Transform yourself with guided psychedelic experiences in Austin, TX

You’re seeking a path to better mental health and personal growth? We understand the struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic pain. It’s a journey that requires a safe, nurturing space and the right support. Our ketamine treatments are safe, legal, and highly effective, with 91% of patients reporting relief since beginning treatment.

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Your guide to transformation

Our team of skilled medical professionals combines the transformative power of psychedelic medicine with compassionate integrative care, empowering you on your healing journey.

We’re dedicated to creating a safe, uplifting experience, guiding you with personalized programs grounded in science and proven practices. Your journey towards healing and personal growth is our priority, and we’re committed to being a supportive ally every step of the way.

What to expect with Ketamine-assisted therapy?

At a sub-anesthetic dose, ketamine temporarily disrupts normal brain communication patterns. It can result in rapid changes in brain connectivity and neuroplasticity, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects.

During ceremonial guided Ketamine-assisted therapy, members often experience an altered state of consciousness. This shift can bring a sense of detachment from everyday thoughts and feelings, offering a new perspective on personal challenges. It’s common to feel a disconnection or dissociation from the physical body, almost as if observing oneself from a distance. This sensation can be instrumental in exploring deep-seated emotions and thoughts in a safe and controlled environment.

Experiences with Ketamine can vary significantly between individuals. The depth and nature of the dissociative experience, the insights gained, and the emotional responses all differ, influenced by personal psychology, the mental health conditions being treated, and individual life experiences.

Watch this short testimonial story to see what our clients’ experience and transformation looked like:

TREATMENT PACKAGES

15% off for returning clients and veterans

HEAL Program

An Introduction to Ceremonial Psychedelic Therapy

Call for pricing – 512-515-9434

Medical Consultation
Preparation Session
3 Guided Ketamine Sessions
Integration Program
- 2 Coaching Sessions
- 1 Therapy Session
- 1 Month Connect Membership (unlimited classes)
- 2 IV Therapy Drips

AWAKEN Program

Full, Comprehensive Transformation Program

Call for pricing – 512-515-9434

- Medical Consultation
- Preparation Session
- 6 Guided Ketamine Sessions
- Integration Program
  - 3 Coaching Sessions
  - 3 Therapy Sessions
  - 2 Months Connect Membership (unlimited classes)
  - 4 IV Therapy Drips
- Holistic Health Program
  - Initial 60-minute intake consultation
  - Full panel blood work and gut biome program
  - 2 functional medicine visits with our medical team

How it Works

We’re committed to walking with you every step of the way on this journey.

Step 1: Intake

The universe speaks when you stop and listen

Schedule a complementary consultation with our Admission team. We assess your medical history and current medications to confirm ketamine is an appropriate treatment. We work together to decide what treatment package is best for you.

Once you decide Within is right for you, we will schedule your onboarding call and medical consultation. We’ll go over your medical history, schedule your first ketamine session and first coaching or therapy session.

Step 2: Onboarding and Consultation

Step 3: Starting treatment

Once you are ready, you will start treatment at the Center. The number of ketamine sessions you will receive depends on your treatment package. We also encourage everyone to attend our integration classes during treatment.

Your therapist and coach will work with you with the intention of helping you gain insights after each journey to integrate into your daily life. Our integration classes are included in your package as part of your treatment! Once you’re done with your package, you can decide to continue treatment at Within with therapy and coaching add-ons.

Step 4: Integration and post-care

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychedelic therapy and how does it work?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves the use of psychedelic substances, such as LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and others, in a controlled therapeutic setting. This form of therapy is aimed at treating various mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance-use disorders. The approach is based on the principle that psychedelic substances can facilitate profound psychological insights and emotional processing.

Ethical considerations and safety protocols are vital in psychedelic therapy. The involvement of trained therapists and adherence to professional guidelines are essential to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the clients. The participant must first undergo a medical and psychiatric intake to ensure the experience will be the right option for them. Next, the psychiatric team prepares them for the experience beforehand, discussing what to expect and how to ease their mindset leading up to it.

With ketamine-assisted therapy, on the day of treatment, a medical professional administers the psychedelic intramuscularly while the participant lays down with an eye mask and listens to music. A guide provides breathing techniques and reassurance if adverse effects should arise. The session is followed by a coaching session and a therapy session to recount the experience, describe their feelings during and after, talk through lingering questions, and glean key insights or takeaways.

How is Within different from online ketamine treatments?

