This program supports individuals and caregivers interested in using ketogenic therapy. Participants can be of any age and are not required to have a mental health diagnosis. This program has a modest registration fee.
This program supports individuals and caregivers interested in using ketogenic therapy. Participants can be of any age and are not required to have a mental health diagnosis. This program has a modest registration fee.
Individuals who have already adopted ketogenic therapy and wish to bypass the 12 week psychoeducation program and begin directly with the ongoing support options may do so. Please email us at keto@cmhrc.org to get set up, or if you’d like more information about this fee for service program.
Thank you so much for your interest in CMHRC’s ketogenic therapy support program! Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question, please contact us and we will get back to you within two business days.
Have questions about a ketogenic diet and it’s impact on the heart, cholesterol, and cardiovascular health risks?
Ketogenic therapy is a high fat food plan, balanced with protein, and limiting carbohydrates. This food plan helps the body to achieve and maintain a state of nutritional ketosis, which has been shown in studies with adults to help regulate mood.
Yes! Individuals and families who are receiving mental health services, such as therapy or psychiatric care, can enroll in this program. All outside services including therapy and medication management will remain with your current care team. CMHRC will not provide medical care or oversight during program participation. All medical decision making will remain with participants and their primary care physicians.
Program participants will be responsible for purchasing their ketone tracking tools. However, program fees include:
$250 registration fees include access to
Ongoing support options (After week 12)
Yes! Any household size or configuration can participate in this program. Some families may choose to have the entire family eat within the ketogenic guidelines while for others only one or two members of the family will follow the food plan. You can think of the changes similarly to how meals might be modified to accommodate a family member with an allergy. For example, some families with lactose intolerance choose to be a lactose free home while other families focus more on preparing lactose free family meals and educating the child with the allergy to avoid foods in the house that will cause an allergic reaction.
Whatever you decide, we will be here to support you as you make these modifications in the way that works best for your family.
Fees for an entire family to participate:
Yes! Blood ketone and glucose monitoring is a necessary safety measure when following ketogenic therapy and participants will have their blood tested with a small finger prick regularly. But, there are no needles and you don’t have to use that word when talking with those who dislike needles. The lancet is in a covered case and the sharp tip is not visible. The lancet device has 5 pressure settings allowing you to customize the pressure just the right level. Washing hands in warm soapy water for 30 seconds will help to soften the skin and bring the blood to the surface of the fingertip. This reduces much of the discomfort.
Current research indicates that adverse effects are typically due to a phenomenon called “Keto Flu” or increased sensitivity to medications. Our program is designed to ease participants into ketosis slowly to avoid potential adverse effects and to improve acceptance of the food plan.
In addition, Platinum Tier participants will have access to the program staff via text, phone, and email. Urgent messages will be returned within 24 hours and non-urgent messages will be returned within 2 business days. CMHRC will not provide medical care or oversight during this study/program. All medical decision making will remain with participants and their primary care physicians.
Depending on your insurance company and insurance policy, you may or may not be able to use your coverage to pay for the cost of the ketone monitoring devices. Check with your insurance carrier for details.
Yes! We welcome any one who wishes to improve their metabolic health with ketogenic therapy. Exceptions include:
No, no one will not be automatically removed from the program due to hospitalization. Program staff must be notified of the hospitalization because daily data during that period will not be able to be collected. It is also likely the participant will not be able to remain in ketosis during a hospitalization, and that is okay. Caregivers will continue to attend all the community support and psychoeducation sessions during that time. We will support the participant in reintroducing the ketogenic diet when they return home.
Yes! We will provide access to a private and unsearchable Facebook group for program participants that will be monitored by program staff. This FB group will be a protected way for program participants to communicate, share resources, support one another, and document challenges during program participation. Access to this group and content there will be limited to program/study participants and related topics only.
Obligations will vary depending upon the participants age and level of independence. In the case of someone who needs significant assistance a caregiver will be asked to participate on the individuals behalf. All participants will be asked to:
As we continue to grow the program you can expect psychoeducation sessions to include topics such as:
We are continuing to grow our program and you can expect support groups to include topics such as:
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
