Mindbloom’s COVID-19 Response: Virtual Visits Available

Medically reviewed by

Published on

March 18, 2020

Updated on

March 1, 2021

Update: We're no longer accepting in-person appointments at our NoMad space. Mindbloom now offers fully virtual treatment! For a list of states Mindbloom is available in, click here.

Mindbloom remains operational

COVID-19 has skyrocketed past mental healthcare as the #1 public health crisis in the United States. The conditions for anxiety and depression have never been higher, and our clinicians and team feel called to service in this time of crisis.

We will remain operational as long as we are safely able in order to continue increasing access to effective, science-backed mental health and wellbeing treatments for the people who need it most, with some minor changes.

Virtual visits

Mindbloom’s priority is the health and safety of our clients and partner clinicians. As a result, we are indefinitely lifting the requirement to begin your journey with an in-person visit to one of our locations. Now, you can enjoy your first session from the comfort and safety of your home through an online psychedelic therapy visit. Your Mindbloom provider will help you prepare beforehand and integrate afterwards through video. As was previously practiced, subsequent sessions will continue to be remote. Our NoMad space is now closed.

What do I do next?

If you’re an existing client or new to Mindbloom and experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression related to COVID-19 or for any other reason, send questions to support@mindbloom.co. We’re here to guide you through these challenging times as best we can.

Leonardo Vando, MD

Dr. Leonardo Vando is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in treating the full spectrum of psychiatric and addictive disorders. He has been at the forefront of ketamine use in clinical practice, and contributes to the field of psychedelic medicine through his work and research on microdosing for mental illness. Dr. Vando received a medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine, and trained as a psychiatrist and addictionologist in NYC’s Beth Israel Medical Center. He has worked in private practice for over a decade.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at +1 (800) 273-8255, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Safety Information

Important FDA Safety Information

Ketamine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of depression or anxiety. Learn more about off-label uses here.

Side effects of ketamine treatment may include: altered sense of time, anxiety, blurred vision, diminished ability to see/hear/feel, dry mouth, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure, excitability, loss of appetite, mental confusion, nausea/vomiting, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), restlessness, slurred speech, synesthesia (a mingling of the senses).

Do not proceed with ketamine treatment if any of the following apply to you:

Allergic to ketamine
Symptoms of psychosis or mania
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
CHF or other serious heart problem
Severe breathing problem
History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
History of hyperthyroidism
Other serious medical illness
Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant

Ketamine has been reported to produce issues including, but not limited to, those listed below. However, lasting adverse side-effects are rare when medical protocols are carefully followed.

While ketamine has not been shown to be physically addictive, it has been shown to cause moderate psychological dependency in some recreational users.

In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, pain urinating, passing blood in the urine, or reduced bladder size
Ketamine may worsen problems in people with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental disorders.
Users with a personal or family history of psychosis should be cautious using any psychoactive substance, including ketamine, and discuss potential risks with your MindBloom^® clinician before proceeding with treatment.
The dissociative effects of ketamine may increase patient vulnerability and the risk of accidents.

To promote positive outcomes and ensure safety, follow these ketamine treatment guidelines:

Do not operate a vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle) or heavy machinery following treatment until you’ve had a full night of sleep
Refrain from taking benzodiazepines or stimulants for 24 hours prior to treatment
Continue to take antihypertensive medication as prescribed
Avoid hangovers or alcohol intake
Refrain from consuming solid foods within 3 hours prior to treatment and liquids within 1 hour prior to treatment
Ketamine treatment should never be conducted without a monitor present to ensure your safety