Marketing a ketamine clinic presents unique challenges that traditional medical practices simply don't encounter. High advertising costs, frequent platform bans for ketamine-related content, and the need to build trust around an innovative treatment create significant barriers that demand a strategic approach.

In this episode, Kim and Sam share the exact marketing framework they presented at the 2025 American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners conference in Austin - the same strategies that helped their clinic (Reset Ketamine) dominate "ketamine near me" searches and build a thriving practice since 2018. 

This isn't theoretical marketing advice pulled from generic healthcare playbooks. These are proven, field-tested strategies from clinician business owners like you - who've navigated the same platform restrictions, skeptical patients, and marketing obstacles that ketamine clinic owners face daily.

What You’ll Gain In This Episode:

・The ACC funnel framework (Awareness, Consideration, Conversion) that transforms patient acquisition

・How to create organic content that acts as your clinic's "vital sign" for trust and credibility

・Why newsletters are the highest ROI marketing tool for ketamine practices and how to create them

Episode 35 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - Organic content as your clinic's pulse

00:32 Welcome to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

01:25 Understanding the Medical Marketing Funnel (ACC)

04:31 Awareness: The First Layer of the Funnel

06:34 Consideration: Comparing Options

07:15 Conversion: Turning Interest into Action

09:23 What Is Organic Content?

09:57 Push vs Pull

10:44 The “What To Create” Venn Diagram

12:49 The Content Creation Process

14:55 How Organic Content Is A Clinic’s Vital Sign

17:20 The Power of Newsletters

26:34 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Thanks for listening

Watch the YouTube Version with Visual Slides

Follow us on

Linkedin

YouTube

Ketamine StartUp Website

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

Insurance is one of the most crucial yet misunderstood aspects of running a ketamine clinic. Many medical professionals assume their existing malpractice coverage extends to ketamine therapy, only to discover costly gaps when it's too late. 

In this essential episode of the Ketamine StartUp Podcast, Sam sits down with Canyon Clifton, a specialist insurance agent whose family business (Clifton Insurance Agency, Inc) has been serving medical professionals since 1982 and has become a leading expert in ketamine clinic coverage. 

Canyon shares insider knowledge about coverage requirements, common mistakes, claims processes, and strategic insurance planning that every ketamine clinic owner needs to understand. 

This conversation provides practical guidance for protecting your practice, your assets, and your professional future in the evolving ketamine therapy landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

・The biggest insurance mistakes ketamine clinic owners make and how to avoid them

・Essential coverage types beyond malpractice: cyber liability, business interruption, and property insurance

・Real-world claims processes and how to protect your practice from costly litigation

Episode 34 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - Don't Forget to Update Your Insurance

00:38 Welcome to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

01:30 Meet Canyon Clifton

02:12 Common Insurance Mistakes in Ketamine Clinics

03:15 Understanding Insurance Policies and Coverage

07:05 Admitted vs. Non-Admitted Insurance Carriers

11:48 Essential Insurance Types for Ketamine Clinics

14:11 Additional Insurance Enhancements

15:48 Niche Market Focus

18:27 Handling Insurance Claims and Lawsuits

22:01 Risk Mitigation and Patient Care

24:15 The Legal Process Post-Lawsuit

29:14 The Hammer Clause and Settlement Decisions

36:43 Understanding Lawsuits in Ketamine Therapy

37:30 Choosing the Right Insurance for Your Practice

38:04 The Importance of Reading Your Insurance Policy

38:53 Working with Insurance Agents and Brokers

40:06 Preparing for Insurance as a New Ketamine Clinic

41:09 Simplifying the Insurance Application Process

46:21 Commercial Business Liability and Fire Scenarios

57:54 Rapid Fire Questions with Canyon

01:02:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

Thanks for listening

Connect with Canyon at:

Clifton Insurance Agency Website - Mention “Ketamine StartUp” and receive FREE quotes & exclusive policy discounts.

Phone: 877-212-4368

Clifton Insurance Agency | LinkedIn

Clifton Insurance Agency | Instagram 

Follow us on

YouTube

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

Instagram

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

Setting proper expectations for ketamine therapy patients isn't just good practice, it's essential for therapeutic success. In this episode from our mastermind session with Ketamine Startup 101 students, we dive deep into the four crucial things every patient should know before their ketamine infusion. 

