top of page
Search

Ketamine Therapy with Preparation and Integration for Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

Ketamine Therapy in Orange County, CA with Preparation and Integration


A Conversation with Sam Mandel of KetamineClinics.com


Written by Preston Durnford


At Epic Journey Recovery, ketamine therapy is not a standalone experience. It is part of a structured recovery and mental health process that emphasizes preparation, safety, and integration. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sam Mandel, CEO and Co-Founder of KetamineClinics.com, one of the top ketamine treatment providers in the United States with over 35,000 patient infusions.

This conversation was filmed at Pacific Shores Recovery in Newport Beach, where we discussed ketamine therapy, addiction recovery, mental health, and the growing role of psychedelic-assisted treatments when traditional approaches alone have not been enough.

The goal of this conversation was not hype. It was clarity.





Ketamine Therapy at Epic Journey Recovery

Epic Journey Recovery offers ketamine therapy as part of a comprehensive addiction and mental health recovery program, supported by medical oversight, structured preparation, and intentional integration. Ketamine is a legally prescribed medication that has been used safely in medical settings for decades and has shown strong effectiveness for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and addiction.

Ketamine therapy works by temporarily shifting brain activity, quieting rigid thought patterns, and creating a more flexible mental state. This flexibility can allow individuals to access insight, emotional relief, and perspective that previously felt unavailable.

At Epic Journey Recovery, ketamine therapy is delivered within a broader framework of care that includes recovery support, mental health guidance, and ongoing integration.



Ketamine Therapy and Addiction Recovery

Addiction often keeps people trapped in repetitive cycles of craving, shame, emotional reactivity, and negative self-beliefs. These patterns can persist even after treatment, therapy, or long periods of sobriety.

Ketamine therapy can help interrupt these cycles long enough for individuals to see their experiences differently. It is not a cure, and it is not a replacement for recovery work. Instead, it can create an opening, a moment of relief and clarity that allows deeper recovery and mental health work to begin.

For many individuals in addiction recovery, ketamine therapy provides access to insight and emotional regulation that supports long-term healing when paired with proper guidance.



Preparation Is Essential Before Ketamine Therapy

One of the most important points Sam and I discussed was the role of preparation. Ketamine therapy is not something to rush into without intention or understanding.

At Epic Journey Recovery, preparation includes:

  • Education about ketamine and what to expect

  • Intentional mindset and goal setting

  • Emotional readiness and grounding practices

  • Understanding set and setting

  • Establishing support before the experience

Preparation helps clients approach ketamine therapy with clarity rather than fear or unrealistic expectations.



The Neuroplasticity Window and Integration After Ketamine Therapy

After ketamine therapy, the brain enters a temporary neuroplasticity window, a period when it is more open, adaptable, and receptive to change. This window is where real transformation becomes possible.

During this time, individuals often have an increased ability to:

  • Break entrenched thought and behavior patterns

  • Reframe trauma and past experiences

  • Learn new emotional responses

  • Build healthier habits and beliefs

This window does not last forever. Without integration, the benefits of ketamine therapy can fade.


Hallow
Epic Journey Alumni

Integration Is Where the Real Work Happens

At Epic Journey Recovery, integration is the foundation of our ketamine therapy model. Integration means helping clients apply insights from ketamine therapy into real life, daily behavior, relationships, and recovery routines.

Integration may include:

  • Guided reflection and journaling

  • Emotional regulation tools

  • Recovery-focused structure and accountability

  • Mental health support and coaching

  • Habit and routine development

Ketamine therapy opens the door. Integration is how clients walk through it.



A Responsible and Grounded Approach to Ketamine Therapy

This conversation with Sam Mandel was not about presenting ketamine as a miracle solution. Ketamine therapy is not for everyone. However, for the right individual, with proper medical oversight, preparation, and integration, it can be a powerful part of addiction recovery and mental health treatment.

At Epic Journey Recovery, ketamine therapy is offered as part of a whole-person recovery approach, not as a one-off experience.



Final Thoughts

Ketamine therapy is changing the mental health and addiction recovery landscape, not because it replaces therapy or recovery, but because it can create space for deeper healing when used responsibly.

When ketamine therapy is combined with preparation, integration, and ongoing recovery support, it becomes more than an experience. It becomes a tool for lasting change.


Resources & Links

Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles (Sam Mandel)https://www.ketamineclinics.com

Pacific Shores Recovery (Filming Location)https://www.pacificshoresrecovery.com

Epic Journey Recovery (Ketamine Therapy, Preparation, and Integration)https://www.epicjourneyrecovery.com

Epic Journey Wellness (Virtual Care Launching January 1, 2026)https://www.epicjourneywellness.com

The Epic Journal – Guided Recovery Journalinghttps://www.theepicjournal.com



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page