What Depression Does to Brain Chemistry

The most familiar story about depression involves serotonin: not enough of it, and mood suffers. That account is not wrong, but it is incomplete. Depression disrupts multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously, and the downstream consequences extend well beyond how a person feels on a given day.

Among the most significant changes is what happens to BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that supports the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons (brain cells). In people with depression, BDNF levels are often markedly reduced. This matters because BDNF is essentially the brain’s maintenance crew: without adequate levels, neurons in mood-regulating regions begin to atrophy, synaptic connections weaken, and the brain’s capacity to adapt and recover is compromised. Research has shown that ketamine directly increases BDNF, which may explain part of its rapid antidepressant effect (National Institutes of Health).

The hippocampus, a brain region central to memory formation and emotional regulation, is particularly vulnerable to these changes. Studies show that prolonged depression can actually reduce hippocampal volume, contributing to the memory difficulties and cognitive fog that many patients describe alongside low mood (National Institutes of Health). For Silicon Valley professionals who rely on sharp thinking, this aspect of depression’s neurological footprint is often deeply disruptive.

The Glutamate Gap That SSRIs Don’t Fill

First-line antidepressants, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), work by increasing the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine at synapses. They help a significant portion of people with depression, and we respect their role in treatment (National Institutes of Health). But they operate on a specific subset of the brain’s chemistry, and for patients whose depression involves substantial glutamate system dysregulation, serotonin-targeted treatment may simply not be addressing the right problem.

Glutamate is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter, it drives the vast majority of signaling between neurons. When the glutamate system is dysregulated, as appears to be the case in many forms of treatment-resistant depression, the brain loses some of its capacity for neuroplasticity: the ability to form new connections, reorganize existing pathways, and recover from damage. This is the gap that has made a growing number of clinicians and patients look past the standard antidepressant toolkit.

At Soft Reboot Wellness, Dr. Sara Herman, a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist who has guided more than 10,000 patients through anesthesia and ketamine therapy, built our practice around this understanding. The patients who find their way to us have frequently tried multiple antidepressants, often for years, and still feel stuck. Their experience is not a failure of willpower; it reflects a biological reality about which neurotransmitter systems their depression is actually engaging.

How Neuroplasticity Becomes the Target

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, is not a static trait. It can be increased or decreased by environment, stress, illness, and treatment. Chronic depression is one of the more reliable ways to suppress it; effective treatment for depression is one of the more reliable ways to restore it.

Research shows that ketamine promotes neuroplasticity in ways that standard antidepressants do not, and does so rapidly, changes that SSRIs typically require weeks to approximate can appear within hours of a ketamine infusion (National Institutes of Health). This speed is clinically meaningful. For someone in the grip of severe depression, a week matters. For someone who has been waiting for months across multiple medication trials, the prospect of a different timeline is significant.

The mechanism behind this rapid effect runs through NMDA receptor blockade and the subsequent release of glutamate in a pattern that activates neuroplasticity pathways. In plain terms: ketamine briefly disrupts the brain’s usual signaling, and when that disruption resolves, the brain rebuilds connections in a healthier pattern. It is a reset, not a permanent fix achieved in a single session, but a meaningful opening that, with appropriate integration support, can be built upon.

What This Means for Treatment-Resistant Depression

For patients who have not responded to two or more antidepressant trials, the neuroscience strongly suggests the problem is not that they haven’t found the right serotonin medication. The problem may be that the serotonin system is not the primary driver of their depression at all.

Our IV ketamine infusions at Soft Reboot Wellness target the glutamate system directly, bypassing the serotonin pathway entirely and addressing the neuroplasticity deficit that standard medications leave untouched. A standard induction series involves four to six infusions over four to six weeks, with the protocol personalized to your response. We use the Osmind EHR platform for mood tracking throughout, so progress is documented rather than impressionistic. For patients who want to use the neuroplastic window opened by ketamine for deeper psychological work, our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program adds a preparation session and integration coaching.

We also work closely with patients’ existing treatment teams. If you have a psychiatrist or therapist, we coordinate with them, with your permission, because the neurobiological changes ketamine may produce are best consolidated through ongoing therapeutic work. Results vary by individual, and we encourage you to discuss whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your specific history with your current healthcare provider.

Addressing the Fear of Starting Something New

One barrier we hear from patients often is not skepticism about the science. It is the exhaustion that comes from having tried things before and having them not work. After multiple medication trials, hope becomes a liability that feels too expensive to extend again.

We understand that. Dr. Herman and our team approach every new patient with the awareness that they are arriving with a history, not just a diagnosis. The initial intake process is designed to give us a thorough picture of what you have tried, for how long, and how you responded, so our recommendations are grounded in your actual trajectory, not a generic protocol. Treatment is not appropriate for everyone, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think we are the right fit.

The cost of ketamine therapy is a real consideration. IV ketamine for mental health is an off-label treatment, and insurance coverage is not standard. We recommend contacting our team at hello@softrebootwellness.com or 650-419-3330 to discuss the financial realities before your consultation, so there are no surprises on either side of the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can depression actually shrink your brain? Research suggests prolonged depression is associated with reduced volume in the hippocampus and other mood-regulating regions, likely due to the neurotoxic effects of chronic stress hormones and reduced BDNF levels (National Institutes of Health). These changes are not necessarily permanent, effective treatment, including approaches that promote neuroplasticity, may help restore some of this lost volume over time. Results vary by individual.

Why do antidepressants take so long to work if depression is a brain chemistry problem? SSRIs and SNRIs modulate neurotransmitter availability gradually, and the downstream structural changes that correspond with symptom improvement, including neuroplasticity shifts, take weeks to develop. The delay is a function of how those medications work at the synaptic level. Ketamine’s mechanism differs: it triggers a rapid glutamate release and neuroplasticity cascade that can produce antidepressant effects much faster, often within hours of infusion (National Institutes of Health).

Does everyone with depression have glutamate dysregulation? Not necessarily. Depression is not a single condition with a single mechanism. Glutamate dysregulation appears to be more prominent in treatment-resistant presentations, people who have not responded to serotonin-targeting medications. This is part of why we conduct a thorough review of your treatment history before recommending IV ketamine therapy.

How does cognitive fog from depression relate to brain changes? The memory and concentration difficulties many people experience with depression are tied to the same neurobiological changes that affect mood, particularly reduced hippocampal function and BDNF depletion. Effective treatment that addresses these underlying mechanisms may improve cognitive symptoms alongside mood, though results vary significantly between individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Depression produces measurable changes in brain chemistry and structure, including reduced BDNF, hippocampal atrophy, and glutamate system dysregulation. It is not simply a mood state.
• Standard antidepressants target the serotonin and norepinephrine systems; they may not adequately address glutamate dysregulation, which is common in treatment-resistant presentations.
• Neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to form new connections, is suppressed by chronic depression and can be rapidly restored by ketamine infusion.
• Our IV ketamine therapy at Soft Reboot Wellness in Menlo Park directly targets the glutamate-neuroplasticity pathway that many patients have not yet addressed.
• Results vary by individual; treatment candidacy is determined through a thorough medical and psychiatric review.

If your depression has not responded the way you hoped to standard treatment, the neuroscience suggests you are not broken, you may simply need treatment that works on a different system. We are glad to talk through whether that is something we can help with. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to start the conversation.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and causes of major depressive disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
2. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, which may explain its rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8190578/
3. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuron growth and long-term mood regulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684808/
4. National Institutes of Health. Research documents the efficacy and limitations of SSRIs as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8395812/
5. National Institutes of Health. Research shows depression can impair memory and cognitive function, which may be improved with effective treatment. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5835184/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment for depression, including IV ketamine therapy, should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post How Depression Changes Your Brain: The Neuroscience Explained appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

The Moment of Infusion

When ketamine enters the bloodstream via IV, the delivery method used at Soft Reboot Wellness, it reaches peak plasma concentration quickly and crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Within minutes of infusion onset, the drug begins binding to NMDA receptors: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors that sit on the surface of neurons and play a central role in regulating how those neurons communicate.

NMDA receptors are part of the glutamate system (the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter network), responsible for the majority of signaling between neurons (National Institutes of Health). Under normal circumstances, NMDA receptors open in response to glutamate binding and allow ions to flow across the neuron membrane, initiating electrical signals. Ketamine enters the receptor channel and blocks this flow. The receptor is occupied but not activated.

This blockade sounds suppressive, and in one narrow sense it is. But the downstream consequence is counterintuitive: blocking NMDA receptors transiently causes a compensatory surge of glutamate release in surrounding circuits. That surplus glutamate then activates a different receptor type, AMPA receptors, which triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling that ultimately promotes synaptic plasticity, or the strengthening and reorganization of neural connections (National Institutes of Health).

The Neuroplasticity Cascade

The AMPA activation that follows NMDA blockade sets off a series of events inside the neuron. Among the most important is the production and release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that supports the growth, survival, and formation of new synaptic connections (National Institutes of Health). BDNF is often called the brain’s fertilizer, and the analogy holds: it is what allows neurons to grow new dendritic spines: the tiny projections through which neurons receive signals from neighboring cells.

