“Trauma-Focused Provider Stella Expands Reach with Acquisition of Ketamine’s US Assets”

Psychedelics Trauma-Focused Provider Stella Acquires US Assets of Ketamine Provider Field Trip

Introduction

In a significant move that further expands its reach and offerings, mental health care provider Stella has acquired the majority of ketamine-assisted therapy provider Field Trip Health & Wellness Ltd’s U.S. assets. This acquisition not only complements Stella‘s existing services but also allows the company to generate higher revenue and lower overhead costs. This development comes amidst the restructuring of Field Trip’s obligations, which has led to multiple buyers dismantling and acquiring various parts of the business.

Background

Field Trip Health & Wellness Ltd, a prominent ketamine-assisted therapy provider, faced financial trouble and sought protection from the Canadian court to restructure its obligations. As part of this process, Stella has acquired Field Trip’s U.S. assets, including offices in New York City and Washington D.C., as well as the company’s intellectual property such as its brand, technology, and research. Negotiations are still ongoing for the acquisition of Field Trip’s San Carlos, California, location.

The Power of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Before the acquisition, Stella primarily focused on providing therapy combined with stellate ganglion block (SGB) treatments. SGB involves injecting an anesthetic near a bundle of nerves near the neck to “reset” the dual sympathetic nervous system, and it is commonly used for pain-related treatments. However, Stella recognized the power and effectiveness of incorporating ketamine as an additional treatment protocol, particularly when combined with SGB and therapy. This combination has proven to be a powerful and effective treatment for individuals suffering from acute symptoms.

Challenges Faced by Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Providers

Field Trip’s financial troubles highlight the challenges faced by ketamine-assisted therapy providers, including the high cost of ketamine treatments and the lack of insurance coverage. Ketamine treatments can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $7,500, making it an unviable option for many individuals. Moreover, mainstream acceptance of ketamine-assisted therapy remains limited, further hindering its adoption as a standalone service.

Synergies and Opportunities

The acquisition of Field Trip’s assets by Stella presents significant opportunities for treatment and operational synergies. By combining their resources, Stella and Field Trip aim to leverage the scale of their operations to make ketamine-assisted therapy more affordable and accessible to a broader population. Stella‘s focus on outcome tracking, as well as its data-based approach to treatment, distinguishes it in the market, allowing the company to demonstrate the effectiveness of its therapies to payers and employers. By prioritizing outcome tracking and collaborating with organizations that can make treatments more affordable, Stella seeks to create a more compelling case for reimbursement and coverage.

Conclusion

Stella‘s acquisition of Field Trip’s U.S. assets represents a significant development in the mental health care industry, expanding the availability of ketamine-assisted therapy and furthering the integration of psychedelic treatments into mainstream healthcare. This acquisition not only strengthens Stella‘s position in the market but also presents opportunities for greater accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and acceptance of ketamine-assisted therapy. As the field of psychedelic medicine continues to evolve, it is essential for providers like Stella to prioritize data-based approaches, outcome tracking, and collaborations with payers and employers to make these treatments more accessible and affordable for those in need.