Ketamine with Psychotherapy

How it works:

1. Make sure you have a therapist that is on-board with doing Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) with you (they don’t have to be “certified”). If you would like to work with our Director of KAT, Ms. Santomarco (bio below), please let us know.
2. Complete the onboarding form submission here.
3. We will contact you to set up a video consultation with Dr. David Mahjoubi.
4. The pharmacy will contact you to set up delivery of your oral or nasal spray Ketamine.
5. Schedule your KAT session with the therapist. You will get enough ketamine for 3-4 psychotherapy sessions. This process may be repeated after you have finished your Ketamine allowance.

Ketamine has shown remarkable promise in alleviating conditions like depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and PTSD. Additionally, it has been shown that working in conjunction with a psychotherapist can often yield enhanced and long lasting results. Its proven safety over decades of use makes it ideal for office and at-home use. The unique experience that ketamine facilitates with its biological, experiential, and psychological impacts has been tailored to optimize office-based treatment evolving into a method that we call Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Contact our office today to schedule a KAP appointment with us.

This clinic was one of the first to explore KAP, which has proven beneficial for over 80% of patients. Our director of KAP, Tracy Santomarco, is available for ketamine assisted therapy and can be reached at [email protected], or 424-781-7041. Alternatively, you may use your own therapist either via zoom while you are getting an infusion, or your therapist may join you in person at our clinic.

If you are a patient and would like to have ketamine assisted therapy sessions from your own home, or your therapists office, please complete the following form: Patient Questionnaire – KAT

Some more info about Ms. Santomarco:

LMFT #118841

Preparation for the Infusion: I collaborate closely with patients before their Ketamine infusion via online sessions, to explore goals and establish intentions for treatment. We will also utilize somatic therapies to prepare and increase mind/ body connection for the ketamine experience. Ideally, it is best to meet for a few sessions prior to the infusion in order to fully explore goals, however, we can optimize the time the patient is able to set aside for this treatment.

Integration of Insights: After the infusion, I assist patients in making sense of the insights gained and work with them on how they will integrate these experiences into their lives, fostering lasting positive change and personal growth.I understand that each individual’s journey is unique. My approach is tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration and healing, guiding patients on their path to wellness.

If you are a Psychotherapist looking to incorporate oral ketamine tablets into your therapy sessions, wether via zoom or in person at your clinic, please visit Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Patient Instructions During Ketamine Assisted Therapy

• Please do not eat or drink two hours before starting your therapy session with Ketamine. If you get nauseated from Ketamine, let us know and we can send a prescription for zofran to your local pharmacy.
• When using Ketamine during your therapy session, read the prescription slip beforehand for instructions on how to incorporate it with your therapist.
• Understand your “Ketamine tolerance.” Everyone is different. If you feel too dizzy to engage in therapy, use less. If you feel you haven’t gotten “deep” enough, use slightly more per the prescription instructions.
• If you have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, aka Hypertension, use a blood pressure cuff while using Ketamine to monitor your blood pressure. You want the systolic (upper number) below 155 and the diastolic (lower number) below 95. Any blood pressure readings above these values necessitates discontinuation of ketamine and reporting to the Ketaming Healing Clinic.
• If you have a history of a heart attack or stroke, or sleep apnea using a CPAP machine, have someone with you while using Ketamine.
• If you snore at night, or have a diagnosis of sleep apnea, do not use Ketamine to the point of dizziness or “blacking out.”
• Refrain from using THC or Marijuana 72 hours before a Ketamine assisted therapy session.
• Refrain from using alcohol 24 hrs before a Ketamine assisted therapy session.
• If your session is in the morning, refrain from using Lamictal, Gabapentin, Geodone, Trentilix, and benzodiazepines before your session, as these substances can dampen the dissociative effect of Ketamine.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in exercise or physical activity within 6 hours of using oral or nasal ketamine.
• Take all blood pressure and heart medications as prescribed. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, do not use ketamine and let us know.
• Refrain from using any opiates within 12 hours of using Ketamine. These include but are not limited to oxycodone, suboxone, methadone, and fentanyl.