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The Ketamine Experience: What Does Ketamine Feel Like?

It is normal and expected to have some apprehension when starting something new and life changing. Some of the most common things people report during a ketamine experience is the pleasant sensation of being in water, floating, or soaring in the air.

Reopening Critical Periods: The Mechanism Behind Ketamine’s Healing Potential

NEW RESEARCH: Discover the mechanism by which ketamine may unlock critical periods in the brain, offering a unique opportunity for healing, learning, and transformation.

Dr. Justin Chernow: The Newest Member of the Innerbloom Team

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Innerbloom Team, Dr. Justin Chernow. Justin will be lending his expertise to support patients throughout the integration and aftercare phases of their treatment at Innerbloom.

Q&A Session with Dr. John Krystal: The Latest Insights on Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health

Dive into the latest insights on ketamine therapy, its applications, and best practices with expert Dr. John Krystal, and stay updated on groundbreaking research and patient experiences.

Our Top 4 Supplements to Support Mental Health and Complement Ketamine Therapy

Discover our top four supplements that complement ketamine therapy, potentially enhancing cognition, mood, pain, and sleep.

California Senate Passes Bill Decriminalizing Psychedelics: A New Era for Mental Health Treatment

Explore the groundbreaking California Senate Bill 58, decriminalizing psychedelics and revolutionizing mental health treatment. Learn about the potential benefits, risks, and the path to personal freedom and safer regulation.

Stress Management Techniques for Longevity and Better Health

Discover the powerful secrets to a longer, healthier life through expert stress management techniques. Explore practical practices to reduce stress, boost well-being, and enhance your longevity.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Beacon of Hope for Workers Battling COVID-19-Related Burnout, PTSD, and More

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for workers with COVID-19-related burnout and PTSD. Discover how this innovative approach, rooted in a holistic community model, offers hope and healing not only to frontline professionals but also to a broader audience struggling with the mental health aftermath of the pandemic.

How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Last? Extending The Duration Through Adaptive Behaviors (Part 2)

Extending the effects of ketamine through adaptive behaviors. Learn how active engagement and specific actions post-therapy can sustain long-term well-being and lasting relief.

Advice From a Patient of Ours Who Found Relief After 35 Years of Debilitating Nightmares

We recently invited news reporter Jacob Dizon into Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy to report on how we use IV ketamine to treat mental health in downtown SLO.

Can Ketamine Infusion Therapy Help Treat Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is common and can be debilitating to mothers, infants, and families. We recommend initial means of therapy be non-pharmacologic, although when symptoms are severe or medical therapy become necessary, ketamine infusion therapy may be the safest and best option for postpartum depression.

A Comprehensive Guide for Your Experience at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy

Discover a comprehensive guide to your ketamine therapy experience at Innerbloom. Prepare yourself with essential information for a life-changing journey towards mental wellness.

Profound Insights from the Ocean and Surfing as They Relate to Ketamine Therapy

Discover the intriguing connection between surfing, the ocean's therapeutic teachings, and psychedelic and ketamine therapy. Explore how specific phenomena in surfing provide valuable insights that can be applied to individuals preparing for or undergoing ketamine therapy.

Healing Beyond Borders: An Unforgettable Mission with the Flying Samaritans

Dr. Rivas shares his experience once again with the Flying Samaritans, a dedicated group providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities in Mexico. Despite challenges and limited resources, the team worked tirelessly to perform twenty surgeries. The team encountered setbacks but overcame them with local assistance and other volunteers.

Key Takeaways from the Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference in Denver

Last week over 13,000 people converged in Denver for the fourth Psychedelic Science conference hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies or MAPS. Since our mission at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy is to help people in our community live healthier, more fulfilling lives, we felt it was our duty to attend this milestone gathering in Denver. Our goal was to learn as much as we could and return with the latest insights to improve our patient outcomes.

Preview of the 2023 Psychedelic Science Conference

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is hosting the fourth annual Psychedelic Science Conference next week (June 17-25) in Denver, Colorado. We are excited to attend and gather knowledge as it relates to ketamine therapy and other modalities, and explore new tools and practices to bring back to Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo, CA.

My Response to the 'Trial of Ketamine Masked by Surgical Anesthesia in Depressed Patients'

Only with careful review of the research behind the sensational headlines and misleading articles will we be able to truly advance the science of treating the challenging symptoms of depression.