Drawing from our experience running a ketamine clinic since 2018 and teaching others since 2020, we share the communication strategies that can transform your patient experience. The therapeutic relationship begins the moment a patient decides to move forward with treatment, making proper preparation a critical component of successful ketamine therapy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to effectively prepare first-time ketamine patients and reduce pre-treatment anxiety 

• Communication strategies that improve patient safety and therapeutic outcomes 

• Practical methods for creating emotionally supportive ketamine treatment environments

Episode 33 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - The Vulnerability of Ketamine Patients

00:51 Welcome to the Episode

00:59 Four Key Expectations for Ketamine Infusions

01:33 Understanding Patient Anxiety and Pre-Framing

02:11 The Importance of Setting Clear Expectations

03:28 Patient Experiences and Pre-Treatment Strategies

05:51 Number 1: Feeling Nervous Is Normal

10:37 Number 2: They May See, Feel, or Realize Big Things

15:36 Number 3: Physical Sensations May Happen

17:59 Emotional Releases are Possible

23:01 Being A Safe Space for Patients

28:17 Practical Tips for Your Ketamine Clinic

31:45 Conclusion and Next Steps for You and Your Clinic

Thanks for listening

Selected Links From the Episode:

Book mentioned  - Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss

If you’re interested in learning more about creating a healing and therapeutic space definitely check out these other episodes:

• Episode 20 - Unlocking Transformation: Exploring Set, Setting, and Integration in Ketamine Therapy

• Episode 9 - Healing Journeys: Ayahuasca, Ketamine Therapy, & Spirituality With Dr. Joe Tafur

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews author and longtime spiritual seeker Steve Gelberg to discuss his groundbreaking work on the intersection of music and psychedelic therapy. Steve shares insights from his recent book, Tuning In, exploring how music can support healing, deepen emotional experiences, and guide patients through altered states of consciousness.

This episode is definitely for you if you’re a fan of Stan Grof, Alan Watts, or Aldous Huxley—or if you’re curious to learn from someone who’s spent years passionately exploring the intersection of music and psychedelics. Honestly, this feels like a masterclass in the power of sound for healing.

Whether you’re a clinician, therapist, or ketamine provider, this conversation offers valuable guidance on selecting music for therapy sessions—and why music is far more than just background sound. 

Join us for a rich dialogue on art, science, and the therapeutic power of sound.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

・How music shapes emotional and psychological experiences during ketamine therapy

・Practical guidelines for selecting music to support patients

・The surprising role of nature sounds and white noise in therapeutic settings

Episode 32 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - The Emotional Power of Music

00:30 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:38 Interview with Steve Gelberg: Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Music

02:08 Steve Journey: From the Sixties Counterculture to Eastern Religions

07:39 The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy

10:37 Steve’s Academic Pursuits and the Krishna Movement

17:23 The Making of 'Tuning In': A Passion Project

30:17 The Synergy Between Music and Psychedelics

36:54 The Ancient Connection Between Music and Humanity

37:32 The Healing Power of Female Voices

38:34 Choosing the Right Music for Psychedelic Therapy

39:15 The Debate Over Classical Music in Therapy

40:29 The Importance of Non-Lyrical Music

41:13 The Role of Ambient and Neoclassical Music

43:24 Therapist vs. Client Music Selection

47:06 Alternative Sound Options: Nature and White Noise

52:23 The Primordial Connection to Sound

55:21 Steve's Spiritual Journey and Open-Mindedness

01:02:14 Steve's Personal Music Preferences

01:06:05 Recommended Reading in the Psychedelic Space

01:09:46 Steve's Musical Background and Other Interests

01:14:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening

Connect with Steve at:

Book discussed in this episode: Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic States

His fine art photography website

Steve’s Spotify Profile

Links to Steve’s Spotify Playlists:

His specific playlists recommendations for ketamine therapy

・Classical playlist "Peace, Serenity":

・Ambient playlist "Spacious, Minimalist, Ethereal":

・"Psychedelic Ambient"

Other selected playlists of Steve’s:

・Main classical playlist "Classical Music for Psychedelic States"

・Marriage between classical and ambient "Neo-Classical for Psychonauts"

・"Healing Female Voices"

・"High Vibes, Blissful Emotions"

・"Nature's Own Music"

・"White Noise: Organic/Natural"

Selected Links From the Episode:

Steve J Gelberg, India In a Mind’s Eye: Travels and Ruminations of an Ambivalent Pilgrim

Steve’s Book Recommendations:

・Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell 

・Alan Watts, The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciousness

・Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind. New York: Penguin Press, 2018.

