July 2025

This month’s newsletter highlights one of our beloved team members, the science behind what we witness in our patients every day, tools to help us stay grounded when life gets tough, and ways to support our greater community.

From the latest ketamine-related research and news to inspiring stories of recovery, we hope something here resonates with you and helps you stay connected to what matters most.

⭐️ Spotlight: Meet Eli, Our Therapy Dog

Healing comes in many forms, and sometimes it has four paws and a wagging tail. Meet Eli, our gentle and loving therapy dog at Innerbloom.

While she’s not a licensed clinician and doesn’t have letters behind her name, Eli is a cherished member of our team. She offers quiet support just by being present, and sometimes by climbing into your lap (when invited). Whether she’s greeting patients at the door or lying nearby during treatment, her calming energy helps ease anxiety and create a sense of safety and unconditional love.

🧬 Science

New Research Explains Why Ketamine Works So Well

Did you know that the IV form of ketamine contains two molecules, both S-ketamine and R-ketamine, while Spravato (the nasal form) only includes the S-molecule? A new study found that R-ketamine produces stronger, faster, and longer-lasting antidepressant effects than its S-counterpart. R-ketamine helps cells in the brain release a natural protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which facilitates more effective communication between brain cells, particularly in areas that regulate mood. This improvement in brain communication appears to be a significant reason why ketamine can relieve depression so quickly and powerfully.

🌎 News

Ketamine Helps Heal Ukraine’s War-Torn Veterans

At the Expio Clinic, Ukrainian war veterans suffering from debilitating PTSD—many unable to speak or walk due to trauma—are experiencing remarkable recoveries. One veteran’s stutter completely vanished after five ketamine sessions, while others have been able to release deep survivor’s guilt, regain mobility, and even return to active duty. As Ukraine faces a mental health crisis among its soldiers, ketamine therapy is proving to be a fast, effective alternative to years of conventional treatment, demonstrating its potential to restore lives and rebuild resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Are you a veteran who needs mental health support? Read this to find out how qualifying veterans can access IV ketamine therapy AND psychotherapy at no cost through Innerbloom.

Spravato Expands Access for Depression Treatment

Spravato, the FDA-approved nasal spray form of ketamine, continues to gain momentum as a new option for those with treatment-resistant depression. Earlier this year, the FDA approved its use as a standalone therapy, meaning it no longer needs to be combined with an oral antidepressant. This change gives providers greater flexibility and offers patients a more streamlined path to relief.

Meanwhile, in May, Australia began publicly subsidizing Spravato through its national health system, making it the first new class of antidepressant to receive government funding in over 30 years. These global developments reflect the growing recognition of ketamine’s impact on how we approach mental health treatment in 2025.

🌟 Patient Testimonial

This is why we do what we do at Innerbloom. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help—whether that means supporting you directly or connecting you with someone who can.

🧠 Wellness Tips

Sleep-Deprived? 4 Tools That May Help

Having struggled with insomnia for much of my adult life, I’m always looking for ways to function better after a night of poor sleep. Here are four science-backed strategies I’ve found helpful:

1. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains that incorporating high-intensity exercise into your routine can help reverse the negative effects of sleep deprivation. HIIT has been shown to offset many of the resulting metabolic disruptions, supporting overall health even when sleep is limited.
2. High-dose creatine: A 2024 study published in Nature found that a single high dose of creatine (approximately 25 g for a 70 kg person), taken during sleep deprivation, significantly improved processing speed, short-term memory, and metabolic markers within 3 hours. Remarkably, these benefits lasted up to 9 hours.
3. Yoga Nidra: Also known as non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), yoga nidra is a guided practice that brings the body into a deeply relaxed state, similar to sleep, but without actually falling asleep. It involves a systematic body scan in which you bring awareness to and relax each part of the body in sequence. Research suggests that just one hour of yoga nidra may offer restorative effects equivalent to approximately 4 hours of sleep!
4. Bright light exposure: Exposing your eyes to sunlight first thing in the morning helps reset your circadian rhythm, boost alertness, and enhance cognitive performance. Just 10 minutes outdoors can reduce morning grogginess, increase energy throughout the day, and improve your chances of better sleep that night. Note: Staring directly at the sun is neither necessary nor advised. 🙂

💛 Help Support Our Friends

As some of you may know, our dear friends, Dr. Sam Ko and Dr. Kim Ko, founded Reset Ketamine in Palm Springs—one of the first clinics in the country to provide ketamine therapy with deep heart and intentionality. They were instrumental in helping us open Innerbloom three years ago and continue to guide us with their wisdom, generosity, and friendship.

On May 17th, a devastating car bombing just 150 feet from their clinic forced them to close their doors. While we’re deeply grateful that no one at Reset was physically harmed, the blast caused significant damage and disrupted care for many patients in need.

Reset is an essential part of the Palm Springs community, offering life-saving treatment for depression, chronic pain, and more. We’re asking our Innerbloom community to help them reopen their doors as soon as possible.

🧡 Click here to donate or learn more

Even a small donation can go a long way in supporting this healing work. Thank you for supporting our mental health community.

📢 Stay Connected

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Don’t forget to visit our Blog for the latest news, research, and events.

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

CLICK TO BOOK A CONSULTATION

Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, PC

www.innerbloomketamine.com

@innerbloomkt

San Luis Obispo, CA

(805) 321-8471