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.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become prevalent challenges in our lives. While there are various ways to address these issues, one unique and natural approach gaining popularity is aromatherapy. Among the many essential oils used in aromatherapy, lavender stands out as a powerful ally in combating stress and anxiety. In this blog post, we will explore the soothing benefits of lavender aromatherapy, backed by scientific evidence that highlights its positive impact on the central nervous system, particularly on NMDA receptors, like the mechanism of ketamine.

The Power of Lavender Aromatherapy:

For centuries, lavender has been valued for its delightful scent and numerous healing properties. When inhaled, the aroma of lavender essential oil interacts with the olfactory system, which triggers responses in the brain, influencing emotions, mood, and memory. This makes it an ideal candidate for aromatherapy, as the inhalation of lavender can quickly induce feelings of relaxation and peace, reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Scientific Evidence and NMDA Receptors:

Recent research, as cited in the study “Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets,” has shed light on how lavender essential oil affects the central nervous system. One of the key findings is that lavender interacts with NMDA receptors, similar to the way ketamine does.

NMDA receptors play a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters associated with learning, memory, and mood. By interacting with these receptors, lavender helps modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate, leading to a calming effect on the brain. This mechanism may contribute to its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Incorporating Lavender Aromatherapy into Your Routine:

Integrating lavender aromatherapy into your daily routine is simple and can be done in various ways:

Diffusing Lavender Essential Oil: Invest in a high-quality essential oil diffuser to disperse the soothing scent of lavender throughout your living space. Whether you’re at home or work, the calming aroma will create a serene environment.

Lavender-Infused Baths: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bathwater to create a relaxing and stress-relieving soak. The warm water will amplify the calming effects of the lavender, helping you unwind after a long day.

Lavender-Infused Massage Oil: Blend lavender essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or almond oil) to create a calming massage oil. Apply it to your temples, neck, and shoulders to relieve tension and promote relaxation.

Lavender Pillow Spray: Spritz a lavender-infused pillow spray on your bedding before bedtime. The gentle scent will help you drift off to sleep and enjoy a more restful slumber.

Aromatherapy with lavender offers a natural and effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety. With its calming effects on the central nervous system, including interactions with NMDA receptors, lavender stands as a powerful ally in supporting mental well-being. By incorporating lavender aromatherapy into your daily routine, you can create a safe and serene container for relaxation, helping you navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm and balance.

López V, Nielsen B, Solas M, Ramírez MJ, Jäger AK. Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets. Front Pharmacol. 2017 May 19;8:280. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00280. PMID: 28579958; PMCID: PMC5437114.

#Aromatherapy #LavenderEssentialOil #StressRelief #AnxietyRelief #NaturalRemedies #HolisticHealth #NMDAReceptors #Ketamine #BayAreaWellness #MenloParkTherapy #SoftRebootWellness #MentalHealthMatters #Relaxation #SelfCare #MindBodySpirit #HealingJourney #NaturalHealing #ScientificEvidence #CentralNervousSystem #WellBeing #AromatherapyBenefits #EssentialOils #CalmingEffects #SereneSpace #HealthAndWellness #StressManagement #AnxietySupport #HealthBlog #ExploreNaturalHealing #Mindfulness #SelfHealing #HolisticLiving #WellnessJourney

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

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.

The post The Aroma of Calm: How Aromatherapy with Lavender Eases Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

However beautiful, pregnancy and birth are complicated events, emotionally, logistically, and chemically. There is no single right way to feel. For some women, anxiety, apprehension, and sadness accompany the birth of their child. Perfectly normal women feel all sorts of complex emotions. But when difficult feelings persist, it’s likely these women may be suffering from a number of perinatal/postpartum mood disorders. Although postpartum depression is relatively well-known, perinatal and postpartum states can come with a host of mood disorders less commonly acknowledged.

Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders

The line between difficult emotions in complicated situations and mood disorders can be a fine one. Most women pass from the “baby blues” into whatever normal motherhood is supposed to be without much intervention. In some cases, though, the blues never stop, while in others, they get worse or more complicated. For some mothers, pregnancy can trigger a variety of uncommon mood disorders which will require some form of treatment, often within the first three-months after delivery.

Postpartum bipolar mood disorder

In a recent study, researchers found that about twenty-two percent of women diagnosed with postpartum depression were actually suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a combination of  depression and mania or hypomania. These moods can shift in accordance with triggers that are not entirely clear to those suffering or their loved ones.

The symptoms of this disorder include extreme despair, heightened elation, restlessness, disinterest in activities, irritability, excessive sleeping or insomnia, and being easily distracted. Some women may have suicidal thoughts. Diagnosing postpartum bipolar disorder requires close care and attention. The moods are not always clearly distinguishable and some come in the form of “mixed states” in which  both depressive and manic symptoms coincide. 

Postpartum psychosis

This is an extreme mood disorder that is quite rare and should be treated as a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of postpartum psychosis seek immediate medical attention. 

Postpartum psychosis occurs in roughly 1 out of 500 women. The most common symptoms include:

• hallucinations – hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that are not there
• delusions – thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true
• a manic mood – talking and thinking too much or too quickly, feeling “high” or “on top of the world”
• a low mood – showing signs of depression, being withdrawn or tearful, lacking energy, having a loss of appetite, anxiety, agitation or trouble sleeping
• sometimes a mixture of both a manic mood and a low mood – or rapidly changing moods
• loss of inhibitions
• feeling suspicious or fearful
• restlessness
• feeling very confused
• behaving in a way that’s out of character

Patients might be a risk to themselves and other, or even their babies.