In a brain affected by depression or PTSD, this infrastructure has often been degraded. Chronic stress hormones suppress BDNF, weaken synaptic connections, and reduce the density of dendritic spines in regions like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas central to mood regulation, decision-making, and emotional context. Ketamine’s BDNF-stimulating effect begins reversing this within hours of infusion, which is the most credible explanation for why antidepressant effects appear so quickly compared to medications that require weeks to achieve similar downstream results.

Research published in Nature also points to a secondary mechanism: ketamine appears to interact with the brain’s opioid system in ways that may contribute independently to its antidepressant action (Nature). This suggests ketamine is not a single-pathway drug, it works through at least two distinct systems simultaneously, which may explain both its breadth of effect across different conditions and the variation in how individual patients respond.

Why IV Delivery Matters

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, intravenously, intramuscularly, as an intranasal spray, or as oral lozenges. Each route produces a different pharmacokinetic profile: different rates of absorption, different peak concentrations, different durations of effect.

IV delivery, the method used at Soft Reboot Wellness, produces the most precise and controllable pharmacological profile. The dose enters the bloodstream directly, with no absorption variability from the gut or nasal mucosa. Peak plasma levels are reached quickly and predictably. The physician can adjust the infusion rate in real time based on the patient’s response. For patients whose treatment history involves partial or inconsistent responses to other medication forms, this precision matters.

Dr. Sara Herman, our Harvard-trained anesthesiologist with more than two decades of experience administering IV medications, personally provides and monitors all infusion sessions. The clinical environment at our Menlo Park clinic includes continuous vital sign monitoring and immediate access to intervention if needed. The dose used in mental health treatment is a fraction of what is administered for surgical anesthesia, sub-anesthetic dosing is well-tolerated and carries a well-established safety profile when administered by qualified clinicians in an appropriately equipped setting.

The Hours and Days After Infusion

The acute pharmacological effects of a ketamine infusion, the altered perception, the dissociative quality, resolve fully within one to two hours of infusion completion. What persists is the neuroplastic change the infusion has initiated. BDNF levels remain elevated. New synaptic connections are forming. The brain’s default circuitry, including the default mode network, which governs self-referential thinking and is often overactive in depression, is temporarily reorganized.

The 48 to 72 hours following infusion represent what many clinicians describe as an integration window: the period during which the brain is most receptive to the consolidation of new patterns. This is why the timing of integration work matters. At Soft Reboot Wellness, our KAP program is structured specifically around this window, the preparation session happens before infusion, and the integration coaching sessions are timed to the period when the brain is most able to use the new neural architecture the infusion has created.

Research confirms that a series of infusions produces cumulative neuroplastic benefit, repeated sessions extend and deepen the changes initiated by the first (National Institutes of Health). Our standard induction protocol involves four to six IV infusions over four to six weeks, with the specific protocol calibrated to your clinical response and informed by mood data tracked through the Osmind platform throughout your treatment.

What the Pharmacology Means for Candidacy

The same mechanism that makes ketamine effective for many patients also creates genuine contraindications for others. Because ketamine increases blood pressure transiently during infusion, patients with uncontrolled hypertension or certain cardiovascular conditions require additional clinical judgment before proceeding. Patients with a history of psychosis or certain personality disorders may not be appropriate candidates, as the dissociative properties of ketamine carry different risk profiles in those populations. Active substance use disorders also require careful evaluation.

This is why the consultation and review process at Soft Reboot Wellness is thorough, not perfunctory. We review your full medical and psychiatric history, your current medications, and your prior treatment responses before making any recommendation. Results vary by individual, and we encourage you to discuss all options with your existing healthcare provider before deciding whether IV ketamine therapy is appropriate for you.

IV ketamine for mental health is an off-label treatment, and insurance coverage is not standard. We recommend contacting our team at 650-419-3330 or hello@softrebootwellness.com before your consultation so that cost is a clear part of your decision-making rather than a surprise afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does IV ketamine work faster than oral or nasal forms? IV delivery bypasses the absorption variability that affects oral and intranasal routes. The medication enters the bloodstream directly, reaching predictable peak plasma concentrations quickly and allowing the administering physician to adjust the dose in real time. This precision produces a more reliable pharmacological effect, which is one reason IV remains the method with the strongest clinical evidence base for psychiatric indications.

What is the difference between the acute effects of ketamine and the lasting antidepressant effects? The acute effects, altered perception, dissociation, dreamlike quality, are a product of active NMDA receptor blockade during the infusion and resolve within one to two hours. The lasting antidepressant effects are a product of the downstream neuroplastic cascade: BDNF elevation, synaptic connection formation, and dendritic spine growth that continue developing in the hours and days after the infusion ends. The experience and the therapeutic mechanism are related but distinct.

Does ketamine lose effectiveness over time with repeated infusions? Some patients do find that the response to maintenance infusions shifts over time, either diminishing or requiring different spacing. This is not universal, and the clinical picture varies considerably between individuals. We monitor response throughout treatment using mood tracking data and adjust the protocol accordingly. Some patients require only occasional boosters; others benefit from a more regular maintenance schedule.

How does the opioid system interaction affect the risk of dependence? The opioid system interaction identified in recent research does not mean ketamine functions as an opioid or carries comparable dependence risk. The interaction appears to occur at different receptor subtypes and at a different scale than classical opioid medications. Ketamine does carry its own potential for misuse at high doses outside clinical settings, which is one reason administration in a supervised clinical environment with appropriate screening is medically required.

Key Takeaways

• IV ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, triggering a compensatory glutamate surge that activates AMPA receptors and initiates a neuroplasticity cascade, the core mechanism of its antidepressant effect.
• BDNF elevation following infusion supports new synaptic connection formation in brain regions degraded by chronic depression or trauma.
• Emerging research suggests ketamine also interacts with the opioid system as a secondary pathway, pointing to a multi-mechanism pharmacological profile.
• IV delivery produces the most precise and controllable pharmacokinetic profile; Dr. Herman personally monitors all infusion sessions at our Menlo Park clinic.
• The 48 to 72 hours following infusion are the prime integration window; our KAP program is timed around this period to maximize the value of the neuroplastic changes ketamine initiates.

Knowing what ketamine does in the body, not just that it works, but how and why, puts you in a better position to decide whether it belongs in your treatment plan. We are glad to walk through that conversation in depth. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to start the conversation.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. The glutamate neurotransmitter system is the brain’s primary excitatory system and a key pathway through which ketamine produces its therapeutic effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK62187/
2. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, which may explain its rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8190578/
3. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuron growth and long-term mood regulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684808/
4. Nature. Research suggests ketamine may also produce antidepressant effects by interacting with the brain’s opioid system, pointing to multiple mechanisms of action. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03800-w
5. National Institutes of Health. Multiple ketamine infusion sessions have been shown to produce cumulative antidepressant benefits and extend remission periods in patients with depression. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6236511/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post How Ketamine Works in the Body: From Infusion to Brain Changes appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

How Ketamine Differs From Classical Psychedelics

Most people think of psychedelics in terms of substances like psilocybin or LSD, which work primarily by activating serotonin 2A receptors, a specific docking site on brain cells involved in perception and mood. Ketamine does something different. Its primary mechanism involves blocking NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors), which are part of the glutamate system, the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter network (National Institutes of Health). Rather than flooding the serotonin system, ketamine modulates glutamate transmission, triggering a cascade of downstream effects that researchers now understand to include rapid antidepressant action and new neural connection formation.

That distinction is not merely academic. It explains why ketamine can produce perceptual changes at therapeutic doses without fitting neatly into the classical psychedelic category. Some researchers classify it as a “dissociative,” others as a “psychedelic-adjacent” compound, and a growing number argue it belongs in its own class entirely. At Soft Reboot Wellness, Dr. Sara Herman and Dr. Natasha work with patients who have often spent years trying serotonin-targeting medications without adequate relief, patients for whom the glutamate pathway may be the missing piece.

The Psychedelic Experience Question

Even if the receptor mechanism differs, ketamine at therapeutic doses can produce experiences that overlap with what people describe in psychedelic-assisted therapy: altered perception of time, a sense of the mind loosening its grip on habitual thoughts, and occasionally vivid inner imagery. This is not a side effect to be managed. It is, in many respects, part of why the treatment works.

Research supports the integration of psychotherapy with ketamine, showing the combination may produce more durable and meaningful outcomes than ketamine alone (National Institutes of Health). This is precisely why our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program at Soft Reboot Wellness pairs in-office infusion sessions with preparation and integration coaching. Dr. Herman holds an Advanced Certificate in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and has completed training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, credentials that reflect a genuine commitment to psychedelic medicine as a therapeutic discipline, not just a pharmacological one.

Why the Classification Matters for Patients

Patients searching “is ketamine a psychedelic” are often asking a more personal question underneath that one: will this feel strange, and is that strangeness safe? Both are fair concerns, and we take them seriously.

The perceptual effects of IV ketamine at therapeutic doses are time-limited, occur within a supervised clinical setting, and resolve completely by the time patients leave. Dr. Herman personally provides and monitors all treatment sessions. The dose used in mental health treatment is a fraction of what is used in surgical anesthesia, and the clinical environment at our Menlo Park clinic is designed for comfort and safety throughout. Vital signs are monitored continuously, and patients are never left alone during their infusion.

