Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Buffalo, NY
Transformative Healing Through Ketamine Therapy, EMDR & Soul Retrieval
At Samadhi Healing Collective, we offer expert ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) that goes beyond traditional treatment. Our integrative approach combines the neuroscience of ketamine with deep therapeutic work including EMDR, parts therapy, and shamanic soul retrieval to help you heal from trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
WHAT IS KETAMINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a breakthrough treatment that combines the therapeutic use of ketamine medicine with psychotherapy to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Unlike ketamine infusion clinics that focus solely on the medication, our KAP approach at Samadhi Healing Collective integrates ketamine with evidence-based therapies for deeper, lasting transformation.
During a KAP session, carefully dosed ketamine helps create an expanded state of consciousness that allows you to access and process difficult emotions, memories, and experiences that may be resistant to traditional talk therapy. This medicine-assisted journey is guided by our experienced therapists who provide support, integration, and therapeutic processing throughout your healing process.
How Ketamine Works for Mental Health
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. It targets the glutamate neurotransmitter system and promotes neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This creates a window of opportunity where the brain becomes more receptive to change, making therapy significantly more effective.
Research shows that ketamine can provide rapid relief from depression symptoms, often within hours to days, compared to weeks or months with conventional treatments. When combined with skilled psychotherapy, the benefits extend far beyond symptom relief to include profound personal insights, emotional healing, and spiritual growth.
Why Samadhi Healing Collective is Different: Integrative KAP in Buffalo
At Samadhi Healing Collective, we're not just a ketamine clinic—we're a holistic healing practice. Our ketamine therapy approach uniquely combines:
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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with master-level therapists trained by Polaris Insight Center
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma processing - Buddhist psychology and contemplative practices for spiritual integration
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Soul retrieval and shamanic healing for deep parts work
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Somatic therapy to reconnect mind and body
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Integration sessions to anchor insights into lasting change​
Medical Model vs. Therapeutic Model: Understanding the Difference
Many Buffalo-area ketamine providers offer IV infusion in a medical setting, focusing primarily on symptom reduction. While this can be helpful, research increasingly shows that ketamine's full potential is realized when combined with psychotherapy.
Our therapeutic model means:
- A licensed therapist is present throughout your journey
- Deep psychological and spiritual exploration is supported
- Integration work helps you apply insights to daily life
- Treatment addresses root causes, not just symptoms
- You're part of a healing collective, not just a patient number
Who Benefits from Ketamine Therapy in Buffalo?
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Treatment-resistant depression
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Anxiety and panic disorders
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Complex trauma and developmental trauma
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Grief and loss
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Existential depression
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Spiritual crisis and dark night of the soul
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Relationship trauma and attachment wounds
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Chronic feelings of disconnection
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Loss of meaning and purpose
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Identity struggles
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Suicidal ideation (with appropriate safeguards)
KAP is particularly effective for those who haven't found relief with traditional therapy or medication, or who feel called to deeper healing work that addresses the spiritual and existential dimensions of suffering.
What to Expect: Your Ketamine Therapy Journey at Samadhi
1. Initial Consultation & Medical Screening
Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychological and spiritual consultation where we assess your mental health history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and initial medical eligibility for ketamine therapy. We partner with prescribing physicians who conduct medical screening to ensure ketamine is safe and appropriate for you.
2. Preparation Sessions
Before your first medicine session, we meet for preparation work. These sessions help you:
- Set clear intentions for your healing journey
- Learn what to expect during ketamine experiences
- Build trust with your therapist
- Establish safety agreements and supportive touch protocols
- Explore any fears or concerns about the process
3. Ketamine Dosing Sessions
Our in-person ketamine sessions take place in a carefully prepared ceremonial space in our Buffalo office. The environment includes:
- Comfortable, private setting with dim lighting
- Personalized music to guide your journey
- Optional aromatherapy and sacred altar space
- Your therapist present throughout the session
- Sublingual ketamine (rapid-dissolving tablets- RDTs)
- Typical session length: 3 hours including brief integration
During the medicine journey, you'll experience an expanded state of consciousness that allows for deep therapeutic work. Your therapist serves as a compassionate guide, helping you navigate insights, emotions, and experiences as they arise.
4. Integration Sessions
The real transformation happens in integration. After each ketamine session, we meet to:
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Process insights and experiences from your journey
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Connect medicine experiences to your daily life
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Work through emotions and memories that emerged
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Develop practical applications of your insights
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Address any challenges or questions
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Plan your ongoing healing path
Integration is where the medicine becomes medicine—translating expanded consciousness into embodied change.
5. Ongoing Support & Maintenance
After your initial series of KAP sessions (typically 3-6 sessions over several weeks or months), we develop a personalized plan that may include:
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Periodic booster sessions as needed
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Continued psychotherapy and EMDR work
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Somatic practices and bodywork referrals
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Connection to our healing collective community
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Maintenance strategies for sustained wellbeing
Expert-Led, Safety-Focused Ketamine Therapy
Your safety and care are our highest priorities. Samadhi Healing Collective's KAP program is led by:
Seaghan Coleman, LCSW-R - Founder and master therapist with 18+ years of experience. EMDRIA-approved consultant and trainer, with specialized training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy from Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco. Seaghan integrates Buddhist psychology, shamanic practices, EMDR, and parts-based therapy to support profound healing.
