From Trauma Surgeon to Healing Pioneer: Dr. Ray Rivas's Ketamine Journey in San Luis Obispo, CA
Ketamine StartUp Alumni Spotlight
In this blog series, we're highlighting the remarkable practitioners who've completed our training programs and are now transforming mental health care in their communities. Each spotlight shares their unique journey, clinical insights, and the impact they're making with ketamine therapy.
Dr. Ray Rivas, founder of Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, combines his surgical expertise with personal healing experience to transform mental health care in San Luis Obispo.
Meet Dr. Ray Rivas
Few practitioners bring the unique perspective that Dr. Ray Rivas offers at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo, California. As a former acute care trauma surgeon, Dr. Rivas witnessed ketamine's remarkable ability to provide safe, effective relief in the most critical situations.
But it wasn't until his own personal struggle with anxiety and depression that he truly understood the medicine's transformative power.
Dr. Rivas completed our Therapeutic Ketamine Delivery (TKD) course in July 2022 and has since built a thriving practice that serves both civilian patients and veterans through a new VA Community Partnership.
What sets Innerbloom apart isn't just Dr. Rivas's medical expertise. It's his deeply personal understanding of healing, supported by his team which also includes a therapy dog Eli, who provides comfort during patient treatments.
Today, we're excited to share his insights on building a practice rooted in both clinical excellence and genuine compassion.
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Our Conversation
1. What inspired you to start a ketamine clinic or add ketamine therapy to your practice?
After years working as a trauma and general surgeon, I faced significant burnout and depression—challenges that were intensified by a divorce and the strain of serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ketamine therapy became a turning point in my own mental health journey, offering relief when little else had helped. Experiencing its benefits firsthand inspired me to bring this treatment to my community. I ultimately shifted my career toward mental health care, founding a clinic where people can safely and compassionately access this medicine.
2. Tell us about your medical background and what led you to this field.
I trained and worked as a trauma and general surgeon for over ten years before switching to ketamine therapy. My personal experience with the medicine—along with witnessing the mental health crisis affecting both patients and healthcare workers—motivated me to seek training in ketamine therapy and to establish Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo, California.
3. What sets your clinic apart from others offering ketamine therapy?
I believe patients resonate with the fact that everyone on the Innerbloom team has walked their own path through mental health challenges and personally benefited from ketamine therapy. This shared experience allows us to truly empathize with where our patients are in their own journey and offer genuine, informed insight into the treatment process. Innerbloom is built around a highly personalized, hands-on approach. Every patient is seen and treated by a physician, and we incorporate psychotherapy into the process with a licensed ketamine-assisted psychotherapist on staff. We also prioritize comfort and safety with IV ketamine and Spravato treatments, tailored protocols, and post-infusion integration support in a very relaxing environment. Additionally, our clinic's therapy dog adds an extra layer of love and support for patients walking through our doors. Our goal is to increase access to this medicine by reducing the financial burden; therefore, we offer insurance coverage and partner with the VA to provide veterans access to IV ketamine and psychotherapy at no cost.
4. How do you determine if someone is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
We begin with a thorough medical and psychiatric assessment, reviewing previous treatments, current medications, and overall health. Patients must be referred by a psychiatrist for Spravato treatment to ensure they receive comprehensive support from their qualified mental health provider. This team-based approach acknowledges that effective treatment often involves multiple professionals. It also guarantees that ketamine is safe and suitable, while setting realistic expectations for results. Additionally, we discuss the patient’s goals and their readiness to participate in therapy and lifestyle changes during and after treatment.
5. Can you walk us through what a first-time patient can expect at your clinic?
After an initial medical evaluation, patients are guided through preparation with our psychotherapist to help set intentions and understand what to expect. On infusion day, we create a calming environment with comfortable seating, noise-canceling headphones, eye shades, and personalized music playlists. A physician monitors each treatment closely. Afterward, patients recover on-site, then receive follow-up support and integration sessions to process insights and sustain results.
The calming treatment environment at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, where Dr. Rivas has witnessed patients regain hope and transform their lives.