What the altered state offers, when approached with intention, is a window. Research on how psychedelic-type treatments promote healing suggests these compounds create conditions for neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to form new neural connections, by temporarily quieting entrenched patterns of thought and self-criticism (National Institutes of Health). For patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, that window can be genuinely significant.

How Soft Reboot’s Approach Reflects the Science

We did not land on our current model by accident. Our practice is built around the understanding that ketamine’s mechanism (glutamate modulation, NMDA receptor blockade, downstream neuroplasticity) offers something that decades of serotonin-focused treatment have not fully delivered for a substantial portion of patients (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health). That is not a criticism of antidepressants; SSRIs help many people. It is an honest acknowledgment that the brain’s chemistry is more complex than any single system, and that the patients who find their way to us have typically already learned that lesson the hard way.

Our IV ketamine infusions follow a personalized induction protocol, typically four to six infusions over four to six weeks, with the specific number and timing calibrated to your clinical response and the input of your existing treatment providers. We use the Osmind EHR platform for mood tracking throughout your treatment so both you and your care team can see your progress objectively. Each infusion is paired with preparation and integration coaching as part of our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program.

Addressing the Cost and Scheduling Reality

Ketamine therapy is a meaningful financial commitment, and we want to be direct about that. IV ketamine for mental health conditions is considered off-label use, meaning it is an established treatment whose mental health applications have not yet received formal FDA approval for specific psychiatric diagnoses, and insurance coverage is inconsistent. We recommend contacting our team directly to discuss what financial options are available to you before your consultation.

The initial consultation at Soft Reboot Wellness begins by calling or emailing us directly. We send you an intake packet, Dr. Herman reviews it, and then determines whether to schedule a consultation. If you have an existing psychiatrist, therapist, or prescriber, we actively coordinate with them, with your consent, because we believe integrative care produces better outcomes than any single provider working in isolation. Results vary by individual, and we encourage you to discuss all options with your healthcare provider before deciding whether ketamine therapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

If ketamine isn’t technically a psychedelic, why does it sometimes produce visual or perceptual effects? Ketamine’s dissociative properties at therapeutic doses can produce altered sensory experiences, mild perceptual shifts, a floating or dreamlike quality, or vivid imagery, even though its mechanism differs from classical psychedelics. These effects occur because ketamine affects multiple neurotransmitter systems, not just glutamate. They are temporary, resolve fully within hours, and occur within a monitored clinical environment at our Menlo Park clinic.

Is ketamine therapy the same as recreational ketamine use? No. The dose, delivery method, clinical setting, and intent are entirely different. Therapeutic ketamine infusions are administered intravenously at sub-anesthetic doses by a licensed physician in a clinical environment with continuous monitoring. Recreational use involves very different doses, routes, and contexts. Our team screens all candidates medically and psychiatrically before treatment to ensure it is appropriate for each individual.

Does Soft Reboot Wellness offer psilocybin therapy? We do not currently offer psilocybin therapy as a clinical service. Dr. Herman holds an Advanced Certificate in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and stays current with the evolving research in this area, but our active treatment offerings are IV ketamine infusions, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, stellate ganglion block (SGB), and NAD+ infusions.

How does understanding ketamine’s mechanism help me prepare for my session? Knowing that ketamine works through the glutamate system, promoting neuroplasticity and temporarily quieting rigid thought patterns, can help you approach your session with openness rather than anxiety. Many patients find it useful to set a simple intention before their infusion, something they want to reflect on or release, and to plan for rest and reflection afterward. Our integration coaching component is designed specifically to help you make the most of this window.

Can ketamine therapy be combined with my existing antidepressants or therapy? In many cases, yes, and we actively encourage coordination with your existing treatment team. The specifics depend on your medications and history, which we review during your consultation. We do not ask patients to discontinue existing medications without a conversation involving you and your other providers.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine is not a classical psychedelic, it works primarily through NMDA receptor blockade in the glutamate system, not through serotonin 2A receptor activation.
• The perceptual effects some patients experience during treatment are a product of this multi-system mechanism and are temporary, monitored, and managed within a clinical setting.
• Research supports combining psychotherapy with ketamine to produce more durable outcomes. This is the foundation of our KAP program at Soft Reboot Wellness.
• IV ketamine for mental health is an off-label use, and insurance coverage is not standard; financial details are best discussed directly with our team.
• Results vary by individual, and candidacy is determined through a thorough medical and psychiatric review before any treatment begins.

Whether you think of ketamine as a psychedelic, a dissociative, or simply a medication that works differently than anything you have tried before, what matters most is whether it might help you. At Soft Reboot Wellness, we are here to answer that question honestly, starting with a conversation. Reach us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to get started.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, producing rapid antidepressant effects through a mechanism distinct from traditional antidepressants. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5148235/
2. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Overview of ketamine’s history, from its origins as an anesthetic to its current use as a fast-acting treatment for depression. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/what-to-know-about-ketamine
3. National Institutes of Health. Psychedelic substances promote neuroplasticity, which may underlie their therapeutic effects on mood, trauma, and addiction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665925/
4. National Institutes of Health. Research supports the integration of psychotherapy with ketamine treatment, showing that the combination may produce more durable and meaningful outcomes than ketamine alone. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207256/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post Is Ketamine a Psychedelic? Understanding the Science Behind Ketamine Therapy appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

What PTSD Is Actually Doing to the Brain

Understanding why ketamine may help with PTSD starts with understanding what PTSD is actually doing. Post-traumatic stress disorder develops when the brain’s fear-memory system becomes dysregulated following a traumatic experience. The amygdala (a small, almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that processes fear and threat) becomes hyperactive, firing threat signals in response to stimuli that are objectively safe (National Institutes of Health). This hyperactivity explains the hallmark features of PTSD: intrusive memories, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, emotional numbing, and the persistent feeling of being in danger when the danger has long since passed.

The hippocampus, which under normal circumstances helps contextualize memories and distinguish past from present, is also affected. Chronic stress hormones associated with prolonged trauma impair hippocampal function, making it harder for the brain to file traumatic memories as past events and harder to access the contextual signals that would otherwise calm the amygdala down. The result is a nervous system that is stuck, repeatedly re-experiencing a threat that no longer exists.

Standard antidepressants and many therapy approaches work gradually and indirectly on this system. For patients with deeply entrenched trauma responses, the pace of that approach can be inadequate.

How Ketamine Targets the Trauma Loop

Ketamine works through the glutamate system, specifically through NMDA receptor blockade, which gives it access to the same neural circuits involved in fear memory consolidation and extinction. Research shows that ketamine produces significant and rapid reductions in PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories and hyperarousal, in ways that standard medications do not (National Institutes of Health). The speed matters: for patients who have been symptomatic for years, experiencing meaningful relief within days of a first infusion is genuinely different from anything they have encountered in a standard treatment timeline.

The proposed mechanism behind this involves ketamine’s ability to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to form new connections, in the very circuits that PTSD has locked into a rigid, threat-oriented pattern. When NMDA receptors are transiently blocked, a cascade follows that increases synaptic plasticity, allowing the brain to begin writing new associations over old fear-encoded ones. This is not the same as erasing trauma. It is more accurate to say ketamine may create a window during which the brain is more receptive to change, and that window, when used well, can shift the trajectory of treatment.

At Soft Reboot Wellness, Dr. Sara Herman has trained specifically in Internal Family Systems (IFS) combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a framework that treats trauma as a system of protective internal parts rather than a single fixed wound. Our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program is designed to use the neuroplastic window that infusions open for meaningful psychological work, not simply to wait it out.

The Role of Stellate Ganglion Block in PTSD Treatment

For patients whose PTSD manifests heavily in the physical symptoms of hyperarousal (elevated heart rate, chronic tension, exaggerated startle, insomnia), we also offer stellate ganglion block (SGB) as a distinct treatment option. SGB involves a precise injection of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerve cell bodies in the neck that is part of the sympathetic nervous system. This system governs the body’s fight-or-flight response.

Research supports SGB as an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant presentations (National Institutes of Health). By temporarily interrupting the overactive sympathetic signals that drive physical hyperarousal, SGB can provide relief from the bodily dimension of PTSD that purely psychological or pharmacological treatments do not always reach. Some patients at Soft Reboot Wellness use SGB and ketamine in combination, scheduled on separate days, and our clinical team can help determine whether that approach makes sense for your specific presentation.

Our SGB protocol is the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR), a bilateral, two-level ultrasound-guided approach designed to deliver the most effective results. An initial consultation ($400) is required before any SGB treatment to assess candidacy.

What the Treatment Process Looks Like

For patients considering ketamine therapy for PTSD at Soft Reboot Wellness, the process begins by calling or emailing us. We send you an intake packet, Dr. Herman reviews it, and determines whether to schedule a consultation. We review your full treatment history, what you have tried, for how long, and how you responded, before making any recommendations. If you have an existing therapist or psychiatrist, we actively coordinate with them, because we believe PTSD treatment works better as a team effort than a siloed one.

