Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug. In doses lower than used in anesthesia, it creates an altered state of consciousness. At a low dose, this can be a mild state of relaxation and openness; at a higher dose, it can induce a profoundly psychedelic or mystical state. Ketamine is used off-label in the treatment of depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. It is also known for its ability to engender neuroplasticity and facilitate increased cognitive flexibility. In this retreat, we will take advantage of ketamine’s unique consciousness altering properties to facilitate inner inquiry, self compassion, release of limiting beliefs, and community connection.

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. text goes here

There will be three ketamine sessions offered during the retreat. The first night, there will be a low dose group “meet the medicine” session, during which participants will be invited to relax into the safety of community while using a low dose of sublingual ketamine.

The second and third days will allow participants to experience higher doses (either sublingual or intramuscular), personalized to facilitate your inner explorations. Your dosing will be discussed and decided on for each journey, together with Dr. Scott on site, calibrated to support your desired experience, from careful contemplation to transpersonal mystical experience.

All sessions will be conducted in a group setting, with facilitators actively supporting participants in no less than a 1:2 ratio. There will be alternative space available should anyone need more privacy or one on one attention from Dr. Scott or Dr. Rajanna.

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 work 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 have a medical / psychological intake session with Dr. Scott 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 to support this process.

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

First, applicants will fill out the initial application here, and pay the $100 application fee (applied to your total cost on acceptance). If you have any questions about whether this retreat is a good fit for you medically, psychologically, or otherwise, please reach out to us at welcome@sapiencetherapy.com to inquire before paying the application fee, which is not refundable.

Upon acceptance, the remainder of your tuition will be due within one week to confirm your place in this retreat. If you require a payment plan, please inquire to arrange this.

Upon acceptance, participants will receive a scheduling link and payment link to arrange for a medical intake and a ketamine prescription. The ketamine will be sent to Sapience’s clinic and dispensed to you at the retreat during sessions.

The application fee is non-refundable. Full payment is due at the time of receiving the acceptance email. A 50% refund may be requested if cancelling 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Please note all fees are non-refundable beyond this date. No refunds will be issued for the medical intake fee once this intake has taken place.

In the case of a Covid-19 infection or a medical emergency, please provide appropriate documentation. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will be subject to loss of credit card processing fees.

Please note that participants will be required to complete a rapid covid test at home within 24 hours of the retreat.