Our team includes licensed therapists trained in:
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy protocols
- EMDR and trauma treatment
- Buddhist psychology and contemplative practices
- Parts work and Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Somatic and body-based therapies
- Integration and harm reduction approaches
Safety Protocols
Every client undergoes:
- Medical screening with partnering physician
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Blood pressure and vital signs monitoring
- Careful dosing tailored to individual needs
- Continuous therapist presence during sessions
- Emergency protocols and medical backup
- Screening for contraindications
The Science Behind Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy is backed by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness for mental health conditions:
- Studies show up to 70% response rate for treatment-resistant depression
- Rapid symptom relief, often within 24-72 hours
- Sustained benefits when combined with psychotherapy
- FDA-approveal of esketamine (Spravato) for depression confirms ketamine's therapeutic potential
- Growing evidence for PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions
Recent research highlights that psychotherapy-assisted ketamine produces superior outcomes compared to ketamine alone, supporting our integrative approach at Samadhi Healing Collective.
Ketamine Therapy Investment & Insurance Information
We believe transformative healing should be accessible. At Samadhi Healing Collective, we work to make ketamine therapy available to those who need it.
Investment:
- Initial consultation: $250 (or copay, if covered by insurance)
- Preparation sessions: $250 (or copay, if covered by insurance)
- Ketamine dosing sessions: $750 (or copay plus $500, if covered by insurance)
- Integration sessions: $250 (or copay if covered by insurance)
- Package options available for multiple sessions
Insurance & Payment:
While ketamine itself is typically not covered by insurance, therapy sessions may be covered depending on your plan. We provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Some Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for KAP services.
We're happy to discuss payment plans and options during your consultation.
Begin Your Ketamine Therapy Journey in Buffalo
Ready to explore whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you? Taking the first step toward healing requires courage, and we're here to support you.
Next Steps:
1. Email us for a free email consultation to discuss your needs
If you decide you want to proceed, then we will:
2. Complete our intake forms and medical screening
3. Meet with your therapist for comprehensive assessment
4. Begin your preparation and healing journey
Ketamine therapy at Samadhi Healing Collective offers a pathway to profound transformation—one that honors both the science of neuroplasticity and the wisdom of deep healing traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy in Buffalo
Q: Is ketamine therapy legal in New York?
Yes. Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that can be prescribed off-label by licensed physicians for mental health treatment. Our ketamine therapy program operates fully within legal and ethical guidelines, with medical oversight from partnering physicians.
Q: Is ketamine safe?
When administered in a therapeutic setting with proper medical screening and monitoring, ketamine has an excellent safety profile. It has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years. Our protocols include comprehensive screening, vital signs monitoring, and therapist presence throughout sessions.
Q: Will I become addicted to ketamine?
Ketamine has a low risk of addiction when used in therapeutic settings with proper protocols. Unlike daily antidepressants, KAP involves periodic sessions with integration work between. Our therapists are trained in harm reduction and monitor for any signs of problematic use.
Q: How is KAP different from a ketamine clinic?
Ketamine clinics typically offer IV infusions in a medical setting focused on symptom reduction. Our KAP approach integrates ketamine with psychotherapy, EMDR, and spiritual practices. A therapist is present throughout your journey, and we emphasize preparation and integration work for lasting change.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
Most clients begin with 3-6 ketamine sessions over several weeks. The exact number depends on your individual needs, goals, and response to treatment. Some clients continue with periodic maintenance sessions, while others transition to other therapeutic work after completing their initial series.
Q: What does ketamine feel like?
Ketamine creates an altered state of consciousness that most people describe as peaceful, introspective, and expansive. You may experience visual imagery, emotional release, profound insights, or a sense of connection to something larger than yourself. The experience varies for each person and each session. Your therapist helps you navigate whatever arises.
Q: Can I drive after a ketamine session?
No. You cannot drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a ketamine session. You'll need to arrange for transportation home, and we recommend having a trusted person available for support after your session.
Q: What makes Samadhi different from other Buffalo ketamine providers?
Samadhi Healing Collective is the only Buffalo practice combining ketamine therapy with shamanic soul retrieval, Buddhist psychology, and EMDR. Our founder is an EMDRIA-approved trainer with specialized KAP training. We offer a truly integrative approach that addresses psychological, somatic, and spiritual dimensions of healing—not just symptom management.
Q: Do you treat clients from outside Buffalo?
Yes. While ketamine dosing sessions must be in-person at our Buffalo location, we work with clients throughout Western New York including Amherst, Williamsville, Orchard Park, and surrounding areas. Some preparation and integration sessions can be conducted via telehealth for clients who travel to us.