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

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

In this episode, Sam presents a comprehensive overview of ketamine therapy from a clinical lens. Originally delivered as a lecture titled “Exploring Ketamine IV Infusions: A Novel Approach for Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, & Chronic Pain” to the UCLA–Betty Ford Addiction Medicine Fellowship, this session walks through everything from the mental health crisis to ketamine’s evolving role in modern treatment.

Whether you’re a curious clinician or an experienced provider, this is your go-to primer on how ketamine therapy works—and why it matters now more than ever. With over 50 years of clinical use and a growing body of scientific research, ketamine is proving to be a powerful option for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. 

Sam brings together the science, protocols, and personal insights from running a real-world ketamine clinic to help demystify the treatment process and spark deeper understanding among medical professionals.

What You’ll Gain From This Episode:

・A deeper understanding of how ketamine works in the brain

・Knowledge of current research and studies supporting ketamine’s use

・Insights into patient selection, safety, and personalized dosing strategies

Episode 31 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

00:30 Welcome and Episode Overview

01:17 Ketamine Infusions: A Novel Approach

02:17 Current State of Mental Health and Ketamine History

09:36 Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Studies

12:11 Patient Experiences and Clinical Applications

23:22 Ideal Patient Selection and Dosing Protocols

29:10 Potential Side Effects and Addiction Risks

33:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thanks for listening

For references and studies mentioned in this episode, go to www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-031

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

Welcome to Season 2 of the Ketamine Startup Podcast!

In this first episode back, we’re answering one of the most common questions we get from listeners, course students, and clinicians we coach:

“When is the right time to go full-time with my ketamine clinic?”

Maybe you’re juggling hospital shifts while growing your clinic on the side. Maybe your patient flow is starting to build and the clinic is going well! But the idea of going full-time with ketamine therapy is overwhelming. We get it—we’ve been there. And that’s exactly why we recorded this episode.

In this conversation (pulled from a live mastermind session inside our Ketamine Startup 101 course), we walk you through the real-life decision-making process. What it looked like for us, and how you can think about it too. You'll hear about the emotional rollercoaster, the financial realities, and the outside forces that can either nudge you forward or hold you back.

We also break down our 3F Framework (Finances, Feelings, and Forces) to help you decide whether now is the right time for you to make the leap.

It’s honest. It’s practical. And we hope it brings you clarity and encouragement no matter where you are in your clinic journey.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

・How to know when your clinic can financially sustain you

・How emotions and external pressures shape big decisions

・What the "3 F's" (Finances, Feelings, Forces) framework looks like in action

Episode 30 Show Notes:

00:00 Teaser - “I kept getting COVID shifts…”

00:34 Welcome to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:50 When to Go Full-Time with Your Ketamine Clinic

01:10 A Quick Disclaimer 

02:56 Four Common Myths About Going Full-Time

04:44 The Three F's Framework

05:06 Financial Considerations

08:58 Emotional Readiness

14:04 External Forces and Mindset Shifts

23:22 Final Thoughts and Advice

24:29 Conclusion

Thanks for listening

Follow us on:

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

Welcome to the season one finale of the Ketamine Startup Podcast! 

In this special episode, we guide you through the wealth of content we've covered, helping you find episodes that match your interests. 

Whether you're looking to navigate the business side of ketamine therapy, hear from fellow medical professionals, or explore controversies and innovations, this episode connects you to the valuable insights shared throughout our first season. 

Episode 29 show notes:

00:00 Welcome to the Season Finale

00:48 Guide to Past Episodes

01:14 Episodes for Starting a Ketamine Clinic

02:24 Episodes for Emergency Medicine Specialists

03:09 Episodes for Anesthesiologists

03:28 Trailblazing Women in Ketamine Therapy

03:57 Controversies in Ketamine Therapy & Psychedelic Medicine

04:27 Spirituality and Personal Development in Ketamine Therapy

04:54 Physician Mental Health and Ketamine Therapy

05:25 Season Highlights and Conclusion

Thanks for listening

Episodes Mentioned By Topic:

The Business of Ketamine Therapy: Getting Started & Best Practices

Episode 3 - How Much Money Do You Need To Start A Ketamine Clinic?

Episode 5 - The Three Types Of People Who Open Up A Ketamine Clinic

Episode 7 - Who Can Open A Ketamine Therapy Clinic?

