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Bridging Spiritual & Mental Health With Psychedelics
A conversation between Dr. Jennifer Montjoy & Dr. Joe Tafur for the Psychedelic Healing Summit
This interview is part of the Psychedelic Healing Summit, a free online event. For more information, please visit https://psychedelichealingsummit.com. This recording is a copyright of The Shift Network. All rights reserved.
Check out our recent podcast episodes!
Scheduling Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions
Making the decision to seek treatment can be scary and overwhelming. We understand that this process can be anxiety-inducing. Here is a breakdown of what the scheduling process looks like at Resilience Behavioral Health Solutions so you know exactly what to expect.
step 1: getting you set up as a new patient
To get you set up as a new patient in our system, we will collect demographic & contact information to keep on record for you and then we will open up your patient portal. Patients will be sent two sets of documents to complete prior to their first appointment.
step 2: setting up your intake assessment
Our administrative assistant will then look at the schedule and offer available appointments for a virtual intake assessment. Intake assessments (or psychiatric evaluations) are required for all patients. They are done virtually through our private server (you’ll be sent a link the day prior to your appointment), last 60-90 minutes, and are set up with a provider in or closest to your location. We have two clinic locations in Mesa and Tucson, AZ and have one psychiatric nurse practitioner working at each location. Intake sessions cost $300.
During the intake appointment, the provider will review your documentation and clear you as a good candidate to move forward with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. If you have any contraindications (health conditions that could react negatively with ketamine), the provider will let you know why this treatment may not be best for you and will provide resources for other treatment pathways you can take.
step 3: setting up your ketamine sessions
If cleared, you will be emailed date/time options for three ketamine sessions.
Our practice recommends doing 3 sessions within 2 weeks or 6 sessions within 3 weeks. This is to help you get the most benefit from ketamine, as the medicine creates new neural pathways in your brain that are beneficial for processing emotions, seeing new perspectives and establishing new habits. We schedule these depending on patient need.
If a patient is unsure about completing a full series of sessions, that is completely okay. Patients can go through session 1 and decide that 1 session is enough. This experience is fully in your hands and based around your comfort and needs. You will only be charged for sessions you complete.
A series of 3 ketamine sessions costs $1315 and 6 costs $2630.
After every ketamine series (3 or 6 sessions) we also schedule a virtual 20-minute follow-up with patients about 4 to 6 days after their last session. This is a free check-in and is an opportunity to follow up with the provider.
step 4: confirmation email
Once dates and times are confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your KAP schedule, as well as two documents with tips for KAP preparation and post-KAP recommendations. These tips help with preparing you mentally for the experience and include suggestions on grounding techniques and media breaks.
a note on insurance
KAP is not currently covered by insurance as it is considered an “off-label” (per the FDA) use contrary to a growing body of research and data supporting its efficacy. At Resilience BHS, we can provide a super bill upon request so that you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company.
We hope this helps! If you’re interested in moving forward with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, give us a call at (602) 857-7474 to get set up! We are happy to help. :)
read our past blog posts
Explore on Your Own With These Resources
Books related to KAP therapeutic approaches & integration
No Bad Parts by Schwartz, R.
Books related to ceremony & animism
Consciousness Medicine: Indigenous Wisdom, Entheogens, and Expanded States of Consciousness for Healing and Growth by Bourzat, F.
Fellowship of the River by Tafur, J.
The Way of the Shaman by Harner, M.
The Book of Ceremony: Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred in Everyday Life by Ingerman, S.
Spirit Animals, Animal Totems, & Animal Oracle cards
Integration Resources
MAPS link: https://maps.org/resources/responding-to-difficult-psychedelic-experiences
Integration Workbook: Planting Seeds for Growth and Change by Kyle Buller & Joe Moore (available on Amazon)
Recommended reading pre-and post-KAP
The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday by Susan Blackie
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
STRESS & ANXIETY REDUCTION
Mindfulness meditation, including some free offerings at this time: Tara Brach https://www.tarabrach.com/
Self-compassion (reducing inner criticism and self-expectations): Kristen Neff https://self-compassion.org/
Download the free CALM app:
· Go to meditate tab
· Beginners tab
· 7 Days of Calm (this is a free program)
Sleep
CALM app also has recorded modules for sleep
Why Sleep is Important:
Matt Walker’s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_sleep_is_your_superpower?language=en
Dan Kwartler’s 5-minute Ted Talk about insomnia: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_kwartler_what_causes_insomnia?language=en
Additional Ted Talks re: sleep: https://www.ted.com/playlists/223/talks_to_inspire_you_to_go_to
ART
Perspecta Island Psychedelic Art Blog created by our admin assistant, Zaskia www.perspectaisland.com
If your loved one is reporting active suicidal ideation (e.g. intent to harm themselves and/or making plans):
Call the Community Wide Crisis line Pima county: (520) 622-6000 or Maricopa county (602) 222-9444.