Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our practice, treatments, and what to expect on your healing journey.
General Questions
What can I expect from my first visit to Wholeness Center?
Initial visit lengths are practitioner dependent but can vary from forty-five minutes to one and a half hours, at which time your team member will take a detailed history of your health concerns. They may choose to do a physical exam, explore a therapeutic counseling session, order lab work or other tests. If you have already had tests done you may choose to bring a copy of them with you. Some natural medications or supplements may be prescribed and a treatment plan will be devised at this time.
Do you take insurance?
Currently we are not able to submit directly to insurance on your behalf. However, we provide a superbill and an invoice needed to self submit to insurance. Practitioners may order lab work and this is often covered by insurance plans without the need to self submit.
Can I make an appointment online through the ChARM electronic patient portal?
Yes, for participating providers at Wholeness. Online scheduling can be completed using our online patient portal. Additionally, appointments may be scheduled over the phone. Please call our office to schedule your appointments at 970-221-1106. We have in person, virtual and phone visits available.
I love what you are doing. Is there any way that I can support your efforts?
We have a federally approved non-profit, the Foundation for the Whole Child. This has 501(c)3 status that makes your donations tax deductible. In the short term, we will use these funds to offer scholarships to individuals of all ages for treatment at Wholeness Center. Please contact us at 970-221-1106 to make a donation.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to change an appointment please call our front office and they will assist you. We require one full business day (24 hours) notice for follow-up appointments and two full business days (48 hours) for new patient visits to cancel or reschedule. If we do not receive this notice prior to your appointment there will be a fee assessed.
What ages do you see?
We see individuals of all ages. Our staff is well-balanced and includes child, adolescent and adult psychiatrists/psychiatric nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, and therapists. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented practice towards mental health concerns.
Why do you do collaboration assessments?
We are all complex beings, and we would be foolish to state we would know exactly how you would respond to treatment just by meeting you one time. Collaboration visits are designed to bring experts in different aspects of mental health together so that we can build a plan together that is the most supportive for you with the most information to inform our decisions.
Ketamine Therapy FAQs
What is ketamine and how does it work?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used in hospitals and medical settings. First synthesized in 1956, ketamine was employed during the Vietnam War for surgical procedures and was approved for medical use by the FDA in 1970. In recent years, clinical researchers have discovered a range of additional applications for ketamine to treat psychological and medical conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use issues and chronic pain. Ketamine appears to work by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain, providing rapid and significant relief from mental health disorders. Research has shown that ketamine enhances the production of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) resulting in its antidepressant effects. BDNF also promotes neuroplasticity, helping your brain learn and adapt to break free from "stuck" patterns of mood, thought, and behavior.
What conditions can ketamine treat?
Studies show that ketamine can be effective in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and PTSD. Some people also seek ketamine treatment for psychological and spiritual exploration to gain a broader perspective on life and spirituality.
Is ketamine safe?
Yes. Ketamine is widely used as an anesthetic agent in medical practice, both in the US and around the world. It is regarded as extremely safe with minimal risks of cardiac issues or respiratory depression. Furthermore, the doses of ketamine provided during treatments at Wholeness Center are far below the levels used safely for anesthetic purposes. Most people experience a sense of calm and safety during ketamine treatment, which makes this an ideal medicine for someone trying a innovative for the first time.
Is ketamine addictive?
In the dosages and frequency of administration we utilize for treatments at Wholeness Center, ketamine does not pose any concerns for addiction. We carefully monitor all patients for tolerance and continually assess responses to treatment to optimize the benefits of ketamine in your care.
How quickly does ketamine work?
Ketamine's rapid response rate is one of its most significant advantages over SSRIs and other mental health treatment approaches. People will often notice benefits in a matter of hours, as opposed to weeks or months for other pharmacological treatments. Studies show that ketamine can facilitate acute reduction of depression, suicidality, and anxiety symptoms in patients within a day or two of treatment.
What is the difference between ketamine treatment and KAP?
As ketamine grows in popularity as a mental health treatment, ketamine infusion centers have become very common. At Wholeness Center, we believe that ketamine is best utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy in a model called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). This approach takes advantage of ketamine's ability to promote deeper states of self-awareness and accelerates its healing potential. In KAP treatments, patients collaborate with a therapist to better prepare for and understand the insights that typically arise during ketamine sessions. Additionally, KAP treatment emphasizes the importance of integration for optimal benefits.
What can I expect when starting KAP treatment at Wholeness Center?
Before you can begin ketamine treatment, you must first meet with one of our medical providers for an intake appointment. During this visit, we will explore the issues you are struggling with and evaluate your medical and psychological history to ensure you are a good fit for ketamine. If approved, you will be recommended to meet with a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy provider for a preparation session to learn about how KAP treatment works and what to expect, as well as to build a sense of safety and trust with your therapist.
Does ketamine have any side effects?
Some people may experience side effects from ketamine treatment. These are typically mild and transient, wearing off within a few hours following treatment. A few people may experience side effects that can include nausea and elevated heart rate or blood pressure. You will be carefully screened for underlying medical concerns prior to taking ketamine to ensure you are a good fit for this treatment. As needed, anti-nausea and antihypertensive medications may be administered to prevent or reduce any side effects.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we will guide you through the process.