How My Experience in the Operating Room Can Help My Innerbloom Ketamine Patients

Powerful lessons from my days in the operating room that apply to anyone considering or undergoing ketamine therapy or ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP).

7 Essential Tips for Successful IV Insertion

Here I include my tips that I have acquired for placing difficult IV's. This can be helpful if you are a medical provider who's looking for new methods to incorporate as part of your practice.

To My LMFT Colleagues: Why Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy or KAP Deserves a Second (Or First) Look

Ketamine is not a cure-all. It may, however, help some people get unstuck or accelerate their healing journey. And yes, like most of pharmacology, there are some risks associated with ketamine. Read to learn why now may be the time to look into Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy or KAP for your patients.

Ketamine For The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is common, affecting 2-3% of people worldwide and is associated with a high risk of suicidality. I have reviewed bipolar disease and have hopefully shown that ketamine therapy is a rapid, safe, and effective option for treatment.

3 Overly Optimistic Misconceptions About Ketamine and Ketamine Therapy

Three overly optimistic misconceptions about ketamine therapy. My hope is to reduce misunderstanding about this powerful medicine.

5 Common (Negative) Misconceptions About Ketamine

Let's discuss five common NEGATIVE misconceptions about ketamine therapy. #1 Ketamine is illegal, #2 Ketamine is not FDA approved and is used "off label", #3 Ketamine is a horse tranquilizer, #4 Ketamine is basically PCP, #5 Ketamine is a party drug and dangerous.

Ketamine For The Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disabling disorder affecting approximately 2%-3% individuals worldwide with features that include recurrent, distressing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Ketamine has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of OCD and should be considered as an option when first-line therapy fails.

Sound Bath and Somatic Healing Event May 10th

Join us for a special evening on May 10th at 6PM. Seshen is back for another sound bath and somatic healing event at IKT.

The Ketamine Paradigm Shift for Self Awareness and Positive Change

Ketamine can be used to help deepen the understanding we have with our own consciousness and how its affect on the brain promotes structural changes which creates the optimal time to support self discovery, getting unstuck, and creating a new path for the next version of yourself.

What Do You Notice After An Infusion?

Cindy Nelson, ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, has started a handout and list of some things patients notice after an infusion. She's excited to share some powerful insights that are gained after an Innerbloom experience.

The Dopamine Overdose: The Importance of Managing Your Screentime

There is a definite link between our smartphones and mental health. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries with our smartphones, methods I like using, and how doing so can improve our state of mind and overall wellbeing.

Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy Now Offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Psychotherapy in conjunction with IV ketamine therapy, termed Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), may increase your likelihood of achieving therapeutic benefits and long lasting positive changes.

Is There a Role for Adding Magnesium to IV Ketamine Infusions for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety?

With a vast majority of people being deficient in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and magnesium, we offer the addition of magnesium sulfate to IV ketamine infusions for individuals who lack sufficient positive effects from ketamine alone.

3 Mindfulness Tips That Can Drastically Improve Your Mental Health

These powerful mental health tools can help to provide clarity, self awareness, and decreased stress. These strategies help to gain your personal power back, one decision at a time.

Nasal Ketamine (Esketamine) versus IV Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

IV ketamine is safer and more effective than nasal ketamine for the treatment of depression and treatment-resistant depression.

Ketamine as a Treatment Option for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

IV ketamine has repeatably proven to be a highly effective treatment option for various mental disorders and once again is showing promise for pain syndromes which include CRPS.

Ketamine: A New Medicine Which May Provide Migraine Symptom Relief

1 in 7 suffer from migraines which are the second leading cause of disability. While more research must be done, IV ketamine is a safe and effective treatment option.

Ketamine: A Promising Medicine for Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

IV ketamine is an effective option for treating alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). When administered as part of a treatment plan with psychotherapy, IV ketamine may be even more beneficial.

Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy: The Story of Dr. Rivas CEO

The path that led me to start Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy started with my surgical training and was shaped by personal loss.

Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy Expands Treatment Space in San Luis Obispo

The expansion will elevate the patient experience and allow SLO’s first and only IV ketamine infusion clinic to host community wellness events within its modern, tranquil setting.

How Ketamine Therapy May Be the Answer to Your Chronic Pain

IV ketamine treatment has been shown to be safe and effective for patients experiencing various types of chronic pain associated with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), migraines, fibromyalgia, as well as neuropathic pain.

