...
Horizontal

Ketamine and DBT Therapy Oakland Healing Approach

Client in calming therapy session during Ketamine and DBT Therapy
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

For someone who has tried traditional talk therapy or medication without lasting relief, the search for practical solutions can feel endless. Depression, trauma, and anxiety often persist despite years of effort, leaving many feeling stuck and disheartened. This is where Ketamine and DBT Therapy offer new possibilities. By combining the rapid, neuroplastic effects of ketamine with the structured, skills-based framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), clients gain both insight and the tools to sustain meaningful change. At Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, this integrative approach is helping people move beyond survival and into a fuller, more connected life.

Why Mental Health Needs New Approaches

Traditional therapy and psychiatric medication have been life-changing for many, but they are not effective for everyone. For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, chronic anxiety, or unresolved trauma, these methods may only provide partial relief—or none at all.

In recent years, researchers and clinicians have explored innovative interventions designed to reach individuals who require more than conventional care. Ketamine, once primarily used as an anesthetic, has gained attention for its ability to reduce symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress rapidly. At the same time, DBT has emerged as one of the most effective therapies for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship repair. Together, these two modalities create a powerful synergy that addresses both brain chemistry and learned patterns of behavior.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy in Mental Health

Ketamine is unique among psychiatric treatments. Unlike antidepressants that can take weeks or months to show effects, ketamine often creates noticeable relief within hours or days. Research indicates that it works by:

  • Promoting neuroplasticity: Ketamine enables the brain to form new neural connections, offering a fresh landscape for emotional learning.
  • Disrupting rigid thought loops: Negative self-beliefs and repetitive patterns of despair can loosen, creating space for alternative perspectives.
  • Increasing emotional openness: Clients often report feeling more connected to themselves and others, and better able to engage with difficult memories or feelings.


In a therapeutic setting, these shifts can be profound. However, without structured integration, the benefits may fade. That’s where DBT comes in—offering practical skills to anchor insights into lasting change.

The Role of DBT in Supporting Integration

DBT, initially developed for individuals with severe emotional dysregulation, provides a robust framework for navigating life’s challenges. Its skills-based modules—Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance—equip people to manage difficult emotions, cultivate healthier relationships, and make value-aligned decisions.

When paired with ketamine sessions, DBT does more than reinforce progress—it helps clients translate insights into action. For example:

  • A breakthrough realization during a ketamine session about self-worth can be supported through daily mindfulness practices.
  • The openness created by ketamine can make it easier to practice distress tolerance strategies instead of reverting to harmful coping behaviors.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness skills ensure that improved emotional clarity translates into stronger, more stable relationships.


This integration ensures that experiences in expanded states become more than moments of insight—they become building blocks for a transformed life.

What to Expect in Ketamine and DBT Therapy

Client receiving mindful care in Ketamine and DBT Therapy Oakland
Restorative healing with Ketamine and DBT Therapy Oakland

At Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, every step of treatment is designed to support safety, clarity, and growth. The process typically unfolds in three phases:

1. Preparation

Clients first meet with a therapist for an intake and preparatory sessions. During this phase:

  • Personal history, goals, and medical considerations are reviewed.
  • A treatment roadmap is developed, including intentions for ketamine sessions.
  • Clients learn what to expect and how to cultivate a safe mental and emotional “set and setting.

2. Expanded-State Sessions

During a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session:

  • Clients are guided by a licensed clinician in a safe, supportive environment.
  • Medicine sessions typically last 2–3 hours.
  • Eyeshades and calming music may be used to facilitate inner exploration.
  • The therapist remains present throughout, taking notes and gently guiding as needed.

3. Integration

Once the immediate effects subside, clients process their experience with the therapist. In the days that follow, integration sessions help:

  • Consolidate insights.
  • Apply new perspectives to real-life challenges.
  • Reinforce change through DBT skills practice.


This rhythm of preparation, medicine sessions, and integration builds continuity and maximizes the therapeutic potential of each experience.

Who Can Benefit from This Approach

Ketamine and DBT Therapy are particularly suited for individuals who:

  • Struggle with treatment-resistant depression.
  • Experience chronic anxiety or panic that has not improved with conventional care.
  • Live with trauma or PTSD that feels overwhelming to process in traditional therapy.
  • Find themselves repeating painful patterns in relationships or coping behaviors.
  • Feel emotionally stuck or disconnected despite years of effort.


By weaving together trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and cutting-edge neuroscience, this integrative model provides a pathway forward for people who may have felt out of options.

The Science of Neuroplasticity and Healing

One of the most exciting aspects of ketamine therapy is its role in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This creates what some clinicians call an “open period,” where individuals are more receptive to learning and adopting new behaviors.

