Robust Safety Measures
for Ketamine Assisted Therapy in NJ
Our extensive safety measures ensure that clients feel safe and comfortable receiving ketamine therapy from the comfort of their home.
With the support and oversight of board certified providers at Journey Clinical, you’ll be provided with the guidance and education about your prescription. Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team takes on patient eligibility and health screenings. Mind by Design’s therapist provide 1:1 consultation, therapy sessions, psychedelic integration sessions and processing sessions.
Ketamine Safety At Mind by Design NJ
Ketamine holds great promise as a potential treatment option for various ailments. However, it is important to recognize that at-home ketamine is not for everyone, and that ketamine treatments must be closely considered by the individual, primary care physician and treating providers. It is also important to note that ketamine is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, and, furthermore, medical conditions should be treated under the guidance of a medical professional. We at Mind by Design Counseling are not medical doctor’s and do not treat or oversee medical conditions or pain management treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and clients should consult with their physician regarding their treatment options.
Ketamine Safety Measures for Medical Clearance
To adhere to safety measures, positive outcomes and wellbeing, all clients will receive a live health screening with a Journey Clinical provider to ensure that ketamine therapy can be safely introduced prior to beginning treatment. The medical decision to provide the patient a prescription of ketamine relies solely on the prescriber after a full medical consultation.
Training Our Therapists in Ketamine Safety Measures
Ketamine Therapists are formally trained to understand the biological and psychological influence that Ketamine may have on a client. Training institutions must be reliable, credible and evidenced based to ensure that ketamine therapists are proving safe and effective services. Our Training is provided by the team at Fluence.
Fluence is a highly recognized training provider in the field of psychedelic therapy and biotech and life sciences. Fluence has established partnerships with internationally renowned organizations in psychedelic therapy, such as Maps, Journey Clinical, and more.
Ketamine Therapy Safety Measures to Mitigate Addiction & Abuse
A common misconception about Ketamine in medical and mental health settings is risk for addiction and abuse. However, it’s crucial to note that ketamine used for mental health treatment is prescribed by a medical provider and is overseen by both a medical and mental health provider. The risk of addiction or abuse is low when used as prescribed & under the supervision of medical professionals. These professionals closely monitor cients to ensure safe usage and minimize any potential risks.
Safety Measures in Dosing Protocol for Oral Ketamine
While IV administration of ketamine can feel abrupt, Journey Clinical prescribers provide lozenges that are dissolvable, allowing for a gentle onset of effects.
Understanding Potential Side Effects Of Ketamine Therapy
While there can be some side effects, they are generally mild and short-lived. These may include dizziness, nausea, or changes in perception during the administration of ketamine. However, serious adverse effects are rare when ketamine is administered by trained professionals who follow established safety protocols. Patient evaluation before treatment helps identify any contraindications or potential risks, further ensuring the safety of individuals undergoing ketamine therapy.
Common Effects of Oral Ketamine
The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience.
Once these effects subside, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happens during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are clear.
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Our Areas of Speciality
Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety therapy is one of the most common reasons individuals come to therapy, and our expert therapists are ready to help you overcome anxiety and reclaim your life.
Therapy for OCD
Online therapy for OCD gives clients the skills to break from the patterns of OCD, employing proven strategies to overcome OCD & reclaim the joy of life.
Therapy for Depression
Getting therapy for depression may feel overwhelming, but our depression therapists are compassionate and effective in treatment for depression in New Jersey.
Therapy for Stress
Therapy for stress management will help you adapt how you respond to life’s challenges, allowing you to live with more peace, focus, and joy.
Therapy for Phobias
Online therapy for phobias helps clients manage and overcome fear and panic. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to reclaim your life.
Therapy for Trauma
Trauma Counseling serves as a valuable tool for individuals struggling with symptoms related to PTSD & stress.
Therapy for Grief
Online grief counseling offers a space to understand and process your feelings, ensuring that whatever the source of your grief, you’re not navigating this journey alone.
Therapy for Teens
Online therapy for teens includes options for creative art therapies, VR therapy as well as traditional talk therapy for teens.
Our Therapy Approaches
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Therapy has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual Reality Therapy helps clients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
Expressive Art Therapy
Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is present-focused, making it especially effective for those seeking tangible results.
Emotion-Focused Therapy
In EFT sessions, the therapist and client work together & the therapist assists clients in deciphering their emotions rather than imposing interpretations.
Exposure Therapy
Through exposure therapy, our therapists will introduce you to the very things that trigger your fear.
