Photo by Aaron Farrington

Holistic Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Welcome to our practice. We provide old-school, individual, client-focused care. Utilizing ketamine, we are here to help you on your path to improved psychological well-being.

We craft a personalized care plan to support you throughout your time with us. We take into account your emotional concerns, life history, current living and work situation, and social and spiritual support and understanding. We consider all aspects of you—the whole you. To achieve this, we spend time with you. 

You will always be under the direct care of one of our highly trained therapists.

Phone Consultation -You first meet us during a half-hour free phone consultation. This call gives you the opportunity to ask questions about our care and determine whether you are a good fit for our program.

Initial Visit -Your initial visit is with one of our two therapists. This meeting will allow us to learn who you are. Understanding how your life has unfolded and where your challenges lie is vital to maximizing the benefits of your ketamine experience. We explore your family of origin and your life since. Where are your challenges, and where are your supports? What are your concerns, what has helped you on your path, and what has hindered you?  To provide optimal care, we need an understanding of who you are, what brought you to us, and where you want to focus your psychological work. This is generally a ninety-minute visit.

Preparation - We provide a separate therapist-led preparation session. This visit helps you understand the medicine and how to approach it. Ketamine is a tool, and like any tool, learning how to use it profoundly influences its effectiveness. Additionally, psychedelic therapy is very different from typical psychological health care. The more you understand the process, the more you can open yourself to all the exploration, growth, and healing that exists within you.

 By the time you begin your ketamine therapy, you will have met and have a sense of both of our therapists. You can work with one or both of our therapists—whatever feels right for you. 

KAP Sessions - Our dosing sessions last 2 hours, during which your therapist will be with you the entire time. Before your journey, we check in with you and help you set your intention for the session. We sit with you during the journey, supporting you as needed. 

 Integration is the process of understanding the content of your journey more deeply and integrating it into your everyday consciousness. When you come back from your journey, we explore your experience and help you gain a deeper understanding of its messages. This is also a time of more openness and an ideal moment for deep personal exploration.

Integration Sessions - Additionally, we offer separate Integration sessions. These are talk therapy sessions to help integrate your ketamine journey into your normal consciousness. Added reflection upon a solid return to normal consciousness is beneficial. You can schedule these after each dosing session or more or less frequently as needed. 

 We are here to help you navigate the path that works best for you. 

 Please see below for additional details about our care. To schedule your free consultation, please email Mark Farrington, PMHCNS-BC, directly at mark@wellnessandchange.com. 

You can also call our admin, Madeline, at 434-202-8612 to schedule this appointment.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate."- Carl Jung.

  • The FDA approved ketamine as an anesthetic agent over 50 years ago. The mental health use of ketamine has become widespread in recent years. It has been studied and promoted by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health. It has gained publicity as the newest antidepressant with its novel pharmacological mechanism of action.

    Ketamine has an extensive record of safety. It has been used at very high doses for surgical anesthesia, without significant side effects, and notably no respiratory depression, common in other anesthetic medicines.

    Ketamine is now a validated treatment for depression, anxiety, addiction, substance dependencies, PTSD, and other conditions. While it is being widely used for these conditions, it is considered "off label," meaning that the FDA has not explicitly approved it for these uses. However, significant research supports its effectiveness and safety when used in appropriate dosage and in a supportive, safe setting.

  • Ketamine, in certain doses, brings one into a state of psychedelic consciousness. This has been described as "transpersonal" (being outside of your usual sense of self), "mystical" (a heightened experience of or connection to god/spirit), or "out-of-body" (feeling separated from your physical body).

    Psychedelic consciousness is more expansive than our normal consciousness. The limits of our usual self-perception can be significantly enriched. We can have thoughts and experiences that help us understand ourselves in broader and deeper ways.  

    Ketamine brings one into a similar consciousness as one finds with classical psychedelics. However, the duration is shorter. Ketamine lasts 40-70 minutes as opposed to the 4-10 hours found with LSD and psilocybin. 

    The brevity of the ketamine experience makes it an ideal therapeutic tool. You can touch into this consciousness and come back and process or integrate the experience in a very manageable two-hour session. 

    Throughout human history, psychedelics have been used for healing and spiritual understanding. Psychedelics came to the attention of the modern world through chemistry in the late 1930s with the discovery of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). There was considerable research on LSD and Psilocybin (mushrooms that alter consciousness) in the US and Europe from the 1950s into the 1970s, when widespread social use of these medications led to the termination of research. They are considered "classical psychedelics" and most analogous and equivalent to medicines used in traditional religious ceremonies since early times.

    Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic medicine in Virginia. We are committed to staying within Virginia's and the United States’ legal and regulatory practices. Ketamine is the ONLY psychedelic medicine that we are utilizing at this time.

  • Ketamine works in two ways. One is by initiating an experience of psychedelic consciousness. In this expanded consciousness, we understand our issues from a far broader perspective and it helps us open access to our subconscious self or inner wisdom. This aspect of ourselves can speak to us through this medicine and deeply inform our typical conscious self.

    Ketamine also stimulates brain connectivity, builds new nerve pathways, and helps clear away old habitual patterns. Some experience it as a “brainwash”. It facilitates new nerve cell growth and enables some established nerve cells to function more flexibly. The short answer: ketamine stimulates brain connectivity, builds new nerve pathways, and helps clear away old habitual patterns. Some experience it as a “brain wash”. It actually facilitates new nerve cell growth and enables some established nerve cells to function more flexibly. 

    The clinical understanding of how ketamine works is complex and newly understood. Read on if you want a deeper understanding.

    Ketamine is as an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist working through the glutamate neurotransmitter system. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter (NT). It is the most potent and most common NT in the brain. Glutamate plays a very large role in learning, cognition, and mood by enhancing creation of neural synapses (which are responsible for the transfer of NT) and increasing neural plasticity. 

    Glutamate is found in most synapses (points of nerve cell connection) in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers of the nervous system. They transmit chemical information between nerve cells or between nerve and muscle cells. Excitatory neurotransmitters encourage the movement of exchange of messages between nerve cells—also known as neurons. Other neurotransmitters inhibit this exchange, such as the main inhibitory NT, GABA.

    The excitatory glutamate and the calming GABA are deeply intertwined. Balance between the two contributes to our emotional and physical balance and well-being. Interestingly, glutamate is a major source of GABA, through biochemical conversion. Glutamate is an amino acid (building block for proteins, among other things) that was discovered in the late 1990s. This is all relatively new information. 

    Glutamate exerts its effects through binding to different types of neuron receptor cells, one of which is NMDA. Ketamine acts as an NMDA antagonist by blocking the effects of glutamate at NMDA receptors. The inhibition of the glutamate system at the NMDA receptors by ketamine influences the broader NT system and seems to be the basis of its therapeutic effects. 

    If you have the wherewithal and want to do a deep dive into this subject, please click this link to view—> this video of a talk by Rakesh Jain MD on the Glutamate system, ketamine and the exciting future of psychopharmacology.

  • Ketamine, along with psychotherapy, has been shown to help treat the following mental health symptoms or conditions:

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • PTSD

    • Addiction

    • Eating Disorders

    • End-of-life/terminal illness anxiety.

    Ketamine isn't a one-time treatment for mental health symptoms in a single session. Instead, it can offer a different understanding of your mental health symptoms and how you perceive yourself. You have a 40—to 60-minute “journey” into a different understanding of yourself and the world. Then, you return to normal consciousness to process or integrate that experience with your provider. A deeper understanding of one’s life can emerge and solidify both during the journey and in the integration.

    Ketamine also stimulates beneficial brain changes such as the enhancement of neuroplasticity—brain nerve cell flexibility and neurogenesis—the creation of new brain cells (neurons). These changes may lead to significant symptom relief.

    What is most beneficial is a series of six ketamine sessions spaced out over three to six weeks. This initial treatment cycle is followed by a long-term maintenance phase that may include occasional booster sessions.

  • KAP combines psychotherapy with the neurological and psychedelic benefits of ketamine to maximize the positive benefits.

    The addition of psychotherapeutic support helps guide clients toward deeper insight, connection, and growth. Ketamine can lower anxiety and provide some distance from the emotional flooding that can occur when exploring difficult issues. When exploring uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in our normal conscious state, we can become defensive and/or tense which can get in the way of openness and healing. During a KAP session, this defensive wall typically falls away opening one’s curiosity and allowing exploration of the inner landscape.

    During the peak effect of ketamine, most people are fully turned inward and not interested or particularly able to talk with another. However, after the peak effect, there is an opportunity to explore your issues while in an altered state. Further, there is an opportunity to integrate your experience with your usual conscious understanding as you return from your journey. The entire experience is supported by a therapist being there with you.

