Frequently Asked Questions

Here comes the science lesson.

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA ((N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain, increasing the availability of glutamate, which promotes neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to change and adapt). By inhibiting these receptors, ketamine increases the availability of glutamate, which then stimulates the growth of new neural connections and synapses, which can lead to rapid improvements in mood, cognitive function and shift patterns (eg. depression and anxiety).

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, research has shown that ketamine offers rapid relief, making it particularly valuable for treatment-resistant depression, and other difficult-to-overcome mental health disorders.

Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic but can produce psychedelic effects at certain doses, which opens up opportunities for more spiritual effects and transformations.

Research links:
Krystal, J. H., Sanacora, G., Duman, R. S. (2013). Rapid-acting glutamatergic antidepressants: the path to ketamine and beyond. Biological Psychiatry, 73(12), 1133-1141.
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Berman, R. M., Cappiello, A., Anand, A., et al. (2000). Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. Biological Psychiatry, 47(4), 351-354.

Before we move forward with ketamine-assisted therapy, you’ll undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. 

KAP is often suitable for those dealing with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or related conditions that haven’t responded to conventional treatments.

Factors such as overall physical health, medical history, and any contraindications (e.g., substance abuse or certain medical conditions) will be assessed prior to engaging in ketamine therapy. Some of these contraindications include (but are not limited to):

• Manic Bipolar
• Schizophrenia/Psychosis
• Uncontrolled hypertension or glaucoma
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Some personality disorders/traits

​Also, having a supportive environment and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic process are important considerations for maximizing the benefits of ketamine therapy.

KAP involves an intake and preparation process, followed by alternating ketamine and integration sessions. 

During the intake we will determine an estimated number of sessions (generally between 6-10), as well as the location for the sessions (in-home or virtual). 

Here’s the breakdown of costs:

• KAP Intake: $185.
• ​KAP Preparation: $150/session (minimum of 2 sessions recommended, with more available if needed).
• KAP Integration: $150/session. (minimum of 1 x integration session per KAP session required)
• ​KAP Sessions (virtual or in-office): $300-$450/session
  2-3 hours are reserved for sessions, with flexibility to adjust the time as needed. The first session is typically 3 hours, with the option to reduce the time for subsequent sessions.
  Virtual sessions require a chaperone to be present at your location (but not necessarily in the same room). Their role is minimal, acting as a contact point if needed. In-office sessions require you to have a ride to and from as you will not be able to drive afterward.
• KAP In-Home Option: +$50/session. Sessions are held in person at your home. This is an ideal option if you don’t have a chaperone available for your KAP session. There is a $50 fee for in-home services in addition to the typical KAP Session fee listed above.

Total cost estimates for the full KAP program:

• Virtual or In-Office Sessions: $3,335 – $5,135 (for 6-10 sessions)
• In-Home Sessions: +$300-$500 add-on (for 6-10 sessions)

These estimates cover the full process, from intake and preparation through integration and KAP sessions. Costs may vary based on the number of sessions required.

Some portions of ketamine-assisted therapy for qualified mental health disorders may be covered under insurance. I take the following insurance: Cigna, Aetna, United, Medicaid & BCBS/Carelon. 

I offer both in-person and virtual KAP sessions.

• In-person sessions: Held at my office space in Lafayette, CO or at your home in special circumstances. In-home services incur additional fees. 

• Virtual sessions: You’ll need a “chaperone” present to ensure your safety.A chaperone is someone I can contact if needed during your session if anything comes up. Their role is generally minimal and they do not have to be in the same room as you. 

First sessions typically last 3 hours, with following sessions reserved for 2-3 hours based on your needs.

During the intake we will estimate a number and frequency of KAP sessions specific to your treatment needs.

Typically a KAP program will include between 6-10 sessions, with integration sessions in between. 

The frequency of KAP sessions can be anywhere from once per week to every other week, depending on your needs. 

Yes, you can continue taking most medications like antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) while undergoing ketamine-assisted therapy. They don’t interact negatively with each other.

During your medical evaluation, you’ll review all your medications and supplements and receive a personalized plan for any contraindications.

I always look at the big picture and how our body, mind, and spirit are interconnected. I chose Dover Square Park because of the healing power of nature (and it’s a relatively quiet location with few distractions). Here, you can fully ground yourself with the earth and feel the energy of the outdoors supporting your journey.

During the session you’ll also have the option to receive a guided meditation or sound healing and ear seeds that remain on for up to a week and help to extend the effects of your session.

Absolutely! Acudetox integrates seamlessly with other therapies, whether it’s traditional talk therapy, plant medicine, or full retreats. This approach not only helps balance your energy, build mindfulness, and deepen your connection to yourself, but it also supports integration by facilitating the continued release of emotions and detoxification of the body. Many people find that acudetox enhances clarity, helps release stored emotions, and fosters a sense of alignment—especially when combined with other holistic practices.