DBT, with its structured skill sets, provides the perfect material to “teach the brain” during this window. Instead of falling back into old, maladaptive cycles, clients can reinforce healthier pathways. This combination of rapid biological change and practical skill-building is what makes the approach so powerful.

Safety, Ethics, and Clinical Care

Safety is a cornerstone of every treatment at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. All ketamine sessions are conducted by trained clinicians who:

  • Conduct thorough medical and psychiatric assessments before treatment.
  • Monitor dosage carefully and tailor the experience to each client.
  • Provide emotional and physical support throughout the session.
  • Collaborate with prescribing physicians as needed.


Ethical practice is also central. The purpose is not just symptom relief, but long-term wellness, cultural responsiveness, and empowerment. Clients are never rushed, and each step is grounded in transparency and collaboration.

The Benefits Clients Report

Clients who engage in this integrative model often share profound outcomes, such as:

  • Relief from persistent depression and anxiety.
  • Greater emotional clarity and reduced reactivity.
  • The ability to revisit traumatic experiences with more resilience.
  • Improved relationships and interpersonal confidence.
  • A renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life.


These benefits unfold differently for each individual, but together they paint a picture of recovery that feels both hopeful and sustainable.

How Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center Stands Apart

Supportive session of Ketamine and DBT Therapy Oakland healing approach
Healing approach through Ketamine and DBT Therapy in Oakland

While ketamine clinics are becoming more common, not all approaches emphasize integration and structured follow-up. What distinguishes Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center is:

  • Specialization in DBT: Our expertise in emotion regulation and mindfulness provides a foundation unmatched by general providers.
  • Holistic philosophy: Treatment is not only about reducing symptoms, but fostering resilience and growth in every domain of life.
  • Collaborative care: We work closely with physicians, families, and outside therapists to ensure continuity.
  • Commitment to inclusion: Services are offered with cultural sensitivity and respect for each client’s values and lived experience.

A New Model of Healing in Oakland

The Bay Area has long been a hub for innovation in mental health, and this integrative approach reflects that spirit. By combining cutting-edge neuroscience with proven therapeutic methods, the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center offers something both modern and profoundly human—a way to heal that honors mind, body, and spirit.

Conclusion 

Ketamine and DBT Therapy is not a quick fix, but a carefully designed approach to creating sustainable transformation. By uniting the rapid healing potential of ketamine with the structure and wisdom of DBT, clients gain both immediate relief and long-term tools for resilience.

If you are seeking a new path—one that helps you move beyond cycles of pain and toward a life of balance and connection—the journey can begin here. Contact us to learn more about how this innovative treatment can support your unique healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Ketamine and DBT Therapy different from traditional treatment?

Unlike standard talk therapy or medication alone, this integrative model combines the fast-acting effects of ketamine with DBT’s structured skills. Together, they help clients gain insight while building lasting emotional resilience.

Who is an ideal candidate for this approach?

It may benefit individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, trauma, or anxiety who haven’t found relief with conventional therapy. A medical and psychological assessment ensures safety and suitability.

What happens during a typical ketamine session?

Clients participate in guided sessions, lasting 2–3 hours, under the guidance of a licensed therapist. The expanded state is followed by integration work, where insights are processed and applied to everyday life.

Are Ketamine and DBT Therapy safe?

When conducted under medical supervision and by trained clinicians, it is considered safe. A thorough evaluation helps identify any health conditions or contraindications before beginning treatment.

How long do the benefits usually last?

While experiences vary, many clients notice improvements in mood, clarity, and emotional regulation that can last weeks or months. Integration sessions help reinforce these changes for long-term growth and development.

Linkedin Instagram Envelope

Subscribe to the Mailing List.

  • Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center 2024 © All rights reserved.
Horizontal
Envelope
Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan was born in India and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT, Madras. After spending a few youthful years in the Masters/Ph.D. program at the Ohio State University moved to the Bay Area for work. Since then he has stayed in the Bay Area and worked in tech for the better part of 20+ years. He has been with the center since its inception playing a key advisory role on tech related matters.

He enjoys living in the bay area with his family, exploring the outdoors in California and the world at large. While interests change over time some constants through the years have been travel, cooking, painting and board games. Lately all his spare time has been consumed by pickleball.

David Pepper

David Pepper, MD (Retired)

Dr. Pepper was born in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley and then Medical and Graduate School in Iowa. Returning to California, he practiced and taught full spectrum Family Medicine with UCSF for 30+ years, working in Fresno, San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties. 1,000 births and 1,000 deaths one could say – with thousands of Families in between… in the ER, Hospital and Outpatient Clinics – always with a focus on Family and Community.
 
