Hudson Valley Psychedelic Therapy and Rooted Well are excited to offer a weekend intensive Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) retreat that is specifically oriented around the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.
Our early spring retreat takes place in Peekskill, NY, regarded as the “gateway to the Hudson Valley.” We bring together combine Ketamine Assisted Therapy -- a cutting edge treatment for clinical depression and PTSD -- with complimentary treatments such as acupuncture, gentle movement, mindfulness meditation.
What is Ketamine Used to Treat?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is emerging as a promising and innovative approach for the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has demonstrated rapid and robust antidepressant effects when administered at sub-anesthetic doses.
Effects on Treatment-Resistant Depression
1. Neurotransmitter Modulation:
Ketamine works by modulating neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate, in the brain. It promotes the release of neurotrophic factors, leading to increased synaptic connections and improved communication between brain cells.
2. Rapid Onset of Effects:
Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show results, ketamine often produces rapid and significant improvements in mood. This rapid onset can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe depressive symptoms or those at risk of self-harm.
3. Neuroplasticity and Synaptic Growth:
Ketamine's impact on neuroplasticity contributes to the growth of new synaptic connections, potentially rewiring neural circuits associated with mood regulation. This mechanism may underlie its enduring antidepressant effects.
Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
1. Disruption of Trauma-Related Memory Consolidation: Ketamine has been shown to interfere with the consolidation of traumatic memories. This disruption may help alleviate the emotional intensity associated with traumatic events, contributing to the therapeutic process in PTSD.
2. Enhanced Emotional Processing:
Ketamine may facilitate emotional processing and reduce avoidance behaviors commonly observed in individuals with PTSD. This can allow patients to engage more effectively in trauma-focused therapeutic interventions.
3. Reduction of Hyperarousal Symptoms:
Ketamine's calming effect on the central nervous system may contribute to a reduction in hyperarousal symptoms associated with PTSD, such as hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses.
KAP for PTSD and c-PTSD:
What is Treatment Like?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is typically administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of trained mental health professionals, ensuring safety and appropriate support.
The therapy often involves integrating the psychedelic experience induced by ketamine into psychotherapeutic sessions. This integration allows individuals to explore and process emotions, thoughts, and memories that may arise during the session.
Treatment plans are personalized to each individual, taking into account their specific symptoms, history, and therapeutic needs.
During this intensive two-day program, participants will have a Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) experience in a supportive, community environment.
Our retreat has been designed by and for LGBTQIA+ people.
- Individual medical assessment
- Virtual preparation session with the rest of your retreat cohort
- Two 6-hour days that include movement and breath work, preparation, KAP group sessions, and integration
- Guided meditation, breath work, and movement
- Post-Ketamine journey integration circles
- Virtual group integration circle one week out from the retreat to facilitate ongoing processing and growth
Core elements of the program include:
** Participants will have the option to add acupuncture treatment by a licensed practitioner for an additional $45 fee
Two-Day Schedule
Saturday February 3, 2024
Morning Light breakfast on your own
10:00 am Welcome and check-in
11:00 am Preparation
12:00 pm Movement
12:30 pm Break
1 pm 1st KAP Experiential/Dosing session
2:30 pm Decompression & recovery time
3:30 pm Group Integration Circle
4:30 pm Return to hotel/dinner on your own
** schedule is approximate and subject to change
Sunday February 4, 2024
Morning Light breakfast on your own
10:00 am Preparation
11:00 am Meditation & Movement
12:00 pm Break
12:30 pm 2nd KAP Experiential/Dosing session
2 pm Decompression & recovery time
2:30 pm Group Integration Circle
3:30 pm Closing
event venue
the Little Wolf Collective
Captures the creativity and eclecticism of the Peekskill community All retreat events take place within spacious and comfortable setting that fosters a sense of coziness calm. .
1000 N. Division Street, Peekskill NY
- Our event space is located on the 2nd floor of a building without elevators, and we regret that this may be a barrier to attendance for some.
- We are actively working to minimize potential environmental triggers and create a sensory-friendly space.
- We understand the importance of providing a range of seating arrangements that accommodate diverse body types and preferences. All services will be provided in anti-gravity recliner chairs. If participants prefer, they may lie on the floor during their KAP experience. Some seating in armchairs may be used if the other options do not meet participant needs.
- Although we ask all participants to refrain from using strongly scented products in the studio, please note that we are unable to ensure a fully scent-free environment.
accessibility
Please let us knowif you have specific accessibility needs or concerns: info@attune-embody.com
Fees
The cost of this 2-day experience is $800 This fee includes a virtual medical assessment, intake, a virtual introduction and preparation session in advance of the retreat, and a virtual group integration session following the retreat. We will provide snacks and beverages, but meals are up to participants.
