Listen to this article 2 min
Under a recent proposal, psychedelic therapy could become a covered medical expense for thousands of government employees.
Liliana Bakhtiari turned to ketamine therapy to manage her symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ketamine is known for its dissociative and hallucinogenic properties, leading some to use it illicitly. But, when administered under medical supervision, the anesthetic can be an effective treatment for medication-resistant cases of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
“It saved my life,” said Bakhtiari, who serves as the District 5 representative on Atlanta City Council.
Bakhtiari pays $350 for each therapy session. Under a recent proposal, the treatment could become a covered medical expense in the future for thousands of government employees through an update to the city’s health benefits package.
The elected official asked the city’s human resources department in a May resolution to explore coverage options for ketamine, psilocybin – the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” that is gaining momentum as a treatment for mental health conditions – and other alternative therapies. The department would report back with its findings in December.
‘Refill their cup’
Police officers, firefighters and other first responders encounter stressful, traumatic situations on a daily basis, Bakhtiari said. City officials should examine all available resources to help them cope with the daily demands of their jobs, she said.
To Bakhtiari’s knowledge, Atlanta would become one of the first municipalities to cover the treatments. She hopes to play a part in the destigmatization of mental health conditions, particularly among those seeking public office.
“There’s been this archaic notion for the longest time that you have to appear perfect in order to achieve a platform or to be elected,” Bakhtiari said. “That has kept so many people from thinking they are worthy enough to hold a position to help others.”
Beyond the public sector, private companies are also showing interest in covering psychedelic therapy to boost their employees’ happiness and productivity, according to a report from Wall Street Journal. In a 2024 poll conducted by Monster.com, 78% of workers shared that they don’t think their employer is doing enough to address mental wellness at work.
“How are we helping our employees refill their cup and recharge?” Bakhtiari said. “This will absolutely have a long-term effect in a positive direction on the city’s ability to retain and support their staff.”
‘We grew and grew and grew’
Ketamine clinics have popped up in major cities across the U.S. in the past decade.
The market size was valued at $3.1 billion in 2022, with projections pointing to an annual average growth of 10.6% through 2030, according to a report from Grand View Research. The expansion is fueled by rising recognition of mental health conditions and interest in the therapy.
Andro Giorgadze opened Atlanta Center for Ketamine Therapy in 2012, a time when clinics offering the treatment were a rarity. He launched his practice after conducting clinical research that yielded promising results.
“I had patients flying in from all over the country and even internationally when I first started my practice,” Giorgadze said. “The volume was pretty low, but each year we grew and grew and grew.”
Ketamine can be administered for therapeutic purposes through an IV infusion or a nasal spray. The former method of delivery can be more effective, Giorgadze said, but it is not covered by most insurance policies.
Some clinics have responded by billing carriers for related services that would be eligible for coverage, Giorgadze said. The workaround lowers a patient’s out-of-pocket expense, though they are usually still on the hook for a portion of their bill.
“It’s difficult when you’re choosing between utilities, the mortgage payment and putting food on your table,” Bakhtiari said. “Your mental health tends to take the back burner.”
Total assets
The Business of Sports Summit
Join us ringside at the Overtime Elite Arena for lunch and exciting conversations on Atlanta’s dynamic and growing sports business community featuring Abe Madkour, Publisher of the Sports Business Journal.
2024 40 Under Forty Awards
Join Atlanta Business Chronicle as we spotlight the next generation of Atlanta's business leaders! We will honor 40 leaders – under the age of 40 – who have made significant career achievements and have demonstrated social responsibility.
© 2024 American City Business Journals. All rights reserved. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated April 19, 2024) and Privacy Policy (updated December 19, 2023). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of American City Business Journals.
Atlanta official seeks psychedelic coverage for city workers – The Business Journals