He has a long interest in Psychedelics and completed the CPTR program through CIIS in 2023. He is passionate about helping people think about how to craft their second half of life with meaning, including planning for a natural End of Life process that is not over medicalized.  He believes that a well planned End of Life allows people to live well.  More about his work can be found here.  
 
He brings his expertise in clinical assessment, and the tools that support this to working with the Team at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center to develop best practices for working with clients seeking expanded state treatment.  He collaborates with his wife who also works with clients in Expanded States.  He enjoys his 4 children, gardening, hiking, and community.
Rochelle

Rochelle Frank, PsyD

Rochelle Frank, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Oakland, CA with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Frank earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at Syracuse University and completed her clinical training at Yale Psychiatric Institute. She specializes in evidence-based transdiagnostic treatment of  complex and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders in adults and adolescents, and related  problems in high-conflict couples and families. 

In addition to her private practice Dr.  Frank is an assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and also  holds faculty and supervisory appointments at The Wright Institute and the University of California San  Francisco School of Medicine.  She is co-author of The transdiagnostic road map to case formulation and  treatment planning: Practical guidance for clinical decision making (Frank & Davidson, 2014; New Harbinger),  a contributing author to S. G. Hofmann & S. C. Hayes (Eds.), Beyond the DSM (2020, New Harbinger), and  currently serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Better Health.

Dr. Frank has been involved with Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center since 2012.  She has served as a clinical consultant and focuses on helping the Team bring a transdiagnostic process-based perspective to case formulation and treatment planning, as well as integrating methods from other third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies into the DBT model.  

In addition to enjoying time with her family, Dr.  Frank is an avid golfer, home chef, and a frequent beta-tester of her clinical skills while skiing and mountain biking.

Michael Stanger

Michael Stanger, MD

I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in California and Colorado across a range of settings – inpatient, outpatient, emergency and partial hospital, with current affiliations at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Boulder Community Health.

I have a particular interest in the therapeutic utility of ketamine to support psychotherapy. I began working with ketamine in 2016, initially in my California private practice where I administered oral and intramuscular doses. I have since continued to support therapist access and to develop understanding around the most effective use of these modality. In related work, I have mentored with the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and taught sessions with the Polaris Insight Center on ketamine.

My background includes childhood immigration from South Africa to New York, working in the technology industry for several years and then traveling in an unscripted manner to arrive at the awareness that medicine, and ultimately psychiatry would be the path to be helpful to others in an applied way.

Chrysanthe

Chrysanthe Christodoulou

Operations Manager

Chrysanthe is our Operations Manager and one of our in-house Mindfulness Experts. She connects with new clients as they come into the Center, oversees day to day operations and runs special projects.  She is instrumental in supporting the Team by bringing joy, flow and ease.

Chrysanthe studied Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness with some of the most respected teachers of our time. She also holds a BS in Economics.  This combination of skills ensures our Center runs efficiently behind the scenes and lends wisdom to our budding Mindfulness Program.

Her local teaching career has spanned the Bay Area and beyond: overseas in Spain, Chile, Greece, and Amsterdam; and locally in San Francisco, Marin, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Chrysanthe honors the magic in both movement and stillness, stirring energy and witnessing what emerges as everything settles into place. 

When Chrysanthe isn’t handling the business end of the Center or running mindfulness programming, you can find her exploring trails with her wolf pup, finding connection in community, and enjoying the sun and the sea.

Priya Jogia

Priya Jogia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

​​Priya Jogia is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Since 2013, she has worked in various clinical settings including: community mental health, hospital, and outpatient programs. Priya’s also spent time in Vietnam studying international social work and the relationship between culture, ethnicity, and mental health.

Priya is an active practitioner of mindfulness-based behavioral therapies including DBT and ACT, and has extensive training in CBT. As a DBT therapist, she’s seen the positive impact of using DBT skills in her own life, and is strongly committed to helping clients live meaningful lives that are aligned with their values.

Priya has an interest in perinatal mental health and working with BIPOC populations, and she strives to integrate a social and racial justice lens into her work. While being a therapist has brought a lot of meaning to Priya’s life, she tries not to take herself too seriously, and gets much joy from being a mum, being in nature, and cuddling with her dog.

Jay Indik

Jay Indik

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jay brings his compassion, creativity, and equanimity to support each person who seeks therapy.. He believes that what makes each person happy is connected to their deepest sense of what is important. Jay listens for how each client can idiosyncratically transform their suffering into a happier life. As a result of working with Jay folks’ learn to address unwanted behavior, regulate their emotions, recover from individual or cultural trauma, repair relationships, and organize their behavior consistent with their values Jay has intensive training and has practiced the following modalities for decades: DBT, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Modulation, Psychodynamic Treatment and Expressive Arts Therapies. Jay specializes in working with couples, parents, parent child dyads and young adults, as well as with individuals from mid-life through retirement. Jay’s experience as a theater director, parent, teacher, and executive combined with his knowledge of research validated treatments allows him to best relate and serve each individual.

