Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, particularly those who have not found relief with traditional therapies.

his article explores the science behind ketamine therapy, its effectiveness for treatment-resistant conditions, and what patients can expect during their Odyssey treatment at EntheoMed. We’ll also share a patient success story to illustrate the profound impact this therapy can have.

Introduction to Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine was originally developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures. It gained widespread use due to its ability to induce a trance-like state of sedation, provide pain relief, and maintain normal respiratory function, which made it safer than many other anesthetics. However, over the past two decades, researchers have discovered that ketamine also has remarkable effects on mood disorders, particularly in treating depression.

Why Ketamine is a Revolutionary Option for Depression

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily target neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation, cognition, and neuroplasticity. By acting on NMDA receptors, ketamine helps restore synaptic connections in the brain, leading to rapid and significant improvements in mood and emotional well-being.

Rapid Relief from Symptoms: One of the most significant advantages of ketamine therapy is its ability to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms. While conventional antidepressants often require several weeks to take full effect, ketamine can start alleviating symptoms within hours. This fast action is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from severe depression, suicidal ideation, or those who have not responded to other treatments.

Treatment-Resistant Depression: Ketamine has proven especially effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression—those who have not experienced sufficient relief from multiple traditional antidepressant medications. For these patients, ketamine offers a new hope, providing a novel mechanism of action that targets pathways not addressed by standard treatments.

A Paradigm Shift in Mental Health Care: Ketamine therapy represents a paradigm shift in mental health care, challenging the long-standing notion that depression treatments must take weeks to work. Its rapid action and effectiveness in difficult-to-treat cases make it a revolutionary option for patients and practitioners alike.

Administered Safely in a Medical Setting: At EntheoMed, ketamine therapy is administered in a controlled medical setting, ensuring patient safety and comfort. The process involves careful monitoring by medical professionals, who tailor the treatment to each patient’s specific needs, maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

By leveraging ketamine’s unique properties, EntheoMed offers patients an innovative solution to their mental health challenges, providing hope and healing for those who have struggled to find relief with traditional approaches.

What to Expect from Ketamine Treatment at EntheoMed

Patients considering ketamine therapy at EntheoMed can expect a comprehensive and supportive treatment experience through our innovative Odyssey program. This program is designed to guide patients through each step of their healing journey, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the process. Our team is dedicated to providing a holistic approach that addresses both the mind and body, facilitating profound mental health improvements.

Introduction to Odyssey Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Kelowna

The Odyssey program at EntheoMed Kelowna is a structured therapeutic framework combining ketamine treatment with integrative psychological support. This holistic approach ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs, promoting deep and lasting healing.

The 4 Steps of your Odyssey

1. Discovery

After a referral, meet your care team who ensure that a Therapeutic Ketamine Experience is safe and suited for you.

• Book a free 15 minute discovery call: Sign up to receive information about Odyssey and book your free 15 minute consult. On this call, you’ll chat with our care team through any initial questions you may have.
• Intake: Once we receive a referral, we begin with a thorough medical and psychological assessment to determine if ketamine therapy is the right fit for you. This is for your safety – ketamine-assisted therapy isn’t for everyone, and we want to make sure you are a suitable candidate.

2. Orientation

• Odyssey Online: You’ll receive lifetime access to Odyssey Online – a resource portal filled with education on how ketamine will help create new neural connections (for healthier thought and behaviour patterns), how to prepare for and integrate your therapeutic ketamine experience, and guidance on restorative lifestyle practices like breathwork and meditation that will keep you in a healing state of mind.
• Preparation Sessions: Before your ketamine treatment begins, you’ll participate in preparation counselling session designed to help you set intentions and understand what to expect during the experience. This includes educational resources and guidance from our experienced staff. You’ll use your guidebook to journal and set intentions for your experience.

3. Experience

• Pre-Experience Guidance: Before your experience, you will receive a handy guide for the week leading up to your treatment. We do this to help you have the best experience possible!
• Comfortable Setting: Our modern clinic provides a serene environment with luxurious recliner chairs, cozy blankets, and restorative beverages to enhance the experience. These touches ensure you feel relaxed and supported throughout your treatment.
• Intramuscular ketamine: During the ketamine treatment, your care team closely monitor you to ensure safety and efficacy. The IM ketamine is administered in a controlled, comfortable setting, allowing you to explore new insights and perspectives in a safe environment. Because it is not delivered with an IV drip, you are less restricted and have less to worry about – focusing more deeply on your insights.

4. Integration

• Immediate Recovery: Most patients experience a quick recovery with minimal side effects, allowing them to return to daily activities soon after treatment. However, we strongly suggest taking the entire day of the treatment to yourself so you may rest and integrate your experiences.
• Integration Session: Post-treatment, you’ll take part in integration counselling to help you mine the insights gained from your experience and apply them to your daily life.

Patient Stories and Outcomes

At EntheoMed, we have witnessed many patients transform their lives through ketamine therapy. One such patient, Daneka McFetridge, shared her experience:

“The Odyssey program was an incredibly profound and inspiring experience. The team at EntheoMed helped facilitate the exact shift I had been seeking but felt I was unable to achieve on my own. The team made me feel comfortable and supported, and I felt at ease with their level of professionalism and expertise. The clinic was modern, clean, and cozy. They really thought of all the little experience-enhancing touches such as luxurious recliner chairs, cozy blankets, electrolyte replenishing beverages and snacks, and even Red Light Therapy in the integration room. I would recommend this to anyone looking to spark change and healing in their life.”

Ketamine therapy is revolutionizing mental health care by offering rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

At EntheoMed, we are committed to providing this innovative therapy in a supportive and compassionate environment. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, consider exploring ketamine therapy as a viable option.

Request more information to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your mental health.