Integrating Wellness: An Interview with Nykol Bailey Rice of Boise Ketamine Clinic

In recent years, across the U.S., ketamine therapy has emerged as a helpful treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. While initially a bit obscure, ketamine therapy has picked up mainstream media attention and the support of professional clinics with a holistic health care focus.  Ketamine has become a more popular and effective tool for patients who have not responded well to traditional methods. 

As Nykol Bailey Rice, founder of Boise Ketamine Clinic, shares in an interview with New Pathways Clinic, ketamine therapy has been life-changing for many patients, particularly those facing treatment-resistant mental health challenges.

“Ketamine therapy is about more than just the medicine,” Nykol says. “It’s about helping people truly recover and giving them the support they need every step of the way.”

Nykol founded Boise Ketamine Clinic after a personal tragedy involving the suicide of someone close to her in her early twenties. That loss, in part, drove her to study anesthesia while maintaining a strong interest in suicide prevention. During her anesthesia career, she came across a study showing ketamine’s effectiveness in reducing suicidal thoughts, which ultimately inspired her to open the clinic.

“I came across ketamine therapy after reading about its effects on suicidality,” Nylol says. “It was stunning—just one dose could reduce suicidal thoughts by 70% within 24 hours. That really sparked the idea for this clinic.” For many who have struggled with long-term mental health issues, the promise of relief through ketamine feels like hope restored.

The clinic opened its doors in 2016, making it one of the first ketamine clinics in the U.S., at a time when ketamine therapy was still a relatively new field. 

The clinic began as a small operation, with Nykol juggling her full-time anesthesia job while running this new ketamine therapy enterprise. Over time, Boise Ketamine Clinic has expanded to a five-room practice staffed by a full team of health care providers, and it has grown to become a trusted referral center for local hospitals in Idaho.

Breaking the Stigma

Initially misunderstood due to its history as a recreational drug and anesthetic, ketamine has faced its share of misconceptions. 

“In the beginning, I received letters questioning what we were doing,” Nykol says. “People only associated ketamine with its reputation as a club drug or a horse tranquilizer.” This is not an uncommon hurdle for health care professionals to navigate; ketamine has a complicated history, but times are changing quickly.

In recent years, ketamine’s reputation has shifted due to growing research and FDA approval of Spravato, the nasal spray form of ketamine.

As public understanding of ketamine therapy has evolved, so too has the trust in its safety and efficacy. Boise Ketamine Clinic, for example, now serves as a referral center for major hospitals in Idaho, underscoring the treatment’s growing legitimacy. 

“Demonstrating the long-term success and safety of this treatment has helped bridge the education gap,” Nylol says. “Now, patients and healthcare providers are far more comfortable considering ketamine as a valid treatment option.”

A Personalized Approach to Treatment

For patients considering ketamine therapy, the individualized approach each clinic offers is essential. One of the key benefits of ketamine therapy is how it is tailored to each patient’s unique mental health journey. 

“We start with a simplified consultation process,” Nykol says. “Instead of overwhelming patients with research-heavy information upfront, we send a straightforward email with infographics to explain what the treatment looks like.”

From there, patients have a one-on-one consultation to dive deeper into the specifics. This allows them to ask questions about ketamine’s effectiveness for their condition, understand the timeline for improvement, and set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes.

For those considering ketamine in Ohio, New Pathways Clinic can provide similar step-by-step guidance. The goal is to ensure patients feel comfortable and fully informed before beginning treatment.

Integration Beyond Medication

While ketamine itself has proven to be a powerful tool, Nykol emphasizes the importance of holistic, integrated care. 

“Ketamine isn’t a silver bullet,” Nykol says. “It’s most effective when combined with other therapies like counseling or psychotherapy. We now offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, where patients are guided through their sessions by licensed professionals.”

This integrated approach is key to the success of ketamine therapy. Rather than isolating the treatment as a standalone solution, combining it with therapy ensures patients have the tools to process and integrate their experiences, leading to more sustained mental health improvements.

“Patients engage in therapy, work through their emotions, and develop coping mechanisms alongside their ketamine treatments. That holistic approach gives them the best chance for long-term recovery,” Nykol says.

Safety, Oversight, and Best Practices

Given the vulnerable population seeking ketamine therapy, patient safety and clinical oversight are non-negotiable aspects of care. 

“We have strict protocols in place, from screening patients for suitability to monitoring them throughout treatment,” Nykol says. “This isn’t something that can be done at home without oversight.”

Ensuring that patients are adequately supported throughout their treatment journey, from initial screenings to aftercare, is vital. “We provide a comprehensive safety net with mental health resources, crisis management support, and therapeutic interventions,” she adds. 

This multi-layered care model is designed to meet patients’ needs not just during treatment but throughout their recovery process.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Treatment Options

Looking to the future, Nykol expressed optimism about the continued evolution of mental health care and the potential for new treatment options. “I’m hopeful for the approval of new therapies, like MDMA or psilocybin, which could complement ketamine for those with severe mental health conditions,” she shares. As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapies continues to expand, patients will have more options for personalized care.

For those exploring ketamine therapy in Ohio, clinics like New Pathways are well-positioned to guide patients through a similar journey. Combining innovative treatments like ketamine with compassionate, whole-person care ensures the best possible outcomes for those struggling with mental health challenges.

For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions, ketamine therapy offers a path to hope. 

As Nykol’s journey with Boise Ketamine Clinic demonstrates, the combination of cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and integrated therapy provides a powerful approach to healing. 

For Ohio residents considering ketamine, the key is finding a clinic that prioritizes both safety and personalized treatment—guiding patients toward renewed mental health and well-being.