Postpartum anxiety 

In a recent study examining postpartum conditions with the added stressor of COVID-19, over 1 in 5 women reported experiencing postpartum anxiety. According to Elena Ali, researcher at University of Calgary, this disorder is associated with, “disrupted mother–infant attachment, postpartum depression, reduced likelihood of breastfeeding, increased risk of infant abuse, delayed cognitive and social development in infants, and an increased likelihood of anxiety in children.” 

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety are typically:

• constant or near-constant worry that can’t be eased
• feelings of dread about things you fear will happen
• sleep disruption (yes, this is a hard one to pick out, since a newborn means your sleep will be disrupted even without having anxiety — but think of this as waking up or having trouble sleeping at times when your baby’s sleeping peacefully)
• racing thoughts

This anxious state can include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, severe headache, consistent panic attacks, and insomnia. The below diagnoses are more specific forms of postpartum anxiety disorder, with most women suffereing from more than one type. 

Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (P-PTSD)

For some women, childbirth can act as a stressor and trigger for post-traumatic stress disorder. When an event is registered traumatically, it can upend one’s sense of self or worldview. Women with P-PTSD usually experience anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, nightmares, and flashbacks to difficult times and experiences like hard labor and painful delivery. With our personalized approach and state-of-the-art facilities, we are dedicated to supporting your mental health and well-being. Experience the transformative power of ketamine therapy and take the first step towards healing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Bay Area ketamine clinic and discover the benefits of our specialized treatments for P-PTSD.

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorders

Women diagnosed with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder typically have intrusive thoughts – obsession – and feel the need to perform some behavior (or compulsions) repeatedly to alleviate the obsessive thoughts. Postpartum OCD has a powerful anxiety element. These women have thoughts that are centered around their babies’ health and well-being and may develop elaborate rituals to reduce the anxiety or display avoidant behavior that leads to the neglect of their child.

Although postpartum OCD may manifest differently in different women, some common symptoms include constant worry that their babies might be in danger, infanticidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming their spouses.

Causes of Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders

Although there is no one direct known cause of these disorders, there are some factors that can contribute:

• Hormonal causes like a decrease in progesterone and estrogen after delivery
• History of anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression
• Family history of mood disorders like depression
• Stress
• Challenging birth and post-birth situations like prolonged labor, c-section delivery, painful breast and breastfeeding, and so on.
• Hard life changes like an unsupportive partner, uncaring family members and friends, change of location, loss of job, illnesses, financial distress, etc.
• Peer and societal pressure to fit in the image of an ideal parent
• Past traumatic experiences

Conclusion

Pregnancy and parenthood are transformative times. Most media platforms glamorize thes states, highlighting only the glitziest scenarios. But as with anything worth doing, there are many risks involved and complications that may need to be addressed. Aside from depression, women can experience other perinatal/postpartum mood disorders such as postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, postpartum bipolar disorder, and even postpartum psychosis. These conditions can be extremely challenging, but there are effective medical treatment options. Contact us today to learn more.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

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.

The post Other Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders Besides Depression appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

Naturally, this pain disappears as the injury heals or as the body returns to health. However, in some cases, pain could span for months and sometimes years. This situation is often referred to as chronic pain syndrome. 

What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?

Pain that lasts for three to six months is considered chronic. It is an intense pain that frequently occurs after an injury, such as a severe bone fracture or a cut on the skin. In the case of chronic pain syndrome, the pain persists long after the body has recovered from the injury.

This is a common condition amongst Americans, with about 25% of adults experiencing chronic pain. In some cases, the cause of the pain could be identified, and in others, this might not be possible. One thing is for sure: continuous pain can affect a person emotionally and impair daily life.

Causes of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Sometimes, the cause of chronic pain syndrome is not known. These cases cannot be tied to an illness or physical injury. Healthcare providers speculate this might be linked to events such as stress or conditions that affect the endorphin level in the body.

In many cases, it could be pointed to an injury or a previous painful condition such as:

• Migraine and headaches
• Stroke
• Accidents
• Lower back pain
• Sickle cell anemia
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint problems
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Cancer
• Nerve damage
• Bone fractures
• Endometriosis: a case when tissues that ought to grow within the uterus grows outside of it.
• Fibromyalgia: when there is a pain in the muscles throughout the body
• Pelvic pain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Radiculopathy
• Surgical trauma
• Acid reflux or ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: a condition where there is inflammation of the digestive tract causing cramping and intestinal pain
• Repetitive stress injuries: when a particular body part is placed under the same strain or movement repetitively

People who have suffered long-term illnesses such as these can have chronic pain for a long while. Similarly, accidents and injuries can affect the body in different ways, such as lasting pains even after the injuries or diseases have been healed. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can be seen across different aspects of life such as physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle pains
• Fatigue
• Insomnia and sleep difficulty
• Mood swings
• Drug abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Suicidal thoughts

Risk factors of chronic pain syndrome

Certain risk factors make people more prone to chronic pain. These conditions include: 

Depression

Depression can trigger pain. Depression changes the way messages are sent to the brain and how they are interpreted. This response is sent to the nervous system, which then interprets it as pain. Health experts identify it as a psychogenic or psychosomatic pain. These conditions are caused by psychological factors.

Smoking

Smoking increases a person’s risk of developing a number of illnesses, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic pain diseases. 

Obesity

While there is still research on this, obesity predisposes people to several health conditions and can affect the rate of recovery. It is not uncommon that many people who complain about chronic pain have obesity issues.

Age

With an increase in age, there is a higher tendency to be prone to health conditions. Thus many people who complain about chronic pain are usually above the age of 65.

Conclusion

Pain that lasts a long time, typically longer than three months, is referred to as chronic pain syndrome. Whenever you are ill, suffer an accident, or have chronic discomfort, know that treatment is possible. We can help you find relief. Contact us today to get started!

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

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.

The post What is Chronic Pain Syndrome? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.