Episode 10 - Can My City's Population Support A Ketamine Clinic

Episode 20 - Unlocking Transformation: Exploring Set, Setting, and Integration in Ketamine Therapy

Episode 23 - Mastering Clinic Compliance: Insights from Retired DEA Agent Dennis Wichern

Episode 24 - 13 Best Practices for Ketamine Therapy Clinics

Episode 26 - Top 10 Ways To Fail As A Ketamine Clinic & How To Avoid Them

Emergency Medicine Physicians & Ketamine Therapy

Episode 2 - For Heroes & All: Expanding Ketamine Therapy With Dr. Carl Bonnett

Episode 4 - From Combat to Care: A Journey to Providing Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Leslie Koenig

Episode 8 - From The ER to Ketamine Therapy: Leading a Clinic & Balancing Life With Dr. Glareh Imani

Episode 15 - Military Precision in Mental Health: A Journey into Ketamine Entrepreneurship with Dr. William Bianchi

Episode 22 - Opening a Ketamine Clinic: An Unconventional Path for Emergency Physicians

Episode 25 - Breaking the Stigma: Ketamine, Forgiveness, & Mental Health with Dr. Mel Herbert

From Anesthesiologists to Ketamine Specialists

Episode 11 - From Anesthesia to Entrepreneurship: Providing Mindful Holistic Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Sara Herman

Episode 17 - Transformative Journeys: Growth, Mindset, & Psychedelic Insights with Dr. James Leathem

Episode 21 - From Anesthesia to Empathy: Pioneering Ketamine Therapy in Brazil with Dr. Tiago Gil

Women Leaders in Ketamine Therapy

Episode 4 - From Combat to Care: A Journey to Providing Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Leslie Koenig

Episode 6 - Transforming Pain Care: Insights into Ketamine Therapy and Business With Dr. Lara Edinger

Episode 8 - From The ER to Ketamine Therapy: Leading a Clinic & Balancing Life With Dr. Glareh Imani

Episode 11 - From Anesthesia to Entrepreneurship: Providing Mindful Holistic Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Sara Herman

Episode 13 - From CRNA to CEO: Blazing Trails in Ketamine Therapy with Kathryn Walker

Episode 16 - Air Force to Frontline Psychiatry: An Entrepreneurial Journey With Scarlett Mulligan PA-C

Controversies in Ketamine Therapy & Psychedelics

Episode 12 - Is The Legalization of Psilocybin and MDMA Therapy a Future Threat for Ketamine Clinics?

Episode 14 - Ketamine Controversies in The Media: Debunking Myths and Embracing Reality

Episode 19 - Ego-Death, Ketamine, & Matthew Perry: A Conversation With Dr. Carl Bonnett 

Spirituality, Mindset & Personal Growth

Episode 9 - Healing Journeys: Ayahuasca, Ketamine Therapy, & Spirituality With Dr. Joe Tafur

Episode 17 - Transformative Journeys: Growth, Mindset, & Psychedelic Insights with Dr. James Leathem

Physician Mental Health & Burnout

Episode 25 - Breaking the Stigma: Ketamine, Forgiveness, & Mental Health with Dr. Mel Herbert

Looking for a Season One Recap?

Episode 27 - Season 1 Highlights Compilation Part 1

Episode 28 - Season 1 Highlights Compilation Part 2

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

In part 2 of this special two-part compilation, Kim and Sam continue to share the most powerful moments from Season 1 of The Ketamine Startup Podcast.

This episode revisits key insights from leading experts in ketamine therapy, clinic operations, and entrepreneurship, covering essential topics like patient safety, financial strategies, and personal growth in the field of interventional mental health.

Whether you're launching a clinic or refining your practice, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you navigate the challenges of running a patient-centered, purpose-driven clinic.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

・Lessons from real clinic owners on avoiding common pitfalls.

・How to grow your practice while maintaining clinical excellence and ethics.

・Why patient safety and integration matter in ketamine therapy.

・The role of mindset and personal growth in clinic success.

Episode #28 show notes:

00:00 Intro to Episode

00:53 Overcoming Challenges in Training and IV Proficiency (Episode 15)

02:55 Transitioning From Fear to Entrepreneurial Success (Episode 16)

04:50 Maintaining a Growth Mindset and Avoiding Burnout (Episode 17)

06:51 The Significance of Preparation and Integration in Ketamine Therapy (Episode 19)

09:36 Creating a Safe and Effective Ketamine Clinic (Episode 20)

11:16 Ketamine Therapy as Life Transformer and Not a Commodity (Episode 21)

14:19 The Importance of Having a Strong 'why' in Starting a Ketamine Clinic (Episode 22)

16:37 Differences between drug destruction and waste (Episode 23)

18:36 Why Vital Sign Monitoring is Important During Ketamine Therapy (Episode 24)

21:17 Addressing Burnout and Mental Health in Emergency Medicine (Episode 25)

23:10 Common Pitfalls in Scaling Ketamine Clinics and Choosing the Right Investors (Episode 26)

25:59 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thanks for listening

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

In part 1 of this special two-part compilation, Kim and Sam share some of the most powerful moments from Season 1 of The Ketamine Startup Podcast. 

