A note from Dr. Jennifer Dore:
When I founded Helios in 2014, my goal was to offer a combination of established therapies such as medication management and psychotherapy and pioneering treatments with promising potential for patients who had not found success with more traditional approaches. Today, the Helios team treats hundreds of patients and has become a leader in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, but also continues to expand our wellness offerings to include Somatic therapies, preventative psychiatry, nutritional interventions, as well as Photobiomodulation (red-light therapy).
In a time when there are few new pharmacological agents being developed for mental illness, our team is proud to help usher in the future of mental healthcare with a diverse range of therapies backed by research and positive patient outcomes. We welcome y0u to learn more about our offerings below.
~Jennifer Dore, MD
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
“It would be inhumane,” Dore said, to not offer ketamine to people in intractable mental anguish. “We need things that are transformative, that aren’t putting a Band-Aid on a problem.”
How Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Works at Helios
Full Intake and Evaluation
All new patients at Helios must undergo a full intake procedure which includes medical and psychiatric history, as well as an independent assessment of one’s physical and mental ability to undergo this procedure.
Ketamine Sessions at Helios
You and your provider at Helios will determine the route of delivery and dosing protocol most suited to you. Ketamine may be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or intramuscularly (injection) by one of our providers. Sessions take place in a private treatment room specially designed to enhance the experience of this unique treatment. Headphones and eye-shades are provided also to help patients turn inward during the procedure.
Integration Sessions
Ketamine is most effective when paired with psychotherapy. For this reason, we strongly encourage patients undergo psychotherapeutic “integration” soon after treatment. These sessions allow patients to discuss their experience and explore the potential meaning symbolism of what they have seen or felt.
Effects and Possible Side Effects
Commonly used as anesthetic in children, Ketamine can induce a trance-like state and is used primarily for pain relief and sedation. Side effects of the medication include but are not limited to dizziness, increase and decreased blood pressure, and, rarely, spasms of the larynx. Please discuss side-effects with your provider before undergoing treatment with Ketamine.
Current Protocols and Applications
Suicidality, Severe Depression, Anxiety and PTSD:
The body of research shows that Ketamine is a powerful intervention for severe depression, anxiety and PTSD. Patients of Helios work with their provider to establish a treatment course and modality for the use of Ketamine.
End of Life:
Helios offers protocols and treatment plans to help ease transition for patients reaching the end of their life. You provider will discuss the risks and benefits of our existing protocols for end of life Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Our Commitment to You
Helios’s providers are medical professionals educated and experienced in the use of Ketamine, medication management and psychotherapy. At Helios we make every effort to assure your safety and security as you undergo treatment and reintegrate afterwards. At Helios we put a special emphasis on two critical points: “set and setting” which assures your experience takes place in a warm, welcoming, and forgiving context and “integration” which helps solidify learnings from your experience and gives you the tools to improve your quality of life moving forward.
Interested in becoming a patient at Helios?
[After submitting a short form our medical team will pair you with a potential provider and follow up to help you schedule a 1.5-2hr intake appointment]
Photobiomodulation Therapy / Red-Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive form of medical treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate or inhibit cellular functions in the body.
PBMT involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to activate photoreceptors in cells, which in turn triggers a series of biochemical reactions within the cells. This can lead to various therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, improving circulation, and relieving pain.
PBMT has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, neuropathy, skin conditions, and even depression. The therapy is considered safe and generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. Helios is excited to welcome Kristina Chancholo a visiting therapist experienced in administering this revolutionary treatment.
Kristina Chancholo is a natural-born healer with a passion for holistic healing. Her interest in equine chiropractic treatment began when she witnessed a horse being adjusted at a young age. In 2005, Kristina graduated from Cal State University of Fresno with a Bachelor's in Equine Science and became a certified Equine Body Worker, helping sport horses recover from injuries. After a car accident in 2015, Kristina discovered Photobiomodulation (PBM) and used it to heal herself. She then began treating horses with PBM, reducing their recovery time by half. Kristina's equine clients soon introduced her to treating humans, and her business grew from there. Kristina believes that photobiomodulation helps the body move from being stuck in a cycle of pain to self-healing at the cellular level. She aims to connect all the pieces of healing together through light therapy.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to find an available spot, please text or email Kristina Chancholo at 408-828-8721 / equikneadswoodside@gmail.com
Packages
Somatic Therapies and BodyWork
Somatic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. The goal of somatic therapy is to help individuals become more aware of their bodily sensations, emotions, and patterns of behavior in order to promote healing and personal growth.
Somatic therapy is based on the principle that the body and mind are interconnected, and that emotional and psychological issues can manifest physically in the body. By helping clients become more attuned to their bodily sensations, somatic therapy aims to identify and release tension, stress, and trauma that may be held in the body.
Bodywork is a related field that involves the use of touch, movement, and other physical techniques to promote healing and wellness. Bodywork at Helios centers on massage therapies with a focus on the myofascia, posture and movement.
Like somatic therapy, bodywork is based on the principle that the body and mind are interconnected, and that physical and emotional issues can affect one another. Bodywork techniques are designed to help release tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which can in turn promote overall health and well-being.
Both somatic therapy and bodywork are often used as complementary therapies to traditional medical and mental health treatments. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Karina Hoog is a certified CMT specializing in myofascial alignment, Asian therapies, posture and breath-work. Karina's techniques help drive systematic pain release and to jump start the body's own healing energies. Her focus includes myofascial-release, a full array of circulatory system work, acupressure, stress release and regular massage.
Clients of Helios have uniques access to a range of programs focused on alignment, pain management, breath and stress-reduction. We hope you’ll experience the incredible knowledge and technique of one of the area’s most experienced practitioners.
Bodywork and Massage Offerings
Somatic Embodiment Offerings
Packages
Helios in the News
Watch Dr. Dore’s Presentation on Ketamine at the David E. Smith Symposium
Dr. Dore presents at the David E. Smith Symposium: “Psychedelic Medicine, Technology and Conscious Recovery.” (2019)
Dr. Jennifer Dore’s Published Research
Review a list of Dr. Dore’s published research. Dr. Dore has extensive background in numerous medical fields, including studies in immunology, cancer, and psychedelic psychotherapy.
A groundbreaking study into the effects of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Dr. Dore her co-authors have published groundbreaking research into the effects of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy on depression and anxiety.