Sliding Scale
We offer a sliding scale for eligible participants who may not otherwise be able to afford KAP treatment. Unfortunately, we are unable to cover the cost of travel, lodging or medication.
Travel
We are accessible via Metro North Railroad (Peekskill Station), Amtrak (Croton-Harmon Station), and several local and express buses. There are taxis and local buses available at either train station, and a large parking lot is available on the premises.
Please be advised that participants will be required to sign an agreement that they will not drive for at least six hours after their KAP experience. This will generally make it preferable to remain in town, use a car service, or get a ride from a loved one to and from our space.
Lodging
Lodging is available offsite; we will have a block of rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn that will be available to book on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reference “Hudson Valley/Rooted Well” when booking for a preferential rate. In general, we suggest the following local establishments:
Fees, travel, & lodging
retreat facilitators
Dr. Ronica Mukerjee
Karalyn Violeta LCSW
Director, Rooted Well Psychiatric NP, Acupuncturist, DNP, MsA, FNP-BC
Psychotherapist & Director, Attune & Embody Psychotherapy; Director, Hudson Valley Psychedelic Therapy
Ronica is a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner as well as licensed acupuncturist. They have been certified as an HIV specialist since 2008 by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Dr. Mukerjee is passionate about racial, economic, and health care justice in LGBTQIA+, refugees and migrant communities, for people with substance use disorders, and for people living with HIV. They are the former program coordinator and sole creator of the Gender and Sexuality Health Justice concentration at Yale School of Nursing. Mukerjee maintains multiple practices in the U.S. and Mexico focused on refugee health, substance use disorders, HIV, and LGBTQIA+-affirming care.
Dr. Mukerjee co-founded the Refugee Health Alliance in Tijuana, Mexico, which focuses on health care projects that are free and available to all, regardless of citizenship or income. Their practices include: hormonal, psychiatric, and primary care for trans and gender expansive people as well as ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Their co-edited textbook, Clinician’s Guide to LGBTQIA+ Care: Cultural Safety and Social Justice in Primary, Sexual, and Reproductive Healthcare, was published in February 2021. Dr. Mukerjee is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
Karalyn s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Attune & Embody Psychotherapy (LCSW PLLC). As a psychotherapist, Karalyn specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, gender dysphoria, and c-PTSD in adolescents and adults. Over the course of the last fifteen years, they have worked with clients who are freelancers, small business owners, and creatives, including writers and visual or performing artists. They specialize in clinical work with people living with chronic pain, chronic medical conditions, medical-related trauma, and sleep disorders.
Karalyn is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, American Psychological Association Div 45, National Association of Social Workers and enjoys being active within their professional communities. They have presented their work at conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals, and is co-editor of the book, ‘ Sex, Sexuality, and Trans Identities: Clinical Guidance for Therapists and Counselors ’(Jacobson, Niemira & Violeta, 2019).
Ready to Learn More?
Our retreats are tailor made for our participants, so we want to learn more about your needs and interests. Please use the form below to schedule your discovery call!
schedule your call
Complete Your Screening
Before scheduling your medical intake, you must complete and submit the screening package. On average, this takes approximately 20 minutes to fully complete.
Medical Intake
On your discovery and screening call, we’ll make a final determination about whether to move forward scheduling an appointment for a full medical intake with Dr. Ronica Mukerjee.
Once your medical intake has been scheduled, please completely fill out the medical intake package, which includes both physical and mental health history. Please do this at your earliest convenience, so Dr. Mukerjee has time for review prior to your appointment.
Our entire intake process is online and virtual, but we’re real, live humans who are available to answer your questions.
Got Questions?
Find answers to some of the. questions we often receive. If you still have questions , send us a message!
We’re here to help.
retreat faq
Who is the retreat intended for?
The retreat is specifically designed for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community seeking an integrative and affirming therapeutic experience. It welcomes people of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. The retreat offers a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of ketamine in combination with guided psychotherapy. It provides an opportunity for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth over the course of a weekend.
Who is eligible to attend?
Any LGBTQ+ person who meets criteria fot a diagnosis of Depression, Anxiety disorder, and/or PTSD may be eligible for treatment. Participants are not required to have a diagnosis prior to intake, as we will evaluate each person in order t make an accurate diagnosis.
