The Revolution of Ketamine: Luma Health & Wellness Breaking Barriers in Mental Health

By Hannah Olson

Luma Health & Wellness, which recently opened its doors in June in Solana Beach, is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art ketamine treatment for a variety of mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and much more. The clinic prides itself on its team of highly skilled professionals who offer compassionate care in a serene environment, prioritizing patient comfort throughout the treatment process.

Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN, co-founder, and CEO of the clinic said of their mission, “We hope to heal and relieve suffering in our small corner of the world.” With her heart for service and healing and her extensive experience in healthcare, McCann personally administers ketamine while providing patients with a sense of safety and guidance throughout their treatments.

Dr. Troy Kurz, MD, MS, the other co-founder and Medical Director of Luma Health & Wellness, joins McCann as a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology for patients of all ages. Dr. Kurz holds certification in ketamine treatment from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, allowing him to administer in-office ketamine treatment. Together, they lead the way in advancing mental health care in the San Diego area, offering this groundbreaking treatment option.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Ketamine Therapy

While initially used primarily as an anesthetic agent, recent research has unveiled ketamine’s potential in mental health treatment for a vast array of conditions. Studies have indicated that ketamine infusions can effectively treat depression in 60-80% of individuals, with some experiencing relief for months. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works through a unique mechanism by targeting glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. This mechanism stimulates the production of a growth factor that aids in the restoration of damaged neurons, leading to improved mood and potential nerve cell regeneration that offers more lasting relief from symptoms and that can ultimately improve the patient’s quality of life.

“There’s great evidence for ketamine’s ability to stop suicidal thoughts instantly,” Dr. Kurz said of the treatments, “whereas other treatments can take four to six weeks to decrease those thoughts.” In addition, “more people go into full remission from depression with ketamine treatments than other medications.” This means many individuals suffering from various mental health conditions and mood disorders are able to manage their symptoms without the use of daily medication.

Regarding concerns about addiction, ketamine has a proven safety record in humans, having been utilized as an anesthetic and in trauma management for many years. While recreational misuse of ketamine at higher doses has occurred, there is less propensity for addiction. Moreover, ketamine therapy is administered under medical supervision at subanesthetic doses, ensuring the safety of patients during treatment.

Life-Changing Healing

If you or someone you know is grappling with a mood disorder, do not hesitate to contact Luma Health & Wellness. Their empathetic care and innovative treatment options can make a significant difference in enhancing your mental health and overall well-being. Treatments can be provided with a referral, in conjunction with counseling, or on their own, upon a psychiatric screening and with support from the team at the clinic.

“Not only does it save peoples’ lives, but it changes their lives,” McCann says of the difference she has seen through her work with ketamine. “The healing of the patients we see causes a beautiful cascade of healing for others in their lives too . . . If you are need of that help, we are here for you.”