6. What types of results have you seen with ketamine therapy?
We often see rapid reductions in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts—sometimes within the first few sessions—as well as meaningful improvements in anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. For many patients, ketamine offers relief when nothing else has worked, and some are even able to taper off other antidepressants under their psychiatrist’s guidance. The most rewarding part is watching people regain hope and re-engage with life. One patient, for example, was finally able to end an unhealthy relationship, pursue a career shift, and take a long-awaited vacation she had put off for years.
7. What do you wish every new patient knew before beginning their ketamine journey?
Ketamine isn’t a magic pill—it’s a powerful tool. When used thoughtfully and in the right setting, it can be life-changing. But like any tool, if misused or applied without proper guidance, its benefits may be limited or even harmful. Ketamine opens a unique window of neuroplasticity, making it easier for patients to engage in therapy, build healthy habits, and shift their mindset. Those who are thoughtful in their preparation and actively integrate insights and commit to lifestyle changes often experience the most profound and lasting improvements.
8. Is there a patient story that stands out, someone whose transformation really moved you?
One patient in his seventies came to us after decades of severe depression and multiple failed treatments. He carried deep wounds from childhood trauma, particularly around his relationship with his father, which left him struggling with self-worth and persistent thoughts of self-harm. He often visited the beach in search of the joy he remembered feeling there as a child, but for decades he could never truly experience it again. After one of his ketamine sessions, he described returning to that same beach and, for the first time in years, feeling the mist on his face and the sound of the waves as pure joy. He told us it was the first moment since childhood that he felt genuine happiness. In the weeks that followed, he began reconnecting with his family, finding meaning again, and even making plans for the future. Witnessing that transformation was immensely moving and a powerful reminder of why we do this work.
Eli, Innerbloom's therapy dog, in the wellness space where 'set and setting' comes to life through intentional design and compassionate care.
9. How do you incorporate “set and setting” into your patient experience?
We believe that the environment, comfort, and trust in the team are essential. A sterile, clinical atmosphere isn’t conducive to the healing process, so we’ve intentionally designed our clinic to feel warm, calm, and welcoming. Soft lighting, soothing scents, music, and comfortable reclining chairs help create a sense of safety and ease. Patients are encouraged to bring blankets, meaningful objects, or even supportive friends or family to personalize their experience. Our therapy dog is also present, offering comfort and companionship—sometimes even a warm snuggle—during treatments. In addition, we spend time preparing patients mentally before their sessions through guided preparation with our ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, which we’ve found greatly enhances both the experience and therapeutic outcomes.
10. Are there any misconceptions about ketamine treatment you wish more people understood?
Many people assume ketamine is illegal, unsafe, or only used as a “horse tranquilizer.” In reality, ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used safely in humans for decades, including in emergency rooms and operating rooms worldwide. IV ketamine for depression and anxiety is considered “off label,” which is very common in medicine and does not mean unsafe or experimental. While ketamine can be misused recreationally, in a controlled clinical setting it has a strong safety profile and is even listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine.
Connect with Dr. Ray Rivas
Clinic: Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
Website: innerbloomketamine.com
Location: 842 California Blvd Suite 6, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 457-7171
Social Media:
About Ketamine StartUp’s Training Courses
Interested in adding ketamine therapy to your practice? Learn more about our comprehensive Ketamine StartUp 101 or Therapeutic Ketamine Delivery course that helped Dr. Ray Rivas successfully launch his ketamine therapy services.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this interview reflects the clinical experience and opinions of the featured practitioner and is intended for educational purposes. For healthcare professionals: This content should be considered alongside current clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and applicable regulations. Proper training, licensing, and compliance are required before implementing ketamine therapy. For patients or potential patients: This information does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy requires comprehensive medical evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals, and individual results may vary. Please consult with a licensed provider to discuss whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate for your specific situation.
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Former trauma surgeon Dr. Ray Rivas shares his personal ketamine transformation journey and how he's revolutionizing mental health care in San Luis Obispo.
Dr. Ray Rivas traded surgery for healing sanctuary. After experiencing ketamine's life-changing effects during his own depression battle, he now transforms mental health care in San Luis Obispo.