Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Santa Monica & Venice: An Intro Guide

I often get calls from folks who are curious about ketamine. Sometimes they’ve done a bit of research, and sometimes they’re not totally sure what ketamine is—or what it might be helpful for. When we talk, I usually walk them through a few key things so we can explore together whether ketamine-assisted therapy might be a supportive option. I thought I might include some of the information I share with clients here.

First things first: What is ketamine?

Ketamine’s been around for a long time. It was originally used (and still is) as an anesthetic in hospitals. But more recently, it’s made its way into the mental health world for its fast-acting antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to work—and sometimes require trying a few before finding the right one—ketamine can often provide relief within hours or days. It's not a magic pill, but for many, it offers a powerful reset.

So, how does therapy with ketamine actually work?

There are several ways to take ketamine: IV, intramuscular injections, nasal spray, and lozenges. One of the gentler, more accessible options is sublingual ketamine—lozenges that dissolve under your tongue. These can be taken at home or in a therapeutic setting, depending on your treatment plan.

When I do ketamine-assisted therapy with clients, we often use these lozenges as part of a guided, intentional experience. That means you’re not just taking ketamine and seeing what happens—you’re preparing for the journey, taking it with support, and then integrating the experience afterward.

What does it feel like?

Everyone’s experience is a little different. Some people feel calm and grounded. Others describe a floaty, expansive feeling. Some have vivid imagery or insights, while others connect with buried emotions or long-held memories. You’re still you—just with a bit more distance from the usual noise in your mind.

Think of it this way: ketamine quiets the mental chatter, and that can give your deeper self some breathing room. That’s where the therapy part comes in—we use that window of openness to do meaningful, often transformative work.

What are some of the uses of ketamine assisted therapy?

Ketamine is currently being used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, substance use disorders (including alcohol use), and other long-standing emotional or psychological challenges. It’s especially helpful for people who’ve tried other treatments that haven’t quite worked. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a powerful catalyst for healing.

First steps

Ketamine is a prescription medication, so the first step is a medical evaluation with a doctor or nurse practitioner. They’ll assess your medical history, offer a diagnosis, and make sure it’s safe for you. Ketamine isn’t appropriate for everyone—especially those with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, strokes, recent brain injuries, unstable cardiovascular issues or uncontrolled hypertension.

If you’re cleared medically, you’ll receive a prescription for sublingual ketamine. From there, we’ll build a personalized treatment plan. Some people do one or two sessions a week; others space them out more. For those with significant symptoms, a plan of 6–8 weekly sessions is often recommended. 

Is it right for me?

Ketamine therapy isn’t a fit for everyone. It’s not a silver bullet or a quick fix. But if you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, burnt out, or if traditional therapy hasn’t gotten to the core of things, it might be worth exploring.

Curious? I’m always happy to talk and answer questions. 

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About Michele LoBosco, LMFT #149526

I’m a licensed therapist that provides Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Santa Monica and Venice to individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My work blends the therapeutic benefits of ketamine with a trauma-informed, integrative approach rooted in somatic and depth psychotherapy.

My style is relational, somatically oriented, and non-judgmental. I bring both an open heart and evidence-based tools to support people facing the complexities of grief, life transitions, isolation, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Spiritual and Depth Psychology, and have training in a range of modalities including Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness practices, and Ecotherapy.

The work I do honors the whole person. It weaves together somatic and mindfulness-based approaches and incorporates creative practices that align with each client’s unique values and inner wisdom. I draw from trauma-informed, humanistic, depth, and transpersonal models of psychology to offer a grounded and expansive container for healing.

In addition to Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, I also offer traditional psychotherapy, process groups, and women’s circles.