A standard ketamine induction series involves four to six IV infusions over four to six weeks, with the number and timing personalized to your clinical response. Infusion sessions are personally monitored by Dr. Herman throughout. Vital signs are tracked continuously. The experience during infusion, which may include altered perception of time, a sense of mental quieting, or dreamlike imagery, is temporary, resolves fully before you leave the clinic, and is managed within a safe, supervised environment. You will need a ride home after each session.

Each infusion is paired with preparation and integration support from a certified psychedelic integration coach as part of our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program. The 48 to 72 hours following a session are a particularly rich window for reflection and integration work, and our coaching component is structured around that timeline.

Addressing the Fear of Retraumatization

One concern patients with PTSD sometimes raise is whether the altered state produced by ketamine might itself be destabilizing or retraumatizing. This is a fair question, and one we address directly during the consultation process. For most patients, the dissociative quality of a ketamine infusion, the sense of the mind loosening from ordinary thought patterns, is experienced as a relief rather than a threat. But candidacy for ketamine therapy is assessed individually, and patients with certain trauma histories or psychiatric comorbidities may not be appropriate candidates. We make that determination during the medical and psychiatric review before any treatment begins.

On scheduling: ketamine infusion sessions do not require time off work beyond the treatment day itself. Most patients return to their routines the following day. We offer appointment availability designed to accommodate demanding professional schedules, a practical consideration for the Silicon Valley professionals who make up a significant portion of our patient community.

On cost: IV ketamine therapy is an off-label treatment for PTSD, and insurance coverage is not standard. SGB coverage also varies. We encourage you to contact our team at 650-419-3330 or hello@softrebootwellness.com before your consultation to get a clear picture of the financial commitment involved. Results vary by individual, and we encourage all patients to discuss their options with their existing healthcare providers before beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly might I notice a difference after a ketamine infusion for PTSD? Research documents that ketamine can produce rapid, robust reductions in PTSD symptom severity, sometimes within hours to days of a first infusion (National Institutes of Health). That said, the degree and speed of response varies significantly between individuals. Some patients notice meaningful changes after the first or second infusion; others require the full induction series before effects consolidate. We track mood and symptom data through the Osmind platform throughout your treatment so your response can be assessed objectively.

Can I continue my existing PTSD medications and therapy while doing ketamine treatment? In most cases, yes, and we actively encourage continuity with your existing care team. The specific medications you are taking will be reviewed during your consultation to ensure there are no contraindications. Many patients continue their existing therapy alongside ketamine treatment and find the two approaches complement each other.

What is the difference between ketamine therapy and SGB for PTSD? Ketamine works through the glutamate-neuroplasticity pathway and is primarily associated with improvements in the cognitive and emotional dimensions of PTSD, intrusive memories, mood, and emotional reactivity. SGB works through the sympathetic nervous system and tends to be most effective for the physical hyperarousal symptoms, elevated heart rate, chronic tension, startle response, and sleep disturbance. Some patients benefit from both, and we can discuss which may be most relevant to your presentation during a consultation.

Is ketamine therapy appropriate for all types of trauma? Candidacy depends on your individual history, current medications, psychiatric profile, and the nature of your trauma. We conduct a thorough medical and psychiatric review before recommending any treatment. Not everyone is an appropriate candidate, and we will tell you honestly if we think another path is better suited to your situation.

Key Takeaways

• PTSD involves measurable dysregulation of the brain’s fear-memory system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, changes that standard antidepressants address only partially.
• Ketamine works through NMDA receptor blockade to promote neuroplasticity in fear-circuit pathways, producing rapid PTSD symptom reductions in clinical research.
• Stellate ganglion block (SGB) targets the sympathetic nervous system and may specifically address the physical hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD.
• Soft Reboot Wellness in Menlo Park offers both IV ketamine therapy and SGB, with a KAP program that uses Dr. Herman’s IFS training to support integration.
• Results vary by individual; all treatment begins with a thorough consultation and candidacy review.

PTSD does not have to mean a permanent state of threat. If you have been searching for something that works differently than what you have tried, we would like to have a real conversation about your options. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to get started.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and causes of post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
2. National Institutes of Health. Research on the amygdala’s role in fear and stress responses provides a neurological basis for understanding how ketamine may interrupt PTSD’s fear-memory cycle. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2882379/
3. National Institutes of Health. Clinical research demonstrates that ketamine produces significant and rapid reductions in PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories and hyperarousal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10979792/
4. National Institutes of Health. Research published in a peer-reviewed journal supports stellate ganglion block as an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant presentations. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6865253/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment for PTSD, including IV ketamine therapy and stellate ganglion block, should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post Ketamine Therapy for PTSD: How It Works and What to Expect appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy is not a first-line treatment, and we do not present it as one. The patients who tend to benefit most are those who have tried one or more standard antidepressants at adequate doses for adequate duration and found only partial relief or no relief at all. Research documents that ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant major depression who have not responded to other medications, a profile that fits a significant proportion of patients who find their way to our clinic (National Institutes of Health).

Beyond treatment-resistant depression, we treat anxiety and PTSD at Soft Reboot Wellness, and ketamine therapy has meaningful clinical evidence for both. The link between anxiety and depression is well-documented, a large proportion of patients have significant symptoms of both, and treatments that address both simultaneously have clear value (American Journal of Psychiatry). For patients whose PTSD carries significant physical hyperarousal symptoms, we also offer stellate ganglion block (SGB) as either a standalone or complementary option.

What makes someone a strong candidate is assessed individually during the consultation process. Certain psychiatric histories, active substance use disorders, uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, and specific medication combinations may preclude ketamine therapy or require additional clinical judgment. We review all of this during the consultation, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think you are an appropriate candidate. Sending someone into a treatment that isn’t right for them serves no one.

The Silicon Valley Patient Profile

The Bay Area patient population that comes to Soft Reboot Wellness tends to have some consistent characteristics. They are high-functioning in professional terms, often still performing at work even while struggling significantly in private. Their depression or anxiety is frequently tied to chronic overwork, perfectionism, and sustained pressure to maintain performance across multiple domains. They have often tried therapy and medication already, sometimes for years, and are arriving at our clinic because those tools have not been enough. Our post on burnout treatment for Silicon Valley professionals explores this pattern in more depth.

For this patient profile, the speed of ketamine’s action has particular significance. A treatment that produces meaningful symptom change within days, rather than requiring six to eight weeks before you know whether it is working, has real value for someone who cannot afford extended periods of functional impairment (National Institutes of Health). The research on this is clear: ketamine restores pleasure-seeking behavior and mood ahead of other antidepressant actions, addressing some of the most functionally disruptive features of depression quickly.

The fear of stigma is also a consistent factor. Patients in high-visibility professional environments often hesitate to seek mental health treatment because of how it might be perceived. We treat that concern as legitimate rather than dismissing it. Our intake process is discreet, our clinic environment is private, and the conversations we have with patients about their treatment are handled with the same confidentiality as any medical care.

What the Logistics Actually Look Like

Soft Reboot Wellness is located at 825 Oak Grove Ave, Suite A101, in Menlo Park, accessible from across the South Bay, Peninsula, and San Francisco. We serve patients from San Francisco, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Mountain View, Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga, and the broader Silicon Valley corridor.

A standard ketamine induction series involves four to six IV infusions over four to six weeks. Sessions are scheduled once weekly. Each infusion session requires you to have a driver, you cannot drive yourself home afterward. Beyond that practical requirement, the disruption to your schedule is manageable: most patients return to normal functioning the day following each infusion.

The intake process begins by calling us at 650-419-3330 or emailing hello@softrebootwellness.com. We send you an intake packet, Dr. Herman reviews it, and determines whether to schedule a consultation. If you have existing providers, we coordinate with them, with your permission, throughout treatment. We use the Osmind EHR and mood-tracking app to document progress, so your response to treatment is tracked objectively across the full series.

Each treatment package includes a preparation session, two 2-hour in-office infusion sessions, integration coaching with a certified psychedelic integration coach, a Mindfold eye shade, a reflection journal, a personal Caretaker finger sensor, and ongoing Osmind access. The preparation and integration components are specifically designed around the 48-to-72-hour neuroplastic window that follows each infusion, the period during which the brain is most receptive to consolidating new patterns.

The Clinical Team

Dr. Sara Herman founded Soft Reboot Wellness after a career as a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist who trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and completed a cardiothoracic anesthesia fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center. She has personally guided more than 10,000 patients through anesthesia, pain management, and ketamine therapy. Her additional training includes an Advanced Certificate in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and IFS combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, credentials that reflect a genuine commitment to psychedelic medicine as a therapeutic discipline.

Dr. Natasha, our board-certified anesthesiologist who holds an MD from UCSF and brings more than 20 years of clinical anesthesia experience in the Bay Area, provides additional clinical depth to the monitoring and safety dimension of every session. Shade, our certified addiction recovery and psychedelic integration coach, trained by Being True to You and certified in hypnotherapy by the Palo Alto School of Hypnotherapy, supports the preparation and integration components of the KAP program. Paula, our registered nurse, rounds out the clinical team.