    Your KAP therapists are here to support you as needed. You will never be alone during your session. There will be a clinician with you who understands how the medicine works and is looking after your needs.

    While we are your therapists during your KAP program, your outside therapist is welcome to come to some sessions. This can help them understand the KAP process and how you are working with it. We will need to speak with them before they attend your KAP session.

    The powerful shifts realized in your KAP therapy can be supported and enhanced by sessions with your outside therapist and/or integration sessions with us.

  • Initially, we offer a 30 minute free phone consultation.

    Subsequent to this, you have an intake appointment (90 minutes). This includes a detailed history of both your psychological and physical health. This appointment will also clarify your eligibility and treatment goals.

    You then have your preparation session (50 minutes). This focuses on your personal treatment plan: the number of sessions, their frequency and what form you wish to take your ketamine: injection or intravenous.

    We also prepare you for working with ketamine. Helping you understand psychedelic medicine and gently guiding you through the process maximizes the positive impacts it can have.

    The total number of dosing sessions varies by the individual. We recommend a minimum of three dosing sessions. However, commonly we find up to six sessions is ideal over three to six weeks.

    Frequent dosing sessions, once to twice a week is considered optimal to affect flexibility and shifting in the patterned thinking that often causes us distress with mental health difficulties.

    For individuals with severe depression twice a week sessions over 3 weeks is strongly encouraged. This has been shown to be the most effective regime both in research and in our clinical experience.

    If you have less severe depression or other concerns, we will discuss your unique situation and develop an individualized treatment plan.

    We strongly encourage intermittent “integration” sessions between dosing sessions and after completion of your initial course.

    Integration refers to the discussion and emotional "digestion" of your ketamine experience(s).

    Integration occurs during the dosing sessions. This is very valuable as you are still in altered consciousness and more emotionally open then usual.

    However, looking back and bringing the information gained in your altered consciousness into your normal consciousness is invaluable.

  • Effectiveness increases with multiple sessions and with integration sessions. It is also recommended that KAP be part of an overall treatment program that includes ongoing work with a therapist and attention to self-care.

    The first ketamine dosing session can provide significant symptom reduction lasting a few days to weeks. For some, it may take several sessions to start noticing an impact. Subsequent sessions will then tend to result in longer-lasting beneficial changes. Some people may not experience significant treatment-related benefits from this therapy.

    After an initial series of treatments, clients may go many months between treatments with sustained, significant symptom reduction.

    If your symptoms respond to Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, you may still elect to continue (or begin) treatment with medications and psychotherapy to reduce the possibility of relapse. Over time, you may also need additional ketamine treatments or other therapies to maintain your remission.

  • You may be administered ketamine via one of two methods: intramuscular injection (IM), or IV infusion. These methods are reviewed below.

    1) Intramuscular injection (IM): Intramuscular injections are administered by a syringe injected into a muscle (usually the shoulder or thigh). This method's onset is rapid, typically taking 2-5 minutes. Due to rapid onset and a shorter course of action, the total dose is usually given in two (2) half doses about 10 to 15 minutes apart. Its entire duration, when given in this fashion, will last from 40 minutes to an hour.

    2) Intravenous (IV); When administered by IV infusion, ketamine is taken directly into the bloodstream. The onset of effect is less rapid than the IM dosing due to the controlled intake of the solution. The duration of IV sessions is about the same as IM, typically lasting 40 minutes to an hour.   You are connected to the IV through-out this time. This method has the advantage of being able to turn it off at any point if desired, and within 10 minutes, you are back to fairly normal consciousness.

  • Before participating in ketamine treatment, you will be carefully interviewed to determine if you are eligible for ketamine therapy. This will include a medical and mental health evaluation and history. This may include a review of your medical/mental health records. You will also be given brief psychological written testing to assess your state of mind.

    • There are some conditions that may make you not eligible to participate in this treatment, as follows:

    • Pregnant women are not eligible because of potential effects on the fetus. The effects of ketamine on pregnancy and the fetus are undetermined. Therefore, it is advisable to protect against pregnancy while exposing yourself to ketamine or, in the immediate aftermath of its use—your current menstrual cycle.

    • On a case-by-case basis, a nursing mother with significant postpartum depression will be given consideration, with the agreement that their milk will be pumped and discarded for 4 hours after the dosing sessions. In the absence of acute mental health issues, we recommend waiting until weaning for this therapy.

