC. Guides are present with the patient start to finish. Having a guide during each session allows the patient to relax and give in to the process. The journey guide holds space and walks side-by-side with the client providing that extra human touch of comfort and compassion.