The Power of Intention with Ketamine Therapy

Setting an intention paired with ketamine therapy can make all the difference, especially because ketamine works by creating new neural pathways in the brain.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a widely used medication on the World Health Organization's essential drug list.

Giving Back to Baja

Dr. Rivas took some time off to do volunteer work and operate as a general surgeon with the Flying Samaritans in San Quintin, Baja Mexico.

5 Things to Do on the Day You Receive Ketamine Therapy

Discover 5 tips for optimizing your ketamine therapy days and enhancing your overall experience. Work, emails, & your phone can wait until tomorrow!

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine is believed to allow for “rewiring” of broken connections in the brain, and it allows for receptors to better communicate and respond to chemicals known as neurotransmitters.

Ketamine Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A Review of 2022 Awakn Phase II Trial

Findings showed 86% rate of abstinence in group of patients that received Ketamine + psychological therapy, in comparison to 38% rate of abstinence in group of patients that received industry standard treatments of AUD.

Be Very Cautious of At-Home Ketamine “Therapy”

We welcome the expanded access to ketamine for patients. Nonetheless, the potential downsides of at-home ketamine use necessitate careful discussion.

How Long Do the Positive Effects of Ketamine Therapy Last?

It has been shown that the positive effects of ketamine may last for up to a week after a single ketamine infusion. After a series of 6-8 infusions, some individuals are completely done with ketamine therapy, while others may find it beneficial to transition into a maintenance phase where they return for additional infusions on an as-needed basis.

Preparation and Integration for Ketamine Therapy

The use of ketamine and other psychedelics for mental health therapy requires careful attention to preparation along with a well thought out plan after the experience.

Ketamine: Safety, Side Effects, Adverse Reactions, and Contraindications

Ketamine is a highly effective, fast-acting, and safe option for treating mental health disorders and pain. However, it’s essential to be well-informed about the potential risks, side effects, and contraindications

Ketamine for the Treatment of PTSD

Ketamine offers a new opportunity for the treatment of PTSD and has been repeatedly shown to be a highly valuable treatment option that can augment other trauma-focused psychotherapies.

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Can Ketamine Therapy Help? Updated 2023

Ketamine is gaining interest as a novel, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with anxiety disorders. Studies have shown treatment response within 3 hours post-ketamine infusion and a reported response rate of 83%.

Ketamine for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Ketamine has been found to be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with fibromyalgia through various mechanisms.

What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is a remarkable option for the treatment of various mental illnesses. It often works when all other medications and options have failed.

7 Questions to Find the Best Ketamine Clinic

The best ketamine clinics should be prepared to answer these 7 important questions.

Ketamine: Adolescent and Teen Depression

IV ketamine has been found to be safe and highly effective in the adolescence population.

Ketamine: Repeated Infusion Protocol, Tolerance, and Non-Responders

Research shows that repeated infusions are superior at reducing symptoms for treatment resistant depression.

The Stigma Surrounding Ketamine

The misuse of ketamine and its trend of recreational use in the club and rave scene has led to the development of a bad rap for this medicine. This has made things problematic for health care providers who clearly see the utility of this medicine for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, pain, and other mental illness.

Ketamine and Neuroplasticity

Brains have neuroplasticity or the ability to create new connections, reorganize neural pathways, and create new nerve cells. And ketamine has been shown to promote neuroplasticity.

Ketamine Therapy: Set and Setting

The environment "setting" and mindset "set" during administration of ketamine can have significant impact on the experience and efficacy.

Ketamine Makes Therapy More Effective and Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ketamine appears to act synergistically with psychotherapy and enhances effects in patients with treatment resistant depression.

Ketamine Was Associated with More Days of Abstinence from Alcohol at 6-months

Ketamine is proving to be a helpful tool for various mental illnesses including alcoholism.

Is Ketamine Addictive? Ketamine Found to Provide Significant Benefits for Many Diagnoses

They found significant improvements for patients with many diagnoses.

Ketamine Rapidly Reduces Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is a major health crisis and ranks the top 3 causes of mortality worldwide for individuals between the ages of 15 and 44.

The Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy Experience

Our IV infusions are administered in a comfortable chair with a soft blanket, eye shades, and noise canceling headphones with music curated for the ketamine experience.

How to Get Started

Our process begins with an initial free phone consultation with the doctor to determine if ketamine is right for you.

Why You Should Choose Us

Our top priority is to provide the most safe and pleasant experience for therapy and healing.