Every infusion session is personally administered and monitored by a physician. Vital signs are tracked continuously. You are never left alone during treatment. Learn more about our expert ketamine therapy approach and what distinguishes our clinical model.

The Cost and Insurance Reality

We believe in being direct about cost, because we know it is a deciding factor for many patients. IV ketamine therapy for mental health is an off-label treatment, its safety has been established over decades of anesthetic use, but its application to specific psychiatric diagnoses has not received formal FDA approval, and insurance coverage is inconsistent. We do not have a financing program to name at this time, but we encourage you to contact our team directly at 650-419-3330 or hello@softrebootwellness.com to discuss what treatment costs look like before your consultation.

If cost is a barrier, that is a conversation worth having rather than a reason to simply not pursue care. We also invite you to explore whether HSA or FSA funds may be applicable to your situation, and to ask your insurer directly about out-of-network benefits or superbill reimbursement for off-label psychiatric care.

Results vary by individual. Treatment is not appropriate for everyone, and we encourage all prospective patients to discuss their options with their existing healthcare providers before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my psychiatrist or therapist to be seen at Soft Reboot Wellness? No referral is required to begin our intake process. However, we actively encourage coordination with your existing providers, and having an established treatment relationship with a psychiatrist or therapist often strengthens the outcomes we are able to support. If you do not have outside providers, we will note that in our clinical planning.

How is Soft Reboot Wellness different from other Bay Area ketamine clinics? The clinical foundation here is distinctive in a few ways. Dr. Herman’s dual background in anesthesiology and psychedelic-assisted therapy is relatively uncommon, most ketamine clinics are staffed by providers trained in one or the other. Our active use of the IFS framework in KAP, our structured integration coaching, and our commitment to coordinating with outside care teams reflect a model built around therapeutic depth, not just infusion delivery. We also offer SGB, a treatment many Bay Area ketamine clinics do not provide, for patients whose presentation warrants it.

Is there a waitlist to get started? We recommend contacting us directly for current availability. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com, we’ll follow up promptly to discuss next steps and scheduling.

Can Soft Reboot Wellness treat burnout specifically? Burnout is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, but the symptoms it produces, emotional exhaustion, cognitive fog, anhedonia, chronic dysregulation, overlap substantially with the depression and anxiety presentations we treat. Many of the Silicon Valley professionals we see describe their condition in terms of burnout, and ketamine therapy may help with the neurobiological dimension of that experience. We discuss your specific presentation during the consultation to determine what we can most credibly offer.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine therapy is primarily appropriate for patients who have not responded adequately to standard antidepressants; candidacy is assessed individually during a full medical and psychiatric consultation.
• Soft Reboot Wellness in Menlo Park serves patients across the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, with logistics designed to accommodate demanding professional schedules.
• The clinical team includes two anesthesiologists, a certified integration coach, and a registered nurse; every infusion is personally administered and monitored by a physician.
• IV ketamine is an off-label treatment for mental health; insurance coverage is not standard, contact our team directly to discuss costs before your consultation.
• Results vary by individual; we encourage coordination with your existing care team throughout treatment.

If you are somewhere in the Bay Area, searching for something that works differently than what you have tried, we are a 650-419-3330 call away. You can also email hello@softrebootwellness.com to begin the process at your own pace.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Studies show ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant major depression who have not responded to other medications. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23982301/
2. National Institutes of Health. Research from the NIMH shows ketamine restores pleasure-seeking behavior ahead of other antidepressant actions, suggesting it targets core depression symptoms quickly. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2014/rapid-agent-restores-pleasure-seeking-ahead-of-other-antidepressant-action
3. American Journal of Psychiatry. Research confirms a strong bidirectional relationship between anxiety and depression, supporting the value of treatments that address both conditions simultaneously. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy and stellate ganglion block should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post Ketamine Therapy in the Bay Area: What You Need to Know Before Starting appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

What Ketamine Does in the Brain

Ketamine’s primary action is on NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors), which are part of the glutamate system (the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter network). By temporarily blocking these receptors, ketamine triggers a cascade of downstream effects that standard antidepressants (which work through serotonin and norepinephrine) do not produce (National Institutes of Health).

The most clinically important of these downstream effects is a rapid increase in synaptic plasticity: the brain’s ability to strengthen and reorganize connections between neurons. In depression, anxiety, and PTSD, neural circuits involved in mood regulation, fear processing, and self-referential thinking tend to become rigid and entrenched. Ketamine disrupts that rigidity. Research shows it promotes neuroplasticity in ways that standard antidepressants approximate only after weeks of daily dosing, and ketamine can produce this effect within hours of a single infusion (National Institutes of Health).

Ketamine also increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that supports neuron survival, growth, and the formation of new synaptic connections (National Institutes of Health). BDNF is often depleted in people with depression, and restoring it is thought to be one of the mechanisms through which antidepressant effects are sustained beyond the immediate post-infusion period. Additionally, emerging research published in Nature suggests ketamine may interact with the brain’s opioid system as a secondary mechanism, pointing to a treatment with more than one pathway of therapeutic action (Nature).

What Ketamine Therapy Does Clinically

The clinical picture that emerges from research is striking. Ketamine produces rapid and significant antidepressant effects, often within hours, in patients who have not responded to multiple prior treatments (National Institutes of Health). For patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, this speed is not a minor detail. It represents a fundamentally different experience of treatment: rather than waiting six to eight weeks to know whether a medication is working, patients often know within days.

The effects of a single infusion are real but typically time-limited, most patients experience meaningful symptom relief for days to weeks following the first session. This is why a series of infusions is the standard approach rather than a single treatment. Research shows that both single and repeated ketamine infusions can treat depression and related conditions, with repeated infusions extending the duration and depth of benefit (American Journal of Psychiatry). Our standard induction protocol at Soft Reboot Wellness involves four to six IV infusions over four to six weeks, personalized to your clinical response.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) pairs infusions with structured preparation and integration work, and research supports the combination producing more durable outcomes than ketamine alone (National Institutes of Health). Our KAP program includes a preparation session, two 2-hour in-office infusion sessions, and integration coaching with a certified psychedelic integration coach.

What the Experience Is Like

Patients considering ketamine therapy understandably want to know what they are signing up for on a sensory level. The honest answer is that experiences vary, but certain qualities are consistent.

During an IV ketamine infusion, patients typically notice the onset of effects within minutes. The experience often includes a sense of mental quieting, a loosening of the grip of ordinary anxious or depressive thought patterns. Some patients describe mild perceptual shifts: altered time perception, a floating or dreamlike quality, or vivid inner imagery. Some experience emotional content that feels meaningful or revealing. Others find it largely calm and neutral.

What the experience is not: frightening in the way many patients expect. The dissociative quality that makes some people hesitant tends, in practice, to feel more like relief than threat for most patients in a supervised clinical setting. Dr. Sara Herman personally monitors all infusion sessions at our Menlo Park clinic. Vital signs are tracked continuously. The altered state resolves fully before patients leave, typically within an hour of the infusion ending, and patients are required to have a ride home.

The 48 to 72 hours following a session are considered particularly significant for integration: the neuroplastic window opened by the infusion is still active, and this is an optimal time for reflection, journaling, and the kind of internal work our integration coaching is designed to support.

What Ketamine Therapy Does Not Do

Being clear about limitations is as important as explaining the evidence. Ketamine therapy is not a cure, and we do not present it as one. Results vary by individual, and some patients do not respond to ketamine in the way they hope. Some patients require ongoing maintenance infusions, single booster sessions typically scheduled three weeks to three months after the initial series, to sustain the benefits they achieve during induction.

Ketamine’s mental health applications are also off-label. The medication has been FDA-approved as an anesthetic since 1970, and its safety profile at therapeutic doses is well-established. But its use for depression, anxiety, and PTSD has not received formal FDA approval for those specific psychiatric indications, which means insurance coverage is inconsistent. We are transparent about this from the start of the process, contact our team at 650-419-3330 or hello@softrebootwellness.com before your consultation to discuss the financial realities clearly.

Ketamine is also not appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain psychiatric histories, active substance use disorders, or specific medical conditions may not be suitable candidates. Every patient undergoes a thorough medical and psychiatric review before any treatment is recommended, and we will tell you honestly if we think a different approach is better suited to your situation.

How Soft Reboot’s Approach Shapes the Outcome

The same medication administered in different contexts produces different results. This is not a marketing claim. It is a documented feature of how ketamine works. Research on KAP shows that the integration of psychotherapy with infusion treatment improves outcomes relative to infusion alone, which is why our clinical model is built around that integration rather than treating it as optional (National Institutes of Health).

Dr. Herman’s credentials reflect this philosophy directly. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, has completed training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and has personally guided more than 10,000 patients through anesthesia, pain management, and ketamine therapy over her career. Dr. Natasha, our board-certified anesthesiologist who trained at UCSF, brings additional clinical depth to the monitoring and safety dimension of every session.