We revisit key insights from top experts in ketamine therapy, clinic operations, and business strategy, covering everything from patient care to financial planning to the deep responsibility of running a ketamine clinic.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your existing practice, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you build a successful, patient-centered clinic.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

・How ketamine therapy is transforming mental health.

・The financial and legal realities of starting a ketamine clinic.

・How to balance personal well-being while running a successful practice, and more.

Episode #27 show notes:

00:00 Intro to Episode

00:54 Expanding Ketamine Therapy to Law Enforcement (Episode 2)

04:09 Starting a Ketamine Clinic: Financial Considerations (Episode 3)

06:06 Balancing Business and Personal Life (Episode 4)

08:06 Lean Into Your Strengths and Take Action (Episode 5)

10:46 Understanding CRPS and Ketamine Therapy (Episode 6)

13:33 Navigating State Laws and Regulations (Episode 7)

17:23 Personal Reflections and Advice on Starting a Clinic (Episode 8)

20:06 Ketamine Therapy and Spirituality (Episode 9)

22:48 Courage in Starting a Clinic (Episode 10)

23:56 Importance of a Healing Setting (Episode 11)

26:22 Creating a Place of Safety (Episode 13)

27:44 Media and Public Relations Challenges (Episode 14)

30:10 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thanks for listening

List of Episodes included in Part 1 of this Compilation:

Episode 002 - For Heroes & All: Expanding Ketamine Therapy With Dr. Carl Bonnett

Episode 003 - How Much Money Do You Need To Start A Ketamine Clinic?

Episode 004 - From Combat to Care: A Journey to Providing Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Leslie Koenig

Episode 005 - The Three Types Of People Who Open Up A Ketamine Clinic

Episode 006 - Transforming Pain Care: Insights into Ketamine Therapy and Business With Dr. Lara Edinger

Episode 007 - Who Can Open A Ketamine Therapy Clinic?

Episode 008 - From The ER to Ketamine Therapy: Leading a Clinic & Balancing Life With Dr. Glareh Imani

Episode 009 - Healing Journeys: Ayahuasca, Ketamine Therapy, & Spirituality With Dr. Joe Tafur

Episode 010 - Can My City's Population Support A Ketamine Clinic

Episode 011 - From Anesthesia to Entrepreneurship: Providing Mindful Holistic Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Sara Herman

Episode 013 - From CRNA to CEO: Blazing Trails in Ketamine Therapy with Kathryn Walker

Episode 014 - Ketamine Controversies in The Media: Debunking Myths and Embracing Reality

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube

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

In this episode of the Ketamine StartUp Podcast, Drs. Sam and Kim Ko share insights from their years of experience in running a ketamine clinic. They dive deep into the top mistakes practitioners make when starting a ketamine clinic and how to avoid them.

This episode is a must-listen for medical professionals exploring the world of ketamine therapy.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

・The critical role of patient care and ethical practices in clinic success.

・How marketing effectively can make or break a new ketamine clinic.

・Why aligning values with actions ensures long-term stability and growth.

Episode 26 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - Don’t Do It For The Money

00:34 Top 10 Ways to Fail as a Ketamine Clinic Intro

00:46 #1 Prescribing At-home Ketamine without Proper Supervision

04:11 #2 Ignoring Set and Setting

08:11 #3 Saying “Yes” to Every Patient

11:53 #4 Leaving Your Stable Job Too Early

15:17 #5 Hiring The Wrong Staff

20:14 #6 Failing To Market Effectively

26:23 #7 Not Taking Ketamine Therapy Seriously

32:17 Free Checklist for Starting a Ketamine Clinic

33:17 #8 Focusing on Patients Over Profits

40:34 #9 Not Addressing the Psychedelic Experience

42:13 #10 Scaling Too Early or Taking on The Wrong Investors

47:48 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Thanks for listening

Selected Links From the Episode:

Who: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street

Episode 9 - Healing Journeys: Ayahuasca, Ketamine Therapy, & Spirituality With Dr. Joe Tafur

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

Follow us on

Instagram

Linkedin

Ketamine StartUp Website

YouTube