Jay has two adult children (one daughter, one non-binary), a “Real Dads Love Trans kids” t-shirt, and one amazing grandchild he watches one day a week.

Ari Tavano

Ariana Tavano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ari Tavano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She has worked in an array of clinical settings for over ten years, and utilizes the diversity of her experience to foster a therapeutic frame rooted in curiosity and empathic regard. She specializes in working with those looking to cultivate self-growth, increase interpersonal efficacy, and develop an affirming relationship with their internal worlds.

Ari extends a humanistic approach to her work by nourishing the whole self – according to one’s intersectionality and inherent wisdom. She is trained in DBT and other treatment modalities, including CBT, Existentialism, and Trauma Theory. She harmonizes the concepts of behaviorism and intuitiveness of relational healing, with opportunities to explore psychedelics and expanded-state work.

Ari invites you to build capacity for both processing and playfulness. She prioritizes humor and is often found in the ocean, on the dance floor, and imagining her next adventure. Ari has also worked as a licensed public school teacher in Hawai’i and documentary photographer in South Africa. She is committed to equity, inclusion, and the pursuit of social justice.

Alyson Barry

Alyson Barry, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Alyson Barry is a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD). Since 2005, she’s gained experience in diverse areas of practice, including inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private practice. Alyson came to DBT in 2013 through her own yoga and meditation practice, which led her to seek additional training in mindfulness-based therapies. Drawn to work with people who’ve experienced developmental trauma, she begins by addressing what’s happening in the present, helping her clients develop practical skills that fundamentally improve how they interact with themselves and the world around them. As a result of this work, this can over time, set the stage for healing the older wounds. She believes in a collaborative and consent-based treatment approach, working to ensure that clients understand and are in agreement with any diagnosis or therapeutic technique. She hopes that this transparency can help to create an environment of respect for her clients’ choice, autonomy, and knowledge of themselves. She is also a big believer in bringing humor and irreverence into therapy. In her free time, Alyson enjoys snorkeling, hanging out with her cat, and spending time with friends. Alyson is available to work via telehealth with clients in California, Colorado, and Florida.
Heather Macbeth

Heather Macbeth

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Heather co-founded the Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center in 2012. She is a licensed MFT. She offers a relational, somatic, experiential and humanistic approach to her work and is committed to relieving psychological suffering. Her style is both compassionate and gentle as well as directive and aims to be supportive of each person’s unique needs. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, changing persistent cycles of self-blame, listening more closely to intuitive knowing and increasing self compassion. She is committed and dedicated to helping her clients have a life where they can find themselves thrive vs. just survive. Working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, skills group and workshop facilitator has brought her a lot of joy. In addition to a private practice setting she has worked in community mental health organizations with disenfranchised youth and families and in public schools as a Behavioral Specialist. Heather works with adults and teens. She is intensively trained in DBT and other treatment modalities such as; Gestalt, Psychodynamic, MBSR, ands Expressive Arts. She is certified in EAP (Equine-assisted psychotherapy) and offers equine-facilitated learning workshops in the Bay Area. Additionally, she has received her training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through the Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco and is inspired by the potential healing benefits of expanded states of consciousness work.

In her free time, and in ideal worlds, she is exploring jungles, hot springs, beaches, hanging out with animals (large and small), enjoying good food, travel and most importantly time with loved ones.

Christine Benvenuto

Christine Benvenuto

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Christine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. She brings over 25 years of experience in mental health to her work, with a background in working with people in all walks of life in residential, outpatient and home based settings. A systems thinker, valuing sustaining relationships, she works with individuals, couples and groups, with a strong belief that small shifts can create dynamic changes.

She blends a lifetime of interest and practice in somatics, meditation, embodiment, psychedelics and the arts with a passion for social justice, nature and thriving ecosystems. Her mentors are psychologically savvy, center co-existence, value differences and maintain a sense of humor.

Her professional training spans from depth oriented, expanded state and attachment based to behavioral styles of treatment. She co-creates a therapeutic container that feels collaborative, warm, dynamic, thoughtful and deeply resonant.

She works with individuals, couples and groups, offering ongoing weekly therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Consultation.

Along side of her professional life, Christine is grateful for her extended web of relationships as daughter, sister, wife, friend, step-mom and community connector.

Seraphinite AcceleratorBannerText_Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.