Ketamine Therapy - Whole Systems Healthcare Seattle Clinic

Ketamine Therapy at Whole Systems Healthcare

Welcome to Whole Systems Healthcare’s ketamine treatment page. We are excited to offer ketamine therapy with a novel approach, integrating ketamine with other holistic therapies to maximize its potential. Ketamine has already shown promise in treating a number of psychoemotional conditions, including depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, addiction (opiates, alcohol, cocaine), obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and personality disorder. We believe in utilizing ketamine as part of a holistic, patient-centered approach; by combining ketamine with modalities such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition, and more, its consciousness expanding properties can be maximized to bring you truly transformational healing experiences.

About Ketamine

Ketamine is a powerful medication that was originally developed for use as an anesthetic. It has been gaining popularity recently due to its strong analgesic properties and its ability to treat certain psychiatric conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Classified as a dissociative anesthetic, the experience of ketamine is impossible to describe with words, but can be approximated as trance-like, even transcendent, with a gentle detachment from the immediate surroundings. Ketamine can have a potent synergy with therapy, fostering a supportive setting for individuals to navigate the recesses of their consciousness. The altered states induced by ketamine can potentially facilitate introspection, emotional processing, and the exploration of difficult memories.

Benefits of Ketamine

Increases neuro-plasticity: the ability of the nervous system to change and adapt
Few drug-drug interactions
Anti-inflammatory effects
Improved sleep patterns
Reduction in chronic pain
Enhanced cognitive function

Risks of Ketamine

Can temporarily increase blood pressure
Can lead to dysphoria, agitation, and drowsiness
Can lead to addiction when used in recreational settings
Can lead to feeling worse before feeling better

The risks of ketamine usually occur when it is taken at high doses over a long period of time. So far, there have been a few studies that have shown high doses over 1.5 years have not been associated with adverse effects. If you currently have high blood pressure, it is best to talk to your prescribing provider before initiating ketamine therapy.

Given the detachment that occurs while on ketamine, it is often prescribed in conjunction with therapy as a way of promoting conversation about topics/emotions that would otherwise be hard to access or too painful to engage with effectively.

Ketamine Administration

We offer ketamine therapy in several different ways:

We offer lozenge prescriptions for ketamine therapy sessions at the clinic, facilitated by one of our providers.

You will work with your provider to determine the dosage, length, and intensity of your session. Your provider will also work with you before each session to ensure you are prepared to gain the most benefit, and afterwards to integrate the experience. Depending on which provider you’re working with you will also have opportunities to combine ketamine with other modalities such as acupuncture and massage.

Patients with a referral from their therapist may also receive a lozenge prescription for Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) at their therapist’s office.

Steps for Scheduling

If you DO have a referral from your therapist for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and you will be undergoing KAP at their therapist’s office, please schedule a Telehealth Screening for KAP with Dr. Jonathan.

If you do NOT have a therapist with whom you will be doing ketamine therapy:

Step 1: Chose a provider who will facilitate your sessions.

Josie Boyden, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Dr. Dana Lockhart, Ketamine-Assisted Acupuncture
Shane Hubbard, Ketamine Massage

Step 2: Schedule an initial appointment with your chosen provider.

Step 3: Schedule a Telehealth Screening for KAP with Dr. Jonathan to receive your prescription.

Step 4: Speak with your provider to schedule your first ketamine therapy session.

About Whole Systems Healthcare

WSHC Seattle Clinic is part of the larger Whole Systems Healthcare organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality holistic health resources.

From common conditions to chronic disease and mental health—we can help when you are sick and offer expert guidance on disease prevention, health restoration, and wellness promotion.

We take the time to listen to you, respect your opinion, and care for you as a whole person through a truly holistic approach.

Ketamine Therapy ​at Whole Systems Healthcare