April Innerbloom Newsletter
Apr 17, 2026 5:31 pm
April 2026
This month, we’re sharing a few updates in the world of ketamine and mental health care—from France becoming the first country to approve IV ketamine for acute suicidal crisis, to new real-world data on SPRAVATO. We’re also excited to introduce a new Peer Connection Program designed to help our clients connect, reflect, and support one another beyond the treatment room.
As always, our goal is to keep you informed while sharing what we find both interesting and genuinely helpful.
🌎 Beyond Clinical Trials: Real-World Evidence for SPRAVATO
The recently published ECHO study followed patients receiving SPRAVATO in real-world clinical settings—not tightly controlled trials. In practice, patients are often more complex than trial populations, frequently presenting with comorbid conditions like anxiety or PTSD. The study showed sustained symptom improvement over time, with depression scores continuing to decline the longer treatment was continued.
We’ve seen this same pattern at Innerbloom, where many patients continue to improve months after starting treatment. Interestingly, a subset of patients maintained symptom stability for up to six months after discontinuation. This highlights a key difference with ketamine-based therapies: benefits often persist well beyond the presence of the medication in the body, unlike conventional antidepressants, where effects tend to fade as the drug clears your system.
This kind of data matters. While clinical trials are essential for approval, they don’t always reflect what treatment looks like in everyday practice.
🇫🇷 Frances Approves IV Ketamine for Suicidal Crisis
France has become the first country to approve IV ketamine for acute suicidal crisis. This decision is supported by clinical trial data, including the KETACRISIS trial, which demonstrated rapid reductions in suicidal symptoms within 24 hours of treatment. Unlike Spravato, which is administered in outpatient settings for major depressive disorder, IV ketamine allows for rapid, titratable dosing within emergency departments or inpatient units, making it uniquely suited for high-acuity situations.
This development raises important questions about how psychiatric emergencies are treated in the U.S. and may signal a shift toward broader acceptance of ketamine-based therapies to address true psychiatric emergencies.
👥 A New Way to Stay Connected After Treatment
We’re excited to introduce our new Peer Connection Program, designed to connect clients with other like-minded individuals who have undergone treatment at our clinic. The goal is to offer an additional integration resource, a free, supportive way to process experiences, share insights, and connect with someone who truly understands the experience. This program is completely voluntary, and there is no cost to participate.
For those interested, the first step is to request and sign a Peer Connection Authorization form and submit a short, anonymous introduction about yourself. From there, we’ll share an introduction from a potential match, and you can decide if you’d like to connect. If so, we’ll provide their authorized contact information, and you can reach out at your own pace.
We’ve had many clients express interest in group meetups or opportunities to connect with others. While we recognize how personal and private ketamine therapy and Spravato can be, we hope this program offers a thoughtful and comfortable way to foster meaningful connection to support your ongoing mental health growth.
Please email [email protected] to get started.
🧊 A 5,300-Year-Old Approach to Healing
Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps, was found carrying pieces of medicinal fungi—most notably birch polypore, a mushroom known for its antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties. Because his body was naturally preserved in ice, researchers have been able to study his health in remarkable detail.
It turns out Ötzi suffered from intestinal parasites, and the presence of this mushroom was likely intentional—used as a form of treatment. Interestingly, he also had a series of tattoos along areas that would have had chronic pain, which many believe may represent an early form of acupuncture.
Taken together, these findings suggest that even thousands of years ago, humans were actively experimenting with ways to treat illness and support their well-being— using the natural world as medicine.
At Innerbloom, while our tools are more advanced and our understanding more refined, the underlying drive is the same: to explore safe, effective treatments that help people feel better.
🥾 Innerbloom Recommendations
As we move into longer days here on the Central Coast, it’s a great reminder that one of the most powerful antidepressants and mood boosters is exercise! Getting outside, exposing your eyes to sunlight, and working up a sweat can have a huge impact on both your physical and mental health.
One of our favorite forms of movement? Hiking!
If you’re looking to mix things up, check out Day Hikes Around San Luis Obispo for inspiration—it’s a great way to discover new trails in the area. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with local favorites like:
- Pismo Preserve
- Cerro San Luis (aka Madonna Mountain)
- Reservoir Canyon
- Montaña de Oro State Park
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About Newy
A supplement formulated by Dr. Rivas for enhanced brain and mood support. The formula pairs especially well with ketamine therapy by helping extend and enhance the neuroplasticity effects. That said, the ingredients are equally effective on their own, so it’s a supportive option whether or not someone is undergoing ketamine treatment.
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