Acudetox helps release the tension that builds up from stress, trauma, or life’s challenges. Many people find they sleep more peacefully, feel calmer, and notice anxiety lift in ways they hadn’t felt possible. It offers a non-verbal path to healing that gently supports your resilience, helping you feel more connected and empowered.

For some, acudetox provides immediate relief from anxiety and builds a foundation of inner strength to better manage fear, anger, and feelings of helplessness. It supports you from the inside out.

We use tiny, sterilized needles, designed to be minimally invasive. You might feel a small pinch when they’re first applied, but most people find the experience relaxing and pain-free. Sometimes the ear can feel a bit tender afterward, but it’s usually mild and fades quickly. As a gentle reminder, be sure to eat beforehand for the best experience.

While rare, some people might experience a mild headache or slight flushing. In those cases, we can simply remove the needle or ear seed, which typically relieves any discomfort.

Further reading: NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) 

Acudetox focuses on five points in each ear, each linked to a different part of your body. Two points (the sympathetic nervous system and Shen Men, or “heavenly gate”) help reduce stress and create a sense of calm, while the other three points connect to major organs: the liver, kidneys, and lungs. These points release physical and emotional tension and help balance your body’s natural energy.

Once the needles are in place, it takes a few minutes to begin feeling the effects, with the needles remaining in place for around 45 minutes. Afterward, I can apply ear seeds to specific points to prolong the benefits, which typically last up to a week.

Yes, acudetox can be beneficial for children, especially for mood support, better sleep, and managing symptoms like ADHD. For those under 13, I offer ear seeds instead of needles. Ear seeds provide a gentle way for kids to experience the benefits without the need for needles. For older children and teens, acudetox with needles is available with parental consent.

Psilocybin works by temporarily quieting the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is responsible for repetitive, ego-based thought patterns. This allows the brain to break free from old loops of negative thinking and gives rise to new perspectives and insights.

On a physiological level, psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors, which is why it can have such a profound impact on mood, perception, and cognition. These shifts often lead to emotional release, spiritual awakenings, and deep personal healing.

Further reading and resources: 

• Article: “Neuroplasticity and Receptor Activity”
• Article: “Effects on Serotonin and Emotional Processing”
• Leading research center: John Hopkins University 
• Study: Ross et al. (2016):Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer

In May 2019, Denver became the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, making personal use and possession the lowest law enforcement priority. This was a significant step toward changing the legal landscape for psilocybin.

In November 2022, Colorado took it further by passing the Natural Medicine Health Act, which allows for personal use of several natural medicines, and now permits the regulated therapeutic use of psilocybin under the guidance of licensed facilitators. 

These regulations allow safe and structured access to psilocybin for mental health and substance use disorders, while still providing space for personal use of natural medicine.  

​At this time, it is unclear what a full course of psilocybin therapy may cost under the regulated access model in 2025. I am committed to making treatment as accessible as possible by keeping costs as low as possible. One of the ways I do this is by taking insurance for services that are covered. This can include preparation and integration sessions but does not include the administration/medicine sessions yet at this time. Please reach out for an initial consultation to discuss rates. 

I understand cost is often the most prohibitive factor for most and I do my best to compensate for this, by offering a sliding scale when I can. If this is something that would help support your healing journey, please let me know when we first speak. 

Please note: Additional fees apply for travel outside of a certain radius.

To get more information get in touch.

Yes! If you’re planning to visit CO and want to include a psilocybin experience in your itinerary, please reach out at least 3 weeks in advance. This allows ample time for preparation and helps ensure that your preferred dates are available.

If you’re unsure about a full psilocybin session, low dose psilocybin sessions or ketamine-assisted therapy may be another great option that offers similar benefits. We can explore what might work best for you during a 30-minute free discovery call.

Not at all. This journey is tailored to you. Whether you’re new to these practices or have some experience, we’ll work with whatever feels right for you. I’ll guide you at a comfortable pace, introducing tools and practices gradually.

Holistic psychotherapy goes beyond just talking through issues. We incorporate mindfulness, parts work, and body-centered practices to connect with all aspects of who you are… mind, body, and spirit. This approach opens up new paths for healing, especially if conventional therapies haven’t fully addressed your needs.

Yes, holistic psychotherapy can be very effective for those facing treatment-resistant conditions like major depression or chronic anxiety. By integrating mind-body practices and, when appropriate, psychedelic support, we can explore new avenues for healing where other therapies may have fallen short.

If you’re feeling drawn to explore alternative healing or want an approach that looks at the whole self, holistic therapy could be a meaningful path for you. Reach out for a consultation, and we can talk through any questions to see if it aligns with what you’re looking for.

Holistic psychotherapy can be accessed either through insurance benefits or by privately paying for services. And to enhance access to treatment, I can offer a sliding scale option for those in need.

Therapy Intake: $185

Therapy Sessions: $175/session (for hour-long session).

Insurance benefits may cover all or a portion of your treatment (with the exception of any co-pays required). I accept the following insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Medicaid, United/Optum, and Carelon/BCBS/Anthem.