    • Untreated hypertension is a contra-indication to ketamine use as it can cause a rise in blood pressure. Similarly, a history of heart disease may make you ineligible to participate.

    • Your medications will be reviewed to make sure that you are not taking any medicine that interacts negatively with ketamine.

    • Ketamine is not taken if you have untreated or unstable hyperthyroidism.

    • If you have a significantly weakened immune system, you may not be eligible for ketamine treatment as there have been reports of some decrease in immune function in patients receiving surgical doses of ketamine.

    • Ketamine has been shown to worsen certain psychotic symptoms in people who have schizophrenia or other severe mental disorders. It may also worsen underlying psychological problems in people with severe personality disorders. If you have been or are presently diagnosed with a similar, severe mental disorder, you may not be a candidate for KAP.

  • Ketamine has been used since the 1960s for pain and anesthesia and is considered an especially safe anesthetic. It can however, be misused and with recreational use it can lead to addiction. Ketamine has not been shown to be addictive when it is administered by a medical professional in a clinical setting with proper dosage, frequency, education and support.

  • To schedule a free 30 minute consultation, email Mark Farrington at mark@wellnessandchange.com

    During this consultation, we will discuss your needs and how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) may be beneficial to you.

    After this free consultation, you will be scheduled for an intake appointment. This is a 1 ½ hour meeting with one of our therapists to discuss your mental health and medical history. This helps us get to know you more deeply which is essential in this psychotherapy-based ketamine treatment.

    If you have already done a series of KAP with us, and wish to schedule a booster session, please contact Madeline, our admin. at 434-202-8612 or info@wellnessandchange.com.

  • Our prices include the presence of a therapist who is with you throughout each session. The thorough initial screening and preparation sessions provide an important foundation for entering into work with this medicine.

    • Initial Phone Consult (30 min)
      Free

    • Mental Health/Medical Evaluation (90min)
      $200.00

    • KAP Preparation session (50 min) $150.00

    • Ketamine dosing sessions: (120 min each) $475.00. (An initial series of six sessions is recommended)

    • Integration Sessions: (50 min)
      $150.00

  • Relevant Ketamine Articles

    An Interesting Way to Understand Psychedelic Consciousness.

    The link below is a 2 part talk lead by Tara Brach—a meditation teacher, healer and writer. She speaks with Dan Siegel MD who is a psychiatrist, therapist, researcher, and writer. In this talk he explores how we typically view ourselves as individual beings and how this view can be expanded. His previous work has explored what he calls Interconnection—how we humans connect with each other. His recent work expanded to Intraconnection. How we can connect with each other and the natural world. His exploration of Intraconnection is very consistent with what many experience as psychedelic consciousness, however, he comes to this understanding through science and meditative practices. It is a very interesting talk.

    Agencies Supportive of Psychedelic Therapy

    • Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is an American nonprofit organization working to raise awareness and understanding of psychedelic substances.

      https://maps.org

    Podcasts About Therapeutic Ketamine

    Other Clinical Resources:

Testimonials

“With all options exhausted, I was running out of hope. Then, I was referred to the Center for Wellness and Change.  After two treatments, I started noticing improvements in how I was feeling and thinking.
After six treatments over 3 months, I experienced massive shifts in mindset, mood, and ways of thinking in a way I thought outside the realm of possibility.
The treatments, therapy, and integration sessions helped me to navigate the challenges and anxieties I’ve struggled with in a different way, making them more approachable.
The mental obstacles holding me back don’t hold as strong a grip as they once did and I’ve started to make changes- large and small- in my life that have helped me to find a sense of calm, peace, and even joy.
I didn’t believe a big change like this was actually possible and I’m eternally grateful to the team at the Center for Wellness and Change for their help”.

— Spring 2024

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"My ketamine experience had a profound effect on me that I feel I have incorporated into my life in a wonderful and healing way"
- Summer 2023

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”I cannot say enough good things about my experience with The Center for Wellness and Change.
I still cannot get over the Incredible change in my life. I never had any idea that I would or even could be as happy as I am today. 
I strongly urge anyone who wants to seek out this treatment to commit yourself to the process, it is a participation process in my opinion.
I believe the more that you apply yourself to the process, the more success you will have.
I still have CPTSD, PTSD, CRPS and all of the baggage that come with them, but now I get to set the baggage down instead of being weighed down by carrying it around constantly.
The Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy allowed me to have an introspective into myself that I never had before and let me access a level of self love that I believe is essential to us all.
— Spring 2023