Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication with over 50 years of safe medical use. Originally developed as a surgical anesthetic, researchers and clinicians have since learned that at lower, sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine produces profound effects on mood, perception, and the brain’s capacity for change, offering new hope for conditions that have long resisted conventional treatment.

Over two decades of research has shown promising results for mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, substance use disorders, OCD, chronic pain, migraines, and end-of-life existential distress, among others.

Unlike most psychiatric medications that require weeks of daily dosing to take effect, ketamine often produces meaningful relief rapidly, sometimes after a single session. In the retreat setting, this opens a unique window: a period of heightened neuroplasticity during which integration practices such as breathwork, somatic therapy, nature immersion, and community can take root at a deeper level.

Ketamine is prescribed and administered under a rigorous clinical framework, integrating the latest research with deep ceremonial and somatic expertise to help clients deepen their understanding and relationship with themselves and with the world around them.

Mechanism of Action

Ketamine works through several interconnected pathways that distinguish it from conventional antidepressants and anxiolytics:

NMDA Receptor Blockade

Ketamine blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, rapidly reducing the neuroinflammation and overactive stress signaling patterns associated with depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.

BDNF & Synaptogenesis

Ketamine triggers a surge of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), stimulating the growth of new synaptic connections, literally rebuilding neural pathways worn down by chronic stress and trauma.

Default Mode Network Disruption

Ketamine temporarily quiets the Default Mode Network, the brain's habitual self-referential thought loop, allowing new patterns of perception, insight, and meaning-making to emerge.

Opioid & Monoamine Pathways

Secondary effects on opioid receptors and monoamine systems (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) contribute to its analgesic, mood-elevating, and dissociative properties.

Ketamine therapy has a growing body of clinical research supporting its use across a range of conditions. While ketamine is not FDA approved for mental health indications, its close cousin esketamine is approved.

The following list represents current off label uses from the literature:

• Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Bipolar depression (depressive episodes)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Fibromyalgia & central sensitization

• Neuropathic pain

• Migraine and cluster headaches

• Chronic low back pain

• Substance use disorders

• End-of-life existential distress

Not at all! Everyone facilitating this retreat has extensive experience assisting people in engaging in altered state work for the first time. This retreat is designed for both experienced and novice psychedelic practitioners within our supportive and safe environment.

There will be three ketamine sessions offered during the retreat. The first night, there will be a low dose whole group “meet the medicine” session, during which all participants will use a low dose of sublingual ketamine in a supported group setting.

The second day will offer a medium dose session, in which you will have a more inward, personal experience with the medicine.

The third day, you will have the opportunity to choose a larger dose which can facilitate a deeper experience, including potentially a fully psychedelic or even mystical experience.

All ketamine journeys will be fully supported by trained staff throughout the full medicine session and afterwards.

When used in a therapeutic, controlled environment, ketamine is rarely addictive. While ketamine addiction does occur, this is generally in the setting of street ketamine use. Unlike opiates or stimulants, ketamine does not tend to rewire the dopamine reward system in such a way as to cause craving or compulsive use. Our facilitators will ensure that the use of ketamine is done responsibly and within the therapeutic context of the retreat.

If you have a mental health diagnosis like PTSD, it's important to let us know in advance so we can assess whether ketamine-assisted meditation is appropriate for you. In many cases, ketamine has been shown to be helpful for individuals with PTSD, but it’s essential that our facilitators are aware of your history to ensure a safe and supportive experience. You will be asked to complete a medical/psychological intake screening form and intake zoom session with our medical providers prior to final acceptance, and your honest answers will allow us to create a safe and supportive experience for you.

Yes, there are certain medical conditions that may contraindicate ketamine use, such as:

• Severe heart conditions or high blood pressure

• History of psychosis or schizophrenia

• Active substance abuse disorder

• Certain neurological disorders

If you have any concerns or significant medical conditions, please share them with us beforehand so we can determine whether this retreat is right for you.

Profound experiences can bring joy and delight, or uncertainty and change, or both. Our team is experienced in the full spectrum of possible post-retreat effects and will offer teaching on a variety of integration practices. We strongly encourage all participants to attend the post-retreat integration zoom session.

Sapience facilitators are available for additional guidance as needed to help you integrate your experiences. Sapience offers low-cost ongoing integration sessions if needed as well as resources for finding a therapist.

First, fill out an application form and pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee, due with application submission.

Please reach out to pines@sapiencetherapy.com with any questions about your suitability for this retreat before sending in your application form, if you feel you may have a disqualifying condition. Not all conditions listed on the intake form are disqualifying!

Next schedule your medical intake evaluation, and pay the $325 fee.

After medical intake clearance, you will be given a link to the zoom prep session.

Remainder of the investment, $2050, is due upon completion of the medical intake. Scholarships and payment installments can be discussed on a case by case basis.

Application fee/deposit and medical evaluation/intake fees are non-refundable, unless screened out by the organizers.

We have a limited number of scholarships available on the basis of financial need, and to assist attendance for those from marginalized communities. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please send a brief description of your request to pines@sapiencetherapy.com and the team will review your application.

$100 - Nonrefundable application fee/deposit, due with application submission. This is to be paid at the time of the application, or the application will not be reviewed. (If you have questions about eligibility please reach out to us at pines@sapiencetherapy.com prior to application to confirm appropriateness.)

$325 - Medical evaluation/intake fee, due at the time of booking the appointment. If payment is not received prior to the intake, meeting time may be canceled.

$2050 - Remainder of the investment, due within 48 hours after the medical evaluation appointment, once the client is cleared.

Scholarships on the basis of need are discussed on a case by case basis. Installment payment plan available on request.

Application fee/deposit and medical intake fees are non-refundable, with the exception of a cancelled application due to being screened out by the organizers.

A 50% refund may be requested for the investment payment(s) if cancelling 60 days prior to the retreat start date.

In case of a medical emergency, we are happy to offer a spot at a future retreat offering.

Credit card policy: At the time of application, please pay the deposit by credit card and place card on hold. There are no credit card fees charged with the initial deposit. For future payments (intake and tuition) the cost will be charged to your credit card on file, plus a 3% credit card processing fee, on the following schedule:

• $325 medical intake fee at the time you are offered the intake schedule calendar.

• $2050 at the end of the next day after medical intake appointment completed (unless screened out - this should not happen if intake form filled out with all relevant info.)

If you prefer to avoid the 3% credit card fees, you are welcome to make payment by Zelle (ID welcome@sapiencetherapy.com) or check mailed to Sapience Therapy, 25 Bank Row Ste 3, Greenfield MA 01301. If using Zelle or check you must inform us at the time of scheduling your intake appointment.

Please note payment is expected to be received by these dates (day before intake for intake fee, and within 48 hours of intake for tuition) or you card will be automatically charged.

A preliminary daily schedule / agenda can be viewed here.