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. ​ 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 (virtual, office or in-home).

I a Restorative Pricing rate system that is determined during the consultation process. You may also review the Restorative Pricing guide for an explanation of how this works. Rates typically fall in the range of $125-$200 per hour.

• 3-KAP Course: Intake, 2 preparation sessions, 3 KAP sessions, 3 integration sessions. $1500-$2400.
• 6-KAP Course: Intake, 2 preparation sessions, 6 KAP sessions, 6 integration sessions. $2625-$4200.
• 10-KAP Course: Intake, 2 preparation sessions, 10 KAP sessions, 10 integration sessions. $4125-$6600.
• 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. 

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 currently take the following insurance: Aetna, United, and Medicaid. I can also provide a superbill for those with out of network benefits for insurance reimbursement.

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.

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 voters took it further by passing the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), which allows for personal use of several natural medicines, and permits the regulated therapeutic use of psilocybin under the guidance of licensed facilitators. The Act is rooted in harm reduction, public health, and personal freedom, not commercialization or criminalization.

Under the NMHA, adults 21 and older are not subject to state criminal penalties for the personal use, personal possession, personal growth, and sharing (without payment) of certain natural psychedelic substances. These include:

• Psilocybin and psilocin (commonly called “magic mushrooms”)

• Mescaline (from non-peyote sources)

• Ibogaine

• Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

This means that personal, non-commercial activities involving these substances are decriminalized at the state level, reducing the risk of arrest or prosecution for adults engaging in them responsibly.

In addition to decriminalization, the NMHA creates a state-regulated framework for licensed Natural Medicine Services. This allows adults to access facilitated experiences at licensed healing centers administered by trained facilitators.

Participation in licensed services is optional. People do not need to use a healing center to benefit from decriminalization protections for personal use.

Important Notes

• The Act applies to state law; federal law still classifies these substances as illegal.

• Sales of natural medicine outside the licensed system remain prohibited.

• Local governments may regulate where licensed services operate, but cannot recriminalize personal use protected under the Act.

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.  

Psilocybin Therapy is available based on Restorative Pricing, which means there is a tiered pricing structure for psilocybin-assisted therapy in alignment with an anti-oppressive framework for increasing accessibility. This structure of pricing enables me to provide services to marginalized communities and individuals facing financial challenges.

Psilocybin Therapy is different than a facilitated or supported Mushroom Journey, Microdosing Coaching. Please see those pages for more information on rates and scheduling.

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: Ongoing therapy integrating psilocybin mushrooms for treatment of mental health symptoms/diagnoses.

An ongoing therapy container consisting of holistic psychotherapy integrated with natural medicine microdosing or macrodosing with the goal of mitigating or treating mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or addictions.

Restorative Pricing Sliding Scale Range: $125-$200/50-minute session. Dosing sessions are also offered on a sliding scale rate ($125-$200/hour)

I can also accept an HSA/FSA card/account. Insurance can also cover therapy sessions outside of any actual dosing sessions. For qualified mental health services, I currently accept Aetna, United, and Medicaid insurances. For other insurances I can provide an out of network superbill for you to seek reimbursement (for therapy services only).

To get more information get in touch.

Yes! However, there may be some caveats. I am a licensed mental health provider in the states of Colorado and New Mexico. I can only provide clinical mental health services (diagnosis, treatment plan, insurance) If you are in one of these states, or physically travelling to one of these states for services, I can offer therapy services. 

Outside of that, I offer harm reduction and psychedelic guidance support for those not requiring or wanting clinical mental health services. These services include: Acudetox, Mushroom Journeys, Microdose Coaching, Embodied Microdosing Program, Retreats, Groups & Workshops, and Trainings

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. View my Mushroom Journeys page for more information.

One of the ways I work in therapy is by incorporating the right level of psilocybin or plant medicine support for you. Not everyone wants or needs to start off at a high dose, and many people benefit greatly from starting with microdosing and/or low-dosing. A low dose is also known as a “mesodose” or “museumdose” – high enough to produced a slightly altered and open state but not so high to require a full hallucinatory journey. Working with any dose level is always a client’s choice and approached with reverence, care and through a solid harm reduction and safety-first approach.

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.

My private pay therapy rate is $200 per hour. I can also offer a sliding scale upon request, using the Restorative Pricing guide.

If you are in need of a lower therapy rate, you may also work with my student intern, Kyara, for a sliding scale rate as low as $20 per session.

For those with insurance benefits, I am currently in network with Aetna, United, BCBS, and Medicaid. For other insurances, I can offer an out of network superbill that you can submit for potential reimbursement.

Yes and there are a few options for out of state participants, including:

1. Clinical Mental Health Services: As a therapist, I am also licensed in New Mexico to provide clinical therapeutic services via telehealth. Therefore, I only provide clinical psychotherapy (holistic therapy, ketamine therapy, and psilocybin therapy) in the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
2. Psychedelic Coaching & Guidance: As a psychedelic and plant medicine coach, I offer microdosing and journeywork support (microdose coaching, mushroom journeys, Embodied Microdosing program) for people nationwide from an approach of personal sovereignty, harm reduction and safety.

It’s important to note psilocybin is federally illegal and only legalized, de-prioritized or decriminalized in certain areas. It is up to each individual person to know their local laws and regulations and make their own sovereign choices when it comes to microdosing psilocybin.