February Innerbloom Newsletter
Feb 04, 2025 1:01 pm
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
February 2025
With Valentine's Day approaching, I was reminded of a fascinating scientific story about love and connection. It comes from an interesting study led by Dr. Gül Dölen at the University of California, Berkeley, involving octopuses—typically solitary creatures—that were given MDMA.
Can you guess what happened?
If you’ve been following my monthly newsletter for a while, you know I’m a big fan of Dr. Dölen’s work on plasticity and critical periods. In a recent interview, she explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and their impact on the brain.
We have a lot to cover this month, so let’s dive in!
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🗞️ NEWS
Wisconsin Medicaid Now Covers IV Ketamine
As of January 1, Wisconsin Medicaid has taken a significant step forward by covering IV ketamine therapy for patients with major depressive disorder. This decision positions Wisconsin as one of the first states to provide IV ketamine through its Medicaid program, significantly increasing access to this life-saving treatment.
Thousands of individuals who might not otherwise afford this innovative therapy now have hope, especially those for whom traditional treatments have failed or financial barriers have been insurmountable. Will other states follow suit in 2025? Let’s hope so!
FDA Approves Nasal Ketamine as Monotherapy for Depression
The FDA has expanded access to the nasal ketamine derivative, esketamine, marketed under the brand name SPRAVATO. Previously, patients needed to be diagnosed as "treatment-resistant," requiring trials of at least two antidepressants and the concurrent use of an antidepressant during esketamine treatment. Now, patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder can qualify for SPRAVATO coverage without needing to take, or have previously taken, antidepressants.
While research demonstrates that IV ketamine is more effective than nasal esketamine, the advantage of SPRAVATO is its potential to be covered by some insurance providers.
At Innerbloom, we’re excited to announce that SPRAVATO will soon be available as a treatment option for our patients. Stay tuned for updates on our website!
Psychedelics in Modern-Day Psychiatry
Last month, The American Journal of Psychiatry dedicated a special issue to psychedelic medicine, highlighting the growing recognition of the legitimacy of psychedelic research in psychiatric treatment and marking a "renaissance" in the field.
With over 1,000 participants in modern clinical trials and billions of dollars in commercial investments, research on psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA demonstrates significant therapeutic potential, reaffirming their transformative role in modern psychiatry.
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🌈 The More You Know
Are you considering ketamine therapy, but want to ensure you’ve done your research before taking the next step? Start here with some key educational resources to help you make an informed and confident decision.
- Everything You Need to Know About Ketamine
- How to Select the Right Ketamine Clinic For You
- Preparing for IV Ketamine
- FAQs About Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health and Pain Treatment
- Five Myths About Ketamine Therapy
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📖 On the Blog
Journal Prompts to Supercharge Your Ketamine Therapy Integration Work: Journaling is an essential integration tool, especially after a psychedelic or ketamine session, as it helps you process and solidify your insights. To support you on this journey, our clinic manager, Libby, and Cindy Nelson, LMFT, have curated 35 journal prompts to help you get started.
Ketamine vs. Psilocybin, Ibogaine & Ayahuasca: How Do They Compare?
How does ketamine stack up against plant-based psychedelics like psilocybin, ibogaine, and ayahuasca? While all show promise for mental health, their mechanisms, safety, and accessibility differ greatly.
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Last month, Libby and I celebrated my 40th in stunning Sedona, Arizona. What better place to go ‘over the hill’ than on top of one?
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📢 Stay Connected
Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.
Follow us on Instagram for daily insights into ketamine therapy, clinic updates, and patient resources.
Don’t forget to visit our Blog for the latest news, research, and stories.
Thank You!
I appreciate your continued support and for taking the time to read! If you have questions, feedback, or topics you'd like to see covered, reply to this email. I would love to hear from you!
Warmly,
Ray Rivas, MD
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, PC
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 321-8471