Within offers an in-person, holistic approach to treatment that differs significantly from online ketamine treatments. In-person sessions at Within are designed to enhance the therapeutic experience through a ceremonial atmosphere, incorporating elements like guided rituals, personal interaction, and immediate support from healthcare professionals. This environment is meant to foster deeper emotional processing and potentially lead to more meaningful and lasting therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the integration process is more comprehensive, allowing for immediate, face-to-face discussions and reflections that can aid in translating psychedelic experiences into tangible, positive life changes. This contrasts with online treatments, which may lack the depth of personal interaction and the rich, immersive environment of in-person therapy.

How is ketamine different from antidepressant prescription drugs?

Ketamine differs from traditional antidepressants in several ways:
Mechanism of Action: While traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs work by altering neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, ketamine acts on the NMDA receptors and affects the glutamate system, related to neuroplasticity.
Speed of Effect: Ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects within hours or days, in contrast to traditional antidepressants which often take weeks.
Administration and Treatment Regimen: Ketamine is usually administered in a clinical setting as an infusion, in a series of sessions, unlike daily intake of traditional antidepressants.
Effectiveness in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Ketamine is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, where other antidepressants have failed.
Psychotherapeutic Potential: Ketamine's psychoactive properties can facilitate significant psychological insights, which can be integrated with psychotherapy for enhanced benefits.
Ketamine's unique properties make it a valuable option for certain individuals, especially those not responding to conventional antidepressants. However, it's not suitable for everyone and should be used under medical supervision.

What’s the difference between the HEAL and the AWAKEN package?

Both packages contain ketamine treatment sessions, coaching and therapy. With the AWAKEN package, you can take your journey deeper with three additional ketamine sessions, extra coaching sessions and therapy sessions. You also get access to a full blood work package, a personalized wellness plan and nutritional support.

Isn’t ketamine dangerous and addictive?

While ketamine has been used safely since the 1960s for pain and anesthesia, it can be addictive when misused, particularly in recreational settings. However, when administered by medical professionals in a clinical setting, the risk of addiction is low

Are Within’s programs covered by insurance?

Ketamine is not currently covered by insurance, but we’re working on it! In the meantime, you can use a FSA or HSA account.

Does Within accept payment plans?

Yes. All outpatient treatment can be financed through our partner Advance Care for up to 15 months at 0% interest. To learn more about Advance Care and apply for financing, click here. For retreats, a deposit is required to secure your room.

Does Within offer financial help or grants?

No. At this time, we do not offer financial help or grants. Returning clients and veterans get 15% off the HEAL and AWAKEN package.

Am I eligible for ketamine therapy?

Not everyone is a good fit for ketamine-assisted therapy. If you’re under 18, pregnant or planning a pregnancy in a near future, have known unstable cardiac issues, suffer from a psychotic disorder, ketamine is likely not right for you. You can call our Admission line to learn more about prerequisites at (512) 515-9434.

Is ketamine-assisted therapy legal?

Ketamine therapy in the United States is legal when used off-label by medical professionals in clinical settings. Ketamine, a Schedule III controlled substance, is approved as an anesthetic but is increasingly used for treating mental health issues like depression and PTSD. Clinics administering ketamine must adhere to specific medical standards and regulations

Is ketamine-assisted therapy effective?

Growing research indicates that ketamine has efficacy in treating various psychiatric disorders. However, individual responses to ketamine therapy can vary. The effectiveness of ketamine treatments is enhanced when combined with other therapeutic approaches. These may include traditional psychotherapy, integration coaching, movement-based therapies, meditation, and personal introspection. By integrating ketamine with these modalities, a more holistic approach to mental health treatment is achieved, potentially leading to more significant and lasting improvements in psychiatric conditions.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Please call us at (512) 515-9434 at least 24 hours before a scheduled appointment to reschedule or cancel a session. Failure to do so will result in penalties. If you’re a no-show or don’t cancel your ketamine session within 24 hours, the penalty fee is $150. Penalty fee is $25 for all other appointments.

Is ketamine safe?

Ketamine, when used under medical supervision in a clinical setting, is considered safe for treating certain mental health conditions. It has been effectively used as an anesthetic for decades, and its lower doses are now being explored for therapeutic purposes. However, like any medication, ketamine carries risks, especially if misused or taken without proper medical guidance. It's important for ketamine to be administered by healthcare professionals who can monitor for side effects and ensure safe usage. Additionally, individual responses to ketamine can vary, so close supervision and personalized care are crucial for its safe application.

Where can I read the relevant studies?

How much ketamine is dosed?