We also use the Osmind EHR and mood-tracking platform to document your progress throughout treatment. This means your response is tracked objectively, not reconstructed from memory at occasional check-ins, and can be reviewed alongside your existing treatment team if you have one. We actively coordinate with outside providers, with your consent, because we believe integrative care produces better outcomes than any single clinic working in isolation. You can learn more on our frequently asked questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the antidepressant effect of ketamine last after an infusion series? For most patients completing a standard induction series, the reduction in depressive symptoms lasts approximately five weeks on average, with a range of roughly three weeks to two months. Individual responses vary considerably. Maintenance infusions, single booster sessions, can be used to sustain the benefit when symptoms begin to return, and some patients find they need these infrequently while others use them more regularly.

Does ketamine therapy work better for some conditions than others? The strongest evidence base exists for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, both of which are conditions we treat at Soft Reboot Wellness. There is also meaningful clinical evidence for ketamine’s effectiveness in anxiety. We assess the fit between your diagnosis and the available evidence during your consultation, so our recommendation is grounded in what the research actually supports for your specific presentation.

Will I remember my infusion sessions? Most patients retain some memory of the experience, though the altered quality of consciousness during infusion means those memories may be impressionistic rather than sequential. Patients are encouraged to journal or reflect in the hours and days following their session, while the experience is still accessible. Our integration coaching component is specifically designed to help you make sense of and work with whatever arises.

Can ketamine therapy be used alongside talk therapy or other psychiatric treatment? Yes, and we actively encourage it. Ketamine therapy works well as a complement to ongoing psychotherapy, many patients find their therapy deepens during and after a ketamine series, precisely because the neuroplastic window makes habitual thought patterns more available for examination. We coordinate with outside therapists and psychiatrists with your consent throughout your treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine works through NMDA receptor blockade in the glutamate system, triggering rapid neuroplasticity and BDNF increases that standard antidepressants do not produce on the same timeline.
• Clinical research documents significant antidepressant and anti-PTSD effects that often appear within hours, a fundamentally different experience from the weeks-long timeline of standard medications.
• The experience during infusion is time-limited, monitored, and for most patients more calming than distressing.
• Ketamine is an off-label treatment for mental health conditions; insurance coverage is inconsistent, and candidacy is determined individually through a medical and psychiatric review.
• Results vary by individual; combining ketamine with integration support, as in our KAP program, is associated with more durable outcomes.

Understanding what ketamine therapy does is the first step toward knowing whether it might be right for you. We are glad to continue that conversation in person. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to schedule a consultation at our Menlo Park clinic.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, producing rapid antidepressant effects through a mechanism distinct from traditional antidepressants. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5148235/
2. National Institutes of Health. NMDA receptors play a central role in synaptic plasticity and are the primary target of ketamine’s antidepressant action. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9965111/
3. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuron growth and long-term mood regulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684808/
4. Nature. Research suggests ketamine may also produce antidepressant effects by interacting with the brain’s opioid system, pointing to multiple mechanisms of action. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03800-w
5. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine has demonstrated rapid and significant antidepressant effects in clinical studies, often working within hours when traditional medications take weeks. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2024/new-hope-for-rapid-acting-depression-treatment
6. American Journal of Psychiatry. Research shows that both single and repeated ketamine infusions can treat treatment-resistant depression, with maintenance infusions extending the duration of benefit. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18070834
7. National Institutes of Health. Research supports the integration of psychotherapy with ketamine treatment, showing that the combination may produce more durable and meaningful outcomes than ketamine alone. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207256/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post What Does Ketamine Therapy Actually Do? A Complete Guide appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Before You Ever Arrive: The Intake and Consultation Process

Ketamine therapy at Soft Reboot Wellness begins by calling us at 650-419-3330 or emailing hello@softrebootwellness.com. We send you an intake packet to complete, Dr. Herman reviews it, and then determines whether to schedule a consultation. That consultation covers your mental health history, prior treatments, current medications, and what you are hoping to address.

If you have an existing psychiatrist, therapist, or prescriber, we contact them, with your explicit consent, to coordinate on your treatment plan. We are not a replacement for your existing care team; we work alongside them. For patients who do not have outside providers, we work independently and document everything through the Osmind EHR platform, which also includes a mood-tracking app you will use throughout treatment. You can get a detailed overview of what to expect from our clinical process on our dedicated page.

The medical and psychiatric consultation comes before any infusion is scheduled. Dr. Sara Herman or Dr. Natasha reviews your full history to determine whether IV ketamine therapy is appropriate for your specific situation. Not every patient who comes to us is a good candidate, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think we are the right fit. Ketamine is an off-label treatment for mental health conditions, meaning the FDA has not formally approved it for specific psychiatric diagnoses, and candidacy depends on a careful individual assessment.

The Day of Your Infusion

Plan to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. You will not be able to drive yourself home, this is a non-negotiable clinical requirement, not an abundance of caution. Most patients find it helpful to think of the infusion day as a rest day: clear your schedule afterward, have light plans for the evening, and arrive without rushing.

Eat a light meal two to four hours before your infusion and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior. Wear comfortable clothing. You are welcome to bring music, many patients find it significantly shapes the quality of their experience, and we have recommendations if you want them. Our post on music as medicine explores how sound can support the ketamine experience.

When you arrive at our Menlo Park clinic, you will be settled into a comfortable infusion space. Dr. Herman personally administers all IV lines and monitors all sessions from start to finish. A small IV catheter is placed, typically in the arm, and the infusion begins at a slow, controlled rate. Vital signs are monitored continuously throughout the session.

During the Infusion

Effects begin within minutes of infusion onset. What you experience will be personal, no two sessions are identical, and no two patients describe them in quite the same way. That said, certain qualities are consistent enough to be worth describing.

Most patients notice a shift in how their thoughts feel. The relentless quality of anxious or depressive rumination, the loops, the self-criticism, the weight of it, typically softens. Some patients describe it as the mental noise turning down. There may be perceptual changes: a dreamlike quality, altered sense of time, mild visual patterns with eyes closed, or a sense of the mind becoming loosened from ordinary reference points. Some patients experience emotional content, memories, feelings, or imagery that feels significant. Others find the experience largely calm and interior.

The dissociation that many patients fear beforehand tends, in practice, to feel less frightening than anticipated. You remain aware that you are in a clinical setting, that the experience is temporary, and that the care team is present throughout. Research confirms that side effects from a single antidepressant dose of IV ketamine are mild and brief, supporting its safety profile in clinical settings (National Institutes of Health). The session typically runs between 45 minutes and two hours depending on your protocol, and the acute effects resolve fully before you are discharged.

For patients in our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program, the in-office infusion sessions are two hours each. The extended time is designed to allow for a fuller experience and a gentler return, with space for initial reflection before you leave.

Immediately After the Session

The hour following infusion is a transition period. Most patients feel relaxed, occasionally tired, and emotionally open. Some feel moved by what arose during the session; others feel simply quiet. You will rest in the clinic space until you are fully alert and your vital signs have returned to baseline, this typically takes 30 to 60 minutes following the end of the infusion.

After your session, your integration coach checks in before discharge. You go home with your designated driver, and we recommend a gentle evening: no major decisions, no demanding social commitments, no alcohol.

The Integration Window: 48 to 72 Hours After

Research shows that 48 to 72 hours after a ketamine session is the optimal window for integration, the period during which the neuroplastic changes initiated by the infusion are most active and the brain is most receptive to new patterns (American Journal of Psychiatry). This is not the time to push through a demanding workload or ignore what arose during the session. It is the time to pay attention.

Integration coaching sessions are timed around this window. We use the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, a model in which different internal states, memories, and protective patterns are understood as distinct “parts” of the self, to help patients engage with whatever surfaced during the infusion in a structured, compassionate way. Dr. Herman has completed training in IFS combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy specifically because we believe this window, when used well, is where much of the lasting therapeutic work happens.

For all patients, we encourage journaling, light physical movement, and continuing to log mood data in the Osmind app so we can track your response across the full induction series. Our integration inspirations page offers additional resources for making the most of this period.

What the Full Induction Series Looks Like

A standard induction series at Soft Reboot Wellness involves four to six IV infusions over four to six weeks. Research shows that starting with a series of six infusions produces longer-lasting symptom reduction than fewer sessions, though we calibrate the specific protocol to your clinical response, some patients need fewer, some may benefit from more (American Journal of Psychiatry). Sessions are scheduled once weekly.

The reduction in depressive or PTSD symptoms following the induction series typically lasts approximately five weeks on average, with a range of three weeks to two months for most patients. Subsequent single maintenance infusions, booster sessions, may be used to sustain symptom improvement, typically scheduled anywhere from three weeks to three months after the initial series depending on your individual response pattern.

Addressing the Scheduling and Cost Questions

A ketamine infusion session does not require days of recovery. Most patients return to their normal schedules the following day. We offer appointment times that accommodate demanding professional schedules, because we work primarily with Silicon Valley professionals whose time constraints are real.

