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General FAQs

  • We offer a variety of retreats, including wellness retreats, ketamine retreats, mindfulness and meditation workshops, adventure retreats, and personal development programs.

  • Our retreats are open to adults of all backgrounds seeking personal growth, relaxation, and a deeper connection with themselves and others.

  • Our retreats are hosted in serene and inspiring locations like Moonshadow Farms (Abita Springs, LA), Deerfields (near Ashville, NC), several different cabins in MO, and many others that provide the perfect environment for reflection and rejuvenation.

  • Retreat packages typically include accommodations, meals, workshops, activities, and access to all retreat facilities. Specific inclusions may vary by retreat.

  • You can book a retreat through our website or by contacting our team directly for assistance with the booking process.

  • We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, any necessary medications, and an open mind ready for new experiences. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

  • Yes, we accommodate various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. Please inform us of any restrictions when booking.

  • Our cancellation policy allows for refunds or rescheduling under certain conditions. You can receive a full refund if you cancel 1 month before the retreat and 50% back if you cancel within two weeks of the scheduled retreat.

  • You are welcome to attend alone or with others. Our retreats are designed to foster a sense of community, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals.

  • Yes, our programs cater to all experience levels. Our facilitators ensure that all participants feel comfortable and supported throughout the retreat.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP) FAQs

  • KAP is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy to enhance mental health treatment. Ketamine, administered in controlled, low doses, can facilitate profound psychological insights and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

  • Ketamine has unique properties that can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections—allowing individuals to break free from negative thought patterns during therapy sessions.

  • Yes, when administered by qualified medical professionals in a controlled setting, ketamine is considered safe for therapeutic use. We adhere to strict medical protocols and only work with experienced ketamine prescribers to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients.

  • KAP may benefit individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and certain other mental health conditions. A thorough assessment by our clinical team will determine if KAP is suitable for you.

  • Ketamine can be administered orally or via intramuscular injection. The method of administration is determined based on individual needs, clinical considerations, and the type of retreat being offered.

  • During a session, you’ll self administer your medically prescribed oral ketamine in a comfortable, supervised environment. A licensed therapist will guide you through the experience, helping you navigate any emotions or insights that arise.

  • Some clients may experience temporary side effects such as dizziness, mild nausea, or dissociative feelings. These effects are closely monitored by our medical staff and typically subside shortly after the session.

  • The number of sessions varies per individual. Typically, a series of sessions is recommended to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits. Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your specific needs.

  • Not necessarily, but it’s crucial to inform our medical team of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Some medications may interact with ketamine, and adjustments might be needed.

  • Prior to your session, you’ll receive detailed instructions, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and medications. We also encourage setting personal intentions for your therapeutic journey.

  • Post-session, you’ll have time to relax and reflect. Follow-up integration therapy is a crucial component, helping you process insights and apply them to your daily life.

  • While ketamine can produce psychedelic-like experiences, it is classified as a dissociative anesthetic. Its unique properties differentiate it from classic psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD.

  • To begin, contact us to schedule an initial consultation. Our team will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if KAP is the right fit for your therapeutic needs.

  •  Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a specialized treatment that may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine if this therapy aligns with your health needs. Beyond Retreats is committed to providing safe, ethical, and effective treatment options in compliance with all legal and medical guidelines.

 Relevant Articles

  • This pilot study explored the effectiveness of nature-based therapy in improving mental well-being and connectedness to nature. It highlighted how individuals engaging in nature-based activities experienced significant reductions in depression and overall mental health improvements. Participants reported feeling more connected to nature, which played a crucial role in their emotional healing and stress reduction. LINK

  • This conceptual analysis focuses on the potential of outdoor nature-based interventions (NBIs) in treating depression. The article explores five possible mechanisms that could explain the beneficial effects of nature on mental health, including stress reduction, mindfulness, improved sleep, and exercise. It also emphasizes the need for further research to personalize outdoor therapies to specific mental health conditions, particularly depression. LINK

  • This study focuses on the therapeutic benefits of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy, assessing their effects on depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. The meta-analysis reveals significant reductions in depression and anxiety, with moderate effects on anger management. Forest-based retreats, in particular, were found to enhance mental well-being by immersing participants in calming natural environments, leading to profound emotional and psychological benefits. LINK

  • This systematic review examined the impact of nature-based walking interventions on mental health. The study found that adults who participated in green space-based walking showed improvements in mental health outcomes, particularly in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The review emphasized the mental health benefits of being in natural environments compared to urban settings. LINK

  • A peer-reviewed article that explores oral ketamine use for depression is titled “Oral Ketamine for Depression: A Systematic Review” by Rosenblat et al. The systematic review analyzes 13 clinical studies focusing on oral ketamine for bipolar and unipolar depression. It highlights that oral ketamine offers good accessibility compared to IV treatments, though the antidepressant effects tend to be slower, often taking 2-6 weeks. Despite this slower onset, studies reported good tolerability and significant antidepressant effects. However, rapid effects typically seen with IV administration are less pronounced with the oral route, and more research, particularly well-designed randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for broader use in treatment-resistant depression. LINK

  • This resource outlines how oral and sublingual ketamine lozenges are used in KAP settings. It details the therapeutic protocols involved, such as combining lozenge-based ketamine sessions with psychotherapeutic support to facilitate integration. The article emphasizes the importance of “set and setting,” ensuring a supportive environment during treatment, and it discusses how lozenges can be a milder, yet effective, alternative for inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness for therapeutic benefit. LINK

  • A retrospective study explored the use of sublingual ketamine, including lozenges, for patients with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. This study shows that at-home use of sublingual ketamine led to significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, with a reduction in scores on both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales. The convenience and tolerability of lozenges were highlighted, although the bioavailability of sublingual ketamine is lower compared to IV administration, which is a factor in dosage planning. LINK

  • This meta-analysis evaluated the psychological effects of mindfulness retreats on non-clinical adults. The study concluded that mindfulness retreats significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress while improving mindfulness and emotional well-being. It reviewed 19 studies and found a moderate effect size, suggesting that mindfulness retreats can be beneficial for enhancing overall mental health, particularly by fostering present-moment awareness and self-compassion. LINK

  • This review examined various meditation programs, including those conducted in retreat settings, and their impact on reducing stress and improving mental well-being. The analysis showed moderate effects on emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. It emphasized the need for well-controlled trials to isolate the specific benefits of meditation retreats beyond placebo effects and other external factors. This review is helpful for understanding the broader psychological benefits of meditation and retreat programs. LINK