Programming will include two approximately 6-hour days that include movement and breathwork, preparation, KAP group sessions, and integration. We have found group KAP sessions to be powerful experiences for both participants and facilitators, and place a lot of emphasis on restfulness and recovery before, during, and after experiential sessions.
What is the format of the retreat? What can I expect?
Is Ketamine safe?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication and is administered by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled and monitored environment. Safety is a top priority, and all participants undergo thorough medical screening to ensure appropriateness for ketamine-assisted therapy.
How will I receive my medication?
Currently, our KAP journeys use sublingual ketamine lozenges. We find that the slower onset of the medicine creates a powerful setting for therapeutic work. In the future, we plan to offer longer retreats that incorporate both lozenge and intramuscular administration routes and will post these offerings on this page in the future. Following each KAP session, the group collectively integrates with facilitators, and recipients share their experiences, insights, and questions.
How is the medication taken?
You must bring your medication with you to the retreat; we are unable to provide you with any medications, including Ketamine lozenges.
Currently, our KAP journeys use sublingual ketamine lozenges. We find that the slower onset of the medicine creates a powerful setting for therapeutic work. In the future, we plan to offer longer retreats that incorporate both lozenge and intramuscular administration routes and will post these offerings on this page in the future. Following each KAP session, the group collectively integrates with facilitators, and recipients share their experiences, insights, and questions.
How does Ketamine work in therapy?
Ketamine has been shown to modulate neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to rapid and potentially transformative therapeutic effects. It may enhance emotional processing, support neuroplasticity, and provide relief from symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
What kinds of support will be provided to participants?
Participants will have access to a team of skilled mental health professionals, and support staff before, during, and afer the retreat. Therapeutic support is integrated into the entire experience, including pre-retreat preparation and post-retreat integration.
Can I attend if I’m already in therapy?
Yes, the retreat can complement ongoing therapeutic work. However, participants are encouraged to inform their current therapists about their participation and discuss how the retreat experience may integrate with their existing treatment plan.
How can I register?
Please use the link below to go to our registration page You will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire, and provide a $200 deposit (refundable in the event we determine that you are not eligible to attend).
You will be asked to schedule an appointment for a discovery call. Following this call, you will be required to complete a medical intake. Following completion of the medical intake, you will receive your medication directly from the pharmacy via Fed Ex. To complete registration, you must pay the remaining $600 of the retreat fee. We may, at our discretion, allow participants to make two payments towards the remaining balance. Registration will be closed on January 20th, 2024. Limited spaces are available to ensure a personalized and intimate experience, so early registration is recommended.
Are allies or partners welcome?
Yes, in general, partners are welcome to attend but must do so during a subsequent cohort from their loved one. The retreat is designed for LGBTQ+ individuals; however, we recognize the importance of supportive allies. Please contact us to discuss individual circumstances and determine if the retreat is an appropriate fit.
What COVID precautions are you following?
The health and safety of participants, and that of our facilitators and staff, are paramount. We adhere to the latest COVID-19 guidelines and implement necessary precautions, including health screenings, enhanced sanitation measures, and social distancing protocols.
What will happen if I need to cancel my reservation?
Our policies for managing cancellations and refunds vary, depending on the specific situation. If we determine that this retreat will not be a good fit, we willn refund your deposit in full. Once your $200 deposit has been made, we are unable to issue refunds. If you’ve completed registration, you may cancel your reservation until January 10th, less your $200 deposit.
We will ask each participant to take a rapid COVID test 24 hours prior to the start of the retreat. If you have had a COVID exposure OR have tested positive, we are happy to reschedule you to attend a future retreat. We may ask for a photograph of your test results.
Please note that after January 15th, we are unable to issue refunds due to participant cancellations for any reason, as attendance is extremely limited and we will have held a place for you. In the event the facilitators must cancel or reschedule the retreat, we will provide refunds or reschedule participants for a future retreat event.
How does Hudson Valley Psychedelic Therapy promote health equity?
We are committed to fostering health equity and ensuring the accessibility of Ketamine-assisted therapy for underserved individuals and communities. To further this commitment, we have reserved registration slots specifically for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). This initiative is aimed at creating a more inclusive and representative space, acknowledging the importance of diverse voices and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
We believe in the transformative power of Ketamine-assisted therapy for all, and our dedication to health equity is reflected in this intentional effort to provide opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities. If you are interested in one of these reserved slots, please contact us at info@attune-embody.com for more details on the application process.
For further inquiries or personalized information, please contact us directly. We look forward to creating a transformative and affirming experience for all participants.