How does the KetoMind programme work?
Research suggests that the Keto diet can help treat the symptoms of some mental health conditions. Our KetoMind programme is designed to monitor and support you through this lifestyle change.
Learn more about how ketogenic diets work here.
The first step of the KetoMind programme is to have an initial free 15 minute information call with our Associate Medical Director for adult services. This call will involve finding out a bit more about you to make sure you don’t have a clear contraindication to the diet before paying for a first appointment.
The next stage is a paid assessment by one of our psychiatrists, usually for 90 minutes to further assess your suitability, explain the programme, and talk through the consent form. You will then need a further 30 minute appointment with the LPC psychiatrist once stable in ketosis to check how things are with your mental state. The psychiatrist would communicate with any other psychiatrists involved and your GP, with your consent. Prior to the first appointment, all relevant psychiatric and medical history should be provided.
To express your interest in the programme, and to schedule this, please contact our programme coordinator. Email: enquiries@londonpsychiatry.clinic.
You are likely to need approximately 10 x 1 hour appointments with our LPC dietitian in total. In your first dietitian appointment, the dietitian will run through your medical history and make sure that you have everything you need to get started with the programme. This will include blood test results and ketone monitoring equipment, as well as a ketone level monitoring plan. With your consent, they will update your GP and contact your psychiatrist to inform them that you are starting the programme. They will answer your questions about the programme and will set expectations about the journey ahead. You will then schedule check-in appointments each week for the first month to support you during the dietary initiation. This is important as it is possible you may experience more psychiatric symptoms during this time.
Once your blood tests have returned, your results and symptoms will be assessed, and the dietitian will then provide you with a bespoke dietary programme.
We work in collaboration with leading companies in the field of metabolic psychiatry to help simplify your therapeutic ketogenic lifestyle:
- Keto-Mojo
- Acetrack
- Natural Ketosis Company
How do I know if KetoMind is suitable for me?
If conventional treatments have not been effective or are causing you significant side effects, KetoMind could be for you. However, it is important to note that the evidence is currently limited and the diet may not be suitable for everyone.
Research shows that ketogenic diets may improve specific symptoms within conditions. However, it is not a magic ‘cure-all’ for the disorder itself. KetoMind has been designed as an optional dietary intervention added to standard treatment. The most effective approach is to combine both.
Learn more about research on ketogenic diets for mental health conditions.
How is KetoMind different from a standard ketogenic diet?
We designed the KetoMind programme to support the safe use of ketogenic diets for patients with mental health conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition, we advise you not to start a ketogenic diet without specialist monitoring.
You may initially experience uncomfortable side effects or a temporary worsening of symptoms. Input and support from your psychiatrist and the KetoMind team are essential at this time. This is to make sure that you are safe and that the side effects are monitored and prevented where possible.
Why do I need a dietitian?
While the concept of nutritional ketosis may seem simple, everyone’s metabolism is different. There is no guaranteed threshold or formula for how to achieve therapeutic levels of ketosis. This is why a specialist dietitian is a key part of the KetoMind team.
Some people may only require slight modifications to their foods to achieve ketosis. However, others may require considerable changes to their diet. This can dramatically influence your mood, energy levels and overall health. Monitoring your ketone levels in association with changes in your mental and physical health is crucial. This will help to determine what level of ketosis is most beneficial for your condition and lifestyle. Starting a ketogenic diet requires a lifestyle overhaul for most people, and this can feel like an overwhelming task. Our dietitian will support you during this transition period. They will track your ketone levels remotely and check in with you when necessary to make any adjustments.
The dietitian is also there to guide you through each step of the programme. They will provide you with personalised guidance, education and accountability. With their regular support, you will learn how to implement Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy into your life, and maintain it as a lifestyle.
Additionally, the restrictive nature of ketogenic diets means an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues. However, this can be avoided with the support of a dietitian. Our specialist dietitian will design a bespoke ketogenic diet especially for you and your unique needs.
Why do I need to see a psychiatrist when I already have one?
If you already have a Psychiatrist, we would prefer that you continue working with them alongside the KetoMind programme. This is because they are responsible for your ongoing care, and you likely have a good relationship with them. We will work collaboratively with your psychiatrist and mental health team to offer you the best support.
The consultant psychiatrist you see at the London Psychiatry Clinic will carry out an initial assessment with you. They will then continue to monitor your symptom severity over the course of the KetoMind programme. If you are taking any medication and changes are needed, we will communicate with your psychiatrist or GP, with your consent. We will also ask you for permission to write to your GP to keep them informed of your care and to communicate with us if appropriate.
How much does KetoMind cost?
Monitoring both your mental and physical health closely during treatment is crucial. This means you will need regular check-ups with each member of the KetoMind team.
There are no administrative or subscription fees attached to the KetoMind programme. You simply pay for the time you spend with the specialists.
- First triage call with Associate Medical Director (15 minutes) – free
- First assessment with the Psychiatrist - £580-£595 per hour (usually need 90 minute appointment)
- First assessment with the Dietitian - £250 per hour
- Ongoing appointments with the Dietitian - £250 per hour or £125 or 30 minutes. Generally, one appointment every week is recommended in the first month to implement the diet. This can then be reduced for the duration of the programme. This will be agreed in your first appointment with the Dietitian.
Are there any additional costs?
We will suggest you have a blood test at the beginning of the programme. You can source this privately and the cost is approximately £338. We also recommend you purchase a ketone metre to track your ketone levels which are approximately £60.
How often should I see the KetoMind team?
Initially, we recommend weekly consultations with the dietitian. Once you are comfortable with the diet and are able to maintain your ketone levels, this can be reduced to biweekly. For most people, this takes about a month. This will help encourage you to become more independent with the lifestyle yet still provides a safety net and valuable support. For best results, we recommend that you follow the KetoMind programme for at least three months (12 weeks). Support after the programme is also available.
Meet the KetoMind team
At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we have created a team of experienced clinicians and researchers who will be in charge of your care.
Registered Dietitian: Sascha Landskron MSc
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Dinesh Kumar
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Alice Ashby
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Alberto Pertusa
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Felice Loi
How long does it take to see results?
From existing research, we know that most people tend to benefit from a ketogenic diet a few weeks after starting. However, it is important to emphasise that we cannot guarantee this.
We advise that people usually need to engage in the KetoMind programme for at least 12 weeks. This will help to determine whether their mental health has improved from a ketogenic diet. It only takes a few days to achieve a state of ketosis after starting the diet. However, it may take several weeks or months before this has a noticeable effect on your condition or symptoms.
What if I want to continue after 12 weeks?
At the end of the 12 weeks, you will review your progress with the dietitian and decide on the next steps. If you have experienced positive results and plan to continue the programme, ongoing support is available. You can arrange to see the KetoMind team as and when you require.
If you would like to continue the diet outside of London Psychiatry Clinic, we advise you to regularly follow up with a registered dietitian. This is important to ensure that you don’t develop any nutritional deficiencies or adverse side effects over time.
What if KetoMind doesn’t work for me?
If you are not noticing any improvement in your symptoms after several weeks, we will suggest increasing your level of ketosis. You can do this naturally through adjusting your diet with the dietitian.
If you do not experience any positive changes to your mental health after following the keto diet for 12 weeks, you are unlikely to benefit from it. It may be best for you to stop the programme, and our specialist team can help you explore other options.
If you wish to continue with the diet due to experiencing other positive effects, such as weight loss or increased energy, we recommend that this be done with ongoing supervision.
At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to mental health problems. If a ketogenic way of eating is not for you, we can still help you speak with one of the psychiatrists at the London Psychiatry Clinic to discuss other options available to you.