In ketamine-assisted therapy, the dosage of ketamine administered intramuscularly (IM) varies depending on the individual's weight. For therapeutic purposes, the standard IM dose ranges from 3 to 4 mg/kg. This dosage is calculated to produce therapeutic effects without causing deep sedation or anesthesia, allowing patients to stay awake during the treatment. During your initial medical consultation, our medical staff will assess the correct dose for you.

What are the side effects of ketamine?

Side effects of ketamine infusions can include:
- Increase in blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting (we can add a medication to prevent this from happening)
- Headaches (we can add a medication to prevent this from happening)
- A sense of impaired balance and coordination
- A feeling of dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, and/or numbing sensation of the skin

These side effects are normal, rarely require any medical intervention, and resolve soon after the infusion ends.

What health conditions can ketamine treat?

Ketamine, most widely used as an anesthetic, is a breakthrough therapy for treating many mental health disorders. The conditions listed below are either being studied in clinical trials (usually combined with psychotherapy) or soon to be studied.
Ketamine can be used to treat:
- Major depression
- Bipolar 1 depression
- Emotional or physical trauma
- Post-partum depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal thoughts
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Disordered eating
- Autism
- Anxiety disorder

Do I need a referral from my primary care provider?

No, you do not need a referral to receive ketamine treatment for mental health conditions. You may come to us directly, and the medical team will review your intake information, conduct a psychiatric evaluation, and confirm that you’re medically fit for treatment before moving forward.

How long is a session?

A ketamine therapy session usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll start to feel the effects 10 to 15 minutes after the ketamine is administered. The peak experience will last about 30 to 45 minutes. We recommend blocking at least 2 hours when you’re scheduled for a ketamine session, to make sure you have a peaceful experience and don’t feel rushed.

What does ketamine feel like?

The effects from a psychedelic dose of ketamine are usually felt within 10 to 15 minutes but every person has a slightly different experience. Participants may experience:

- Deep relaxation

- Calm sensation

- Heaviness in the body

- Visual patterns and colors

- Separation from usual states of thinking

- Sense of being awake but on a different plane of consciousness

- Separation from the body

- Limited verbal expression

- People, places, or events from their past

Since some of these experiences in an altered state may be novel, they can be frightening or challenging if you are not prepared. Before your first session, you will have a preparation call with your guide to go over the range of possibilities.

Can I receive treatment if I’m currently taking antidepressants?

Yes, it is generally safe to receive ketamine treatment while on antidepressants, but there are some important considerations and potential interactions to be aware of.

For most antidepressants, including Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and Bupropion (Wellbutrin), there are no significant adverse effects noted when used in conjunction with ketamine. However, certain antidepressants may cause a mild increase in blood pressure, which is also a side effect of ketamine treatment. This is why blood pressure is monitored before and after each ketamine session.

When it comes to Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), they are used cautiously with ketamine due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. However, studies have not observed significant issues with this combination. Still, it's advised to proceed carefully with ketamine treatment if you're on MAOIs.

What should I avoid before treatment?

We recommend avoiding caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, cannabis at least 24 hours before your scheduled session. The nurse and your guide will go through this with you before your treatment.

How should I expect to feel after treatment?

After a ketamine-assisted therapy treatment, you might experience emotional relief and mental clarity. Feelings of dissociation during the session are common but subside after the session. Physical sensations like relaxation or mild dizziness can occur, and you may enter a reflective state post-treatment. Responses vary widely among individuals, and it's important to engage in integration activities to process the experience effectively. Guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial throughout this process.

What is integration?

Psychedelic integration is the process of assimilating and making sense of the experiences and insights gained during a psychedelic experience. This can involve reflecting on and interpreting the often profound or intense emotions, thoughts, and visions encountered while using psychedelics. The goal of integration is to translate these experiences into meaningful, positive changes in one's life, such as improved mental health, increased self-awareness, or personal growth. Integration typically involves activities like journaling, meditation, and discussions with therapists or support groups. It is considered a crucial part of the therapeutic use of psychedelics, ensuring that the insights gained during the psychedelic experience are effectively applied to everyday life. At Within, all integration classes are included at no extra cost in your treatment package, paired with therapy and coaching sessions.

How do I schedule my first therapy and coaching session?

Once you sign up for the HEAL or the AWAKEN package, our Onboarding team will help you schedule your first telemedicine session, therapy session and coaching session. If not already scheduled, please call our Admission line to get scheduled at (512) 515-9434.

How do I join the integration classes?

Integration classes are included as part of your treatment package. You can find the schedule here: within.center/classes

Find out if Within is the right fit for you with a free phone consultation or call (512) 515-9434