In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Dr. Sara Herman, founder of Soft Reboot Wellness, about her journey from anesthesiology to operating a successful ketamine therapy clinic. You’ll learn about the challenges of starting a clinic during the pandemic, the unique aspects of ketamine therapy, and the impact of treatments like stellate ganglion blocks on patients with complex conditions. 

Dr. Herman shares her background in medicine, the switch to ketamine therapy, and highlights the essential role of setting, music, and intention in patient care. Through her compelling patient stories, you’ll discover the profound effects of ketamine therapy on individuals struggling with severe mental health issues and chronic pain. You’ll also learn about the business side of running a clinic, including dealing with insurance and scalability, emphasizing the personalized nature of ketamine therapy. We hope you enjoy!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The motivations and challenges faced while transitioning from a traditional medical career in anesthesiology to pioneering a private practice

• Insights into managing the non-medical aspects of running a ketamine clinic, such as handling overhead, marketing, and navigating business decisions without a formal business education.

• The importance of set and setting in ketamine therapy and how Dr. Herman integrates mindfulness and intentionality into her treatment plans to enhance patient outcomes.

Episode show notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Meet Dr. Sara Herman: From Anesthesiologist to Ketamine Therapy Practitioner

01:43 Dr. Herman's Journey: From Anesthesia to Ketamine Clinic Owner

03:41 The Personal and Professional Shift to Ketamine Therapy

09:48 Setting the Scene: The Importance of Environment in Ketamine Therapy

18:49 The Business Side of Running a Ketamine Clinic

27:25 Navigating Insurance and Financial Aspects of Ketamine Therapy

32:02 Navigating the Complexities of Ketamine Clinics

33:00 Personal Success Stories from the Clinic

36:23 The Importance of Patient Monitoring in Ketamine Therapy

40:12 Exploring Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) for Treatment

47:05 Challenges and Learnings in Ketamine Therapy Practice

53:26 Wrapping Up: Insights and Reflections

Thanks for listening

Connect with Dr. Herman at:

Soft Reboot Wellness website

Soft Reboot Wellness Instagram

Soft Reboot Wellness Facebook

Dr. Herman’s LinkedIn

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.