IV ketamine for mental health is an off-label treatment, and insurance coverage is inconsistent. We do not want cost to be a surprise, contact us at 650-419-3330 or hello@softrebootwellness.com before your consultation to discuss what the financial commitment looks like for your specific treatment plan. Results vary by individual, and we encourage you to discuss your options with your current providers before beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a difficult experience during an infusion? Challenging experiences during ketamine infusions do occur for some patients, and our clinical team is prepared for them. Dr. Herman monitors all sessions in person and can adjust the infusion rate or intervene if needed. Patients are never left alone during a session. If difficult emotional content arises, this is sometimes part of the therapeutic process, particularly for patients with trauma histories, and our integration coaching is designed to help you work with it rather than simply wait it out.

How will I feel the day after my first infusion? Most patients feel rested or emotionally lighter the day after. Some feel temporarily more fatigued than usual, particularly after their first session. A small number of patients experience mild headache or nausea in the hours immediately following infusion, though these typically resolve quickly. The day-after experience tends to improve across the induction series as the body adjusts.

Can I go back to work the day after a session? For most patients, yes. The acute effects resolve fully before you leave the clinic, and most patients function normally the following day. We recommend not scheduling high-stakes professional obligations on the infusion day itself or the immediate evening after, but the following morning is generally fine.

How do I know if the treatment is working? We track your response through the Osmind mood-tracking app throughout your induction series, so your progress is documented rather than relying on subjective memory. You and our care team review this data together. Meaningful symptom changes typically emerge across the first two to four infusions, though the timing varies between individuals.

What happens at the end of the induction series? At the end of your induction series, we review your mood data and clinical response with you and discuss next steps. Some patients do well without further treatment for an extended period. Others find that occasional maintenance infusions help sustain the gains they have made. We work with you and your outside providers, if applicable, to develop a follow-up plan that fits your actual response pattern.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine therapy at Soft Reboot Wellness begins with a thorough intake and consultation before any infusion is scheduled; not everyone who inquires is an appropriate candidate.
• Infusion sessions are personally administered and monitored by Dr. Herman; you will need a driver and should plan the treatment day as a rest day.
• The acute experience, altered perception, mental quieting, is temporary and resolves fully before discharge; for most patients it is calmer than anticipated.
• The 48 to 72 hours following infusion are the optimal integration window; our KAP program is specifically structured around this period.
• A standard induction series involves four to six infusions over four to six weeks, with maintenance sessions available afterward based on individual response.

Knowing what to expect removes one of the largest barriers to starting. If reading this has moved you closer to a decision, we are ready to continue the conversation. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to schedule your consultation at our Menlo Park clinic.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. NIH research confirms that side effects from a single antidepressant dose of intravenous ketamine are mild and brief, supporting its safety profile in clinical settings. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/side-effects-mild-brief-single-antidepressant-dose-intravenous-ketamine
2. National Institutes of Health. The National Institute of Mental Health highlights new research supporting ketamine as a rapid-acting depression treatment, offering hope for patients who haven’t responded to standard care. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2024/new-hope-for-rapid-acting-depression-treatment
3. American Journal of Psychiatry. Research shows that both single and repeated ketamine infusions can treat treatment-resistant depression, with maintenance infusions extending the duration of benefit. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18070834
4. National Institutes of Health. Research supports the integration of psychotherapy with ketamine treatment, showing that the combination may produce more durable and meaningful outcomes than ketamine alone. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207256/

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy: A Complete Session Walkthrough appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Why What You Bring to the Session Matters

Ketamine works in part by promoting neuroplasticity, temporarily loosening the brain’s entrenched patterns and creating a window of increased receptivity to change (National Institutes of Health). This window is not passive. What you choose to focus on, reflect on, or remain open to during and after the session can shape what the brain does with the new neural architecture the infusion creates.

Research on how psychedelic-type treatments promote healing points to the role of emotional processing and intention in determining outcomes (National Institutes of Health). Patients who approach their sessions with a defined intention, something specific they want to examine, release, or understand, tend to report more meaningful experiences than those who treat the infusion as something to simply endure or wait out. This is one of the central premises of our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program, which is built around the preparation and integration work that surrounds each infusion, not just the pharmacology itself.

None of this means you need to have a plan for every moment. The session should not feel like a performance or an assignment. The goal is to arrive with orientation, a direction, not a script.

Setting an Intention Before You Arrive

In the days before your session, we encourage patients to spend some quiet time identifying what they most want to bring into the experience. An intention is not a goal in the productivity sense. It is not “fix my depression” or “resolve my trauma.” It is simpler and more personal than that.

Some examples of intentions patients bring to sessions at Soft Reboot Wellness: an openness to understanding where a particular emotion is coming from; a willingness to observe a chronic thought pattern without being inside it; a desire to reconnect with something that has felt inaccessible, joy, creativity, a sense of self that existed before the depression took hold. These are starting points, not destinations.

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework that Dr. Sara Herman has trained in offers a useful lens here. IFS treats the mind as a system of distinct internal parts, some that protect, some that carry pain, some that have been exiled. A session intention framed in IFS terms might sound like: “I want to meet the part of me that keeps me working beyond exhaustion and understand what it’s afraid of.” This is more actionable than “I want to feel better” and more honest than pretending the session is simply a medication administration.

Mindfulness practice in the days before your infusion can also be helpful, not because the session requires you to meditate, but because the skills of present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation are genuinely useful when unusual internal experiences arise (Mindful.org). If you have an existing mindfulness or meditation practice, lean on it before your session. If you do not, even brief daily attention to breath and body in the days prior can create a more grounded starting point. Our post on five ways to turn inward offers practical techniques you can begin before your first session.

During the Infusion: Openness Over Control

Once the infusion begins, the most useful orientation is one of openness rather than control. The altered state ketamine produces, the quieting of ordinary thought, the perceptual shifts, the loosening of the usual mental categories, is working in your favor. Resisting it, or trying to steer the experience toward a predetermined outcome, tends to work against the therapeutic process.

If difficult emotions or memories arise, the most effective response is generally to observe them rather than either suppress them or intensify them. The IFS model is helpful here too: rather than identifying with a difficult internal state (“I am overwhelmed”), you can relate to it as information, a part of you that is asking to be seen. This perceptual shift is subtle but meaningful, and it is one reason Dr. Herman’s IFS training is built into the KAP program rather than treated as supplementary.

Some patients find it helpful to use music during their session, it provides structure to the experience and can serve as an anchor when the altered state becomes intense. Others prefer silence or nature sounds. We are happy to discuss music selection in your preparation session, because the choice matters more than most patients expect. Our post on music as medicine explores how intentional sound selection can deepen the therapeutic experience.

Above all: you do not need to figure anything out during the infusion. The neuroplastic work is happening whether or not you consciously direct it. Your role is less to think and more to receive, to stay present with whatever arises without forcing it toward resolution.

What to Do With What Arises

The 48 to 72 hours following a session are what researchers call the integration window: the period during which the neuroplastic changes initiated by the infusion are most active, and the brain is most open to consolidating new patterns and associations (National Institutes of Health). What you do in this window is not incidental. It is part of the treatment.

Journal. Not to produce polished writing, but to capture what arose, images, emotional residue, insights, questions. The specific language matters less than the act of externalizing what was internal. Patients frequently find that experiences that felt opaque during the session become clearer when written down in the hours afterward.

Move gently. Light walking, stretching, time outdoors, physical movement supports the integration process in ways that are not fully understood but consistently reported by patients. Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and stimulants during this window.

Bring the material to your next therapy session if you have an outside therapist. Many patients find that a ketamine series deepens their ongoing therapeutic work in ways they did not anticipate, the loosening of habitual defenses that the infusion produces often makes previously defended emotional territory more accessible.

Integration coaching sessions are timed specifically around this 48-to-72-hour window. Our certified psychedelic integration coach, trained by Being True to You, works with you to make sense of what the session opened and how to carry it forward. You can explore additional integration ideas on our integration inspirations page.

Preparing for a Full Series, Not Just One Session

It is worth framing the experience correctly from the start: a single ketamine infusion is the beginning of a series, not a standalone event. Research shows that repeated ketamine sessions produce cumulative antidepressant benefits and extend remission periods, each infusion builds on the neuroplastic foundation laid by the previous one (National Institutes of Health). Approaching the series as a sustained commitment, rather than waiting for one session to produce a definitive result, tends to produce better outcomes.

This means the intention and integration work is not a one-time exercise. Before each session in your series, we encourage you to revisit your intention, it may evolve across sessions, and that evolution is informative. After each session, the journaling and integration practices apply again. Mood data tracked through the Osmind app across the full series gives you and our clinical team an objective record of your trajectory.

Results vary by individual. Not every patient finds the intention-setting or integration work immediately natural, and that is normal. Our care team is here to support this process throughout, not just during the infusions themselves. For a complete picture of what each session involves day by day, see our full post on IV ketamine therapy at Soft Reboot Wellness.

Addressing the Practical Before and After

On the day of your infusion, we ask that you avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior and arrive having eaten lightly two to four hours beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing. Arrange your driver in advance, you cannot drive yourself home afterward, and this is a clinical requirement without exceptions.

Plan to protect the afternoon and evening of your infusion day. The most common post-session experience is feeling relaxed and emotionally open, but scheduling demanding commitments for the same evening works against the integration process. The following day, most patients return to their normal professional routines without issue.