Safety Measures for the Use of Ketamine in Mental Health
Ketamine is a legal and effective treatment option that works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood.
Effects such as mood-enhancement can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment. Therapy assisted with Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity used to support used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.
Though ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, and nasal spray, Journey Clinical and Mind by Design offer sublingual lozenges.
Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effects of ketamine on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). One notable advantage of ketamine treatment is its ability to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks or even months to take effect, ketamine has shown to produce noticeable improvements within hours or days after administration.
KETAMINE FOR PTSD & TRAUMA
One of the most significant advantages of KAP is its potential to provide rapid relief from PTSD symptoms. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which may take weeks to show effects, ketamine’s benefits can be observed after just a few sessions.
Ketamine can make therapy more effective by breaking down emotional barriers and enabling individuals to access and process traumatic memories that may have been inaccessible or too distressing before. Studies have shown that ketamine may have a remarkable impact on reducing suicidal ideation in individuals with severe depression or PTSD.
KETAMINE FOR OCD, Anxiety & PHOBIAS
One study investigated the effects of single and double doses of intravenous ketamine on patients with bipolar I and II disorders. The research found significant differences over time in depression and anxiety symptoms in both the single- and double-dose ketamine groups, without significant side effects during the study [1]. However, it is crucial to approach this treatment with caution, as the psychotomimetic effects of ketamine can be complex and may vary among individuals.
KETAMINE FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER & Mood Disorders
Recent research published in 2023 explores pharmacological treatments that could facilitate the extinction of fear-related disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Their study highlights ketamine among other substances as a promising psychopharmacological treatment to aid in the extinction process, which is crucial for recovery in OCD[2] .This research underscores the potential of ketamine in the treatment of OCD, particularly in cases where traditional therapies may not be effective.
Meet your Ketamine Therapist
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
Ketamine Therapist & Owner of Mind by Design Counseling
Rebecca is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that allows for clients to feel comfortable and confident in their treatment decisions. Creativity, authenticity and innovation have led Rebecca & the team at Mind by Design Counseling to participate in extensive training in Ketamine Assisted Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy and treatment for Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Trauma and Depression.
Frequently asked questions
about Ketamine Therapy
Could anyone benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP has shown promise for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and certain anxiety disorders. However, its efficacy can vary from person to person.
What does Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy help treat?
Ketamine has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias and OCD. As Ketamine therapy providers, we offer this service to help clients break cycles of thinking traps that lead to compulsive behaviors.
Is Oral Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy similar to IV Ketamine?
KAP is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy. Our Process of providing ketamine assisted psychotherapy is different from ketamine infusions, which are typically administered without the accompanying psychotherapy. Our partnership with Journey Clinical provides patients with lozenges for self-administering their Ketamine dose prescribed by the Journey Clinical provider.
How does ketamine work in the brain?
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in the release of certain neurotransmitters. This can result in rapid antidepressant effects.
Is ketamine addictive?
While ketamine has the potential for misuse, when used in a controlled medical setting for therapeutic purposes, the risk of addiction is considered low according to medical researchers.
How many ketamine treatment sessions do clients need for KAP?
The number of sessions can vary based on individual needs and the specific protocol followed by the provider. You will see in “Our Process” above that generally 2-3 sessions are held prior to a dosing session, and then integration sessions are held after a dosing session. Depending on your treatment plan, there may be more or less number of sessions.
Do I need to take off work for KAP treatment? And if so, how long should I plan for?
It’s recommended to take some time off work after a KAP session to process the experience and ensure safety, especially if any side effects are experienced. Clients are provided with safety measures and consents which stipulate that clients should not drive after a dosing session and should have a trusted person with them to drive if needed.
What medical conditions might disqualify someone from KAP?
Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or a history of psychosis, might be contraindications for KAP. See Our “Safety Measures” page for more information about the precautions that the medical team adheres to, along with other safety measure sin place.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
At Mind by Design, we do not require pre-approval to begin the process. We do require a medical clearance through our partnership with Journey Clinical Medical Staff to participate in a ketamine dosing session.
How often would KAP be needed?
The frequency of KAP sessions would depend on the individual’s response to treatment and the medical provider’s recommendations.
How does ketamine compare to other psychedelic medicines?
Ketamine is unique in its rapid antidepressant effects and mechanism of action. Other psychedelics, like psilocybin, have different mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.
What We Treat
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
OCD & Anxiety
Ketamine Therapist
VR Therapist
Caroline Goodhines
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Molly Weaver
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Denise Spivey
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