IV ketamine for mental health is an off-label treatment, and insurance coverage is not standard. The cost commitment is real, and we encourage you to discuss it with our team at 650-419-3330 or reach us through our contact page at hello@softrebootwellness.com before your consultation so it is part of your planning rather than a surprise. We also encourage you to discuss all treatment options with your existing healthcare providers before beginning. Results vary by individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t know what my intention should be before a session? That is completely normal, especially before a first session. Our preparation session is specifically designed to help you identify a workable intention. It is a facilitated conversation, not a test. Arriving with openness and genuine curiosity is itself a strong starting point.

Is there anything I should avoid thinking about during a session? Rather than thinking in terms of avoidance, we suggest thinking in terms of orientation. Trying to suppress specific content tends to amplify it. A more effective approach is to hold a broader intention, openness, curiosity, compassion toward whatever arises, and let the session unfold from there. If something difficult comes up, the most useful response is to observe it rather than fight it or pursue it.

How do I know if my integration practice between sessions is working? Progress in integration is rarely linear or dramatic. Signs that it is working include: finding habitual thought patterns slightly more available for observation, noticing emotional states with a little more space between stimulus and response, or simply feeling incrementally more present in daily life. The Osmind mood data gives you an objective reference point alongside these more qualitative signals.

What role does my outside therapist play during the ketamine series? We encourage patients with existing therapists to bring the material from their ketamine sessions directly into their ongoing therapeutic work. The neuroplastic window opened by ketamine often makes previously defended emotional territory more accessible in therapy, many patients describe a ketamine series as accelerating months of therapeutic work into weeks. We coordinate with outside therapists with your consent throughout treatment.

Key Takeaways

• What you bring to a ketamine session, intention, openness, willingness to observe what arises, shapes the therapeutic outcome alongside the pharmacology.
• Setting a simple, honest intention before each session gives the neuroplastic window opened by ketamine a direction to work with.
• During the infusion, openness over control is the most effective orientation; resistance and forced steering tend to work against the therapeutic process.
• The 48 to 72 hours following infusion are the integration window, journaling, gentle movement, and reflection during this period are part of the treatment, not afterthoughts.
• Our KAP program at Soft Reboot Wellness is structured specifically around preparation and integration as clinical steps, not optional add-ons.

Preparation is how you meet ketamine halfway. If you are ready to start thinking about what this process might look like for you, we are glad to be part of that conversation. Call us at 650-419-3330 or email hello@softrebootwellness.com to schedule a consultation at our Menlo Park clinic.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. Research explores the neurological mechanisms behind psychedelic-assisted therapy, including how these treatments promote emotional processing and neuroplasticity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10786285/
2. National Institutes of Health. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, which may explain its rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8190578/
3. National Institutes of Health. Research supports the integration of psychotherapy with ketamine treatment, showing that the combination may produce more durable and meaningful outcomes than ketamine alone. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207256/
4. National Institutes of Health. Multiple ketamine infusion sessions have been shown to produce cumulative antidepressant benefits and extend remission periods in patients with depression. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6236511/
5. Mindful.org. An accessible overview of mindfulness practices and their documented benefits for mental health and stress management. https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post What to Think About During Ketamine Therapy: Preparing for Your Session appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Ready: Your Journey Begins

Your journey with us starts with a simple intake form, designed to gather essential information about your mental health history and treatment goals. Once you submit this form, our care coordinator will reach out to you to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have. We believe in a collaborative approach, so if you have a current provider, we will work with them—upon your consent—to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique background, goals, and values.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Sara, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your mental health journey in detail. This is a safe space for you to express your concerns and aspirations, allowing us to create a treatment plan that resonates with you. We understand that every individual is different, and we are committed to crafting a plan that aligns with your specific needs.

Reflect: The Power of Mindset

Before embarking on your ketamine therapy journey, it’s essential to cultivate the right mindset. We encourage you to set an intention for your treatment, approaching the experience with openness and curiosity. This mindset can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of ketamine.

To help you prepare, we introduce breathwork techniques that center your mind and calm your nervous system. Our partnerships with experienced breathwork teachers, such as those from The Othership and Jesse Gros, provide you with valuable tools to enhance your experience. We also recommend reading Breath by James Nestor, which delves into the science and benefits of breathwork, further preparing you for your journey.

Reset: The Ketamine Infusion Experience

The ketamine infusion session is where the magic happens. You’ll find yourself in a private, comfortable setting designed to promote relaxation and introspection. As you settle in, you’ll be equipped with noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience fully. We use Wavepaths music, specifically designed to enhance the therapeutic effects of ketamine, creating a soundscape that guides you through your journey.

Throughout the session, Dr. Sara or Dr. Natasha will be present, monitoring your vital signs in real-time to ensure your comfort and safety. The dosage of ketamine is carefully titrated to optimize emotional depth while maintaining your comfort. Many patients report feelings of floating, out-of-body experiences, and profound emotional processing during their sessions. This unique experience can lead to significant breakthroughs and insights, setting the stage for transformation.

Transform: Post-Treatment Integration

The journey doesn’t end with the infusion; in fact, it’s just the beginning. After your treatment, we emphasize the importance of integration. We utilize Osmind, a platform that allows you to journal your thoughts and feelings, track your mood, and reflect on your experiences. This process is crucial for understanding the shifts that occur during treatment.

We also encourage follow-up surveys and debriefing sessions with your therapist to discuss your experiences and insights. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the support you need as you navigate your healing journey. Additionally, we recommend lifestyle adjustments that can help maintain your growth, such as focusing on nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, and fostering connections with others.

To further enhance your experience, we have partnered with specialists who offer complementary care, including nutritionists and bodywork practitioners. This integrated support can help you achieve a holistic sense of well-being.

Enhance: The Induction Series

To maximize the benefits of ketamine therapy, we recommend a full induction series of six infusions spaced 5–7 days apart. This structured approach allows the effects of ketamine to build over time, leading to more profound and lasting changes. Each session is customized based on your feedback and the insights gained from previous treatments.

We ask for a two-session commitment to start, as this allows us to assess your response to the treatment and make any necessary adjustments. Our collaborative care model ensures that you are an active participant in your healing journey, with ongoing sessions tailored to your evolving needs.

Your Healing Journey Awaits

At Soft Reboot Wellness, we believe that ketamine is a powerful catalyst for change, but the true transformation comes from your own commitment and self-exploration. We are here to guide you every step of the way, providing the support and resources you need to embark on this transformative journey.

If you’re ready to explore the potential of ketamine therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and values. Contact us today to take the first step toward a brighter future.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post Explore Our Expert Ketamine Therapy Approach appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Why Soft Reboot Wellness Is Different

At Soft Reboot Wellness, we understand that each person’s journey is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to IV ketamine therapy, led by Dr. Sara, a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist with extensive training in psychedelic therapy and integrative medicine. Your safety is our top priority, and we ensure that every aspect of your treatment is tailored to your individual needs. Unlike other clinics, we focus on controlled dosing, a tranquil setting, and ongoing support, creating an environment where you can truly heal.

What You Can Expect from IV Ketamine Therapy

When you choose IV ketamine therapy at Soft Reboot Wellness, you can expect a controlled and precise process. Each session is designed to provide you with the optimal experience, allowing you to explore the depths of your healing potential. Our tranquil environment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your treatment.

During your sessions, you will be closely monitored by our compassionate team, who are dedicated to your well-being. We integrate wisdom from indigenous healing practices and modern medicine, creating a holistic approach that honors the sacredness of your healing journey.

A Sanctuary for Healing in Silicon Valley

Soft Reboot Wellness is more than just a clinic; it’s a sanctuary for healing. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, our space is designed to promote relaxation and introspection. We believe that healing is a sacred process, and we strive to create an atmosphere that fosters personal growth and transformation.

As you enter our clinic, you will be welcomed into a serene environment that encourages you to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Our commitment to your comfort and safety ensures that you can focus on your healing journey without distractions.

Expertise That Guides You

Your journey at Soft Reboot Wellness is guided by Dr. Sara, whose expertise in anesthesiology and psychedelic therapy ensures that you receive the highest standard of care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and chronic pain, Dr. Sara is dedicated to helping you navigate your healing process.

We utilize a five-pillar approach that encompasses emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects of your well-being. This comprehensive model allows us to address the root causes of your challenges, providing you with a holistic path to healing.

How We Support You Long-Term

At Soft Reboot Wellness, our commitment to your well-being extends beyond your initial treatment. We utilize the Osmind app to monitor your progress and provide ongoing support. This innovative tool allows you to track your experiences and share insights with our team, ensuring that your treatment remains aligned with your evolving needs.

We believe that healing is a continuous journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience and find lasting peace in your life.

Final Thoughts

Choosing Soft Reboot Wellness means choosing a path of healing that is rooted in safety, personalization, and deep care. We invite you to explore the transformative potential of IV ketamine therapy in a supportive and tranquil environment. Your journey towards healing and personal growth begins here.

Get in Touch

Are you ready to take the next step in your healing journey? We invite you to reach out to us at Soft Reboot Wellness. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

The post Discover Why Patients Trust Soft Reboot Wellness appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.