Ketogenic Therapy
What is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein therapeutic intervention first developed in the 1920s for epilepsy. At MH², ketogenic therapy is used as a powerful metabolic tool to support individuals with complex mental health and metabolic conditions.
Why ketogenic therapy is relevant to mental health:
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Supports brain energy and mitochondrial efficiency
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Helps stabilize glucose and insulin, reducing metabolic strain on the brain
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May reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress
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Offers a non-pharmaceutical metabolic intervention for treatment-resistant symptoms
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Prioritizes nutrient-dense whole foods to support overall brain function
Who ketogenic therapy may benefit:
Individuals with significant metabolic dysregulation, treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms, or those seeking a structured nutritional intervention under medical supervision.
All ketogenic therapy at MH² is clinically supervised, with monitoring, lab work, and structured support to ensure safety and long-term success.
Ketogenic Services at MH²
Aurora Program
The Aurora Program is our most intensive, hands-on care model, designed for individuals with serious mental illness who need comprehensive support to regain independence and thrive in their daily lives. This program combines in-home care, community integration, and a team-based approach to meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals.
The Aurora Program starts with an accelerated advanced assessment with treatment beginning on day one. The advanced assessment includes an intake with our dietitian and a 3-day food log review to assess whether ketogenic therapy is appropriate, safe, and likely to be beneficial based on your medical history, psychiatric symptoms, current treatments, and metabolic health.
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Comprehensive psychiatric, metabolic, physical health, and psychosocial evaluation
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High-touch support three to six days per week, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, and metabolic care
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In-home visits and individualized case management
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Community integration, rehabilitation, and life-skills development
Foundations for Recovery Program
A comprehensive, three-month program designed to stabilize symptoms, identify root causes, and build the skills needed for long-term health. Foundations for Recovery is ideal for individuals with complex or treatment-resistant conditions who need an integrated, whole-person approach.
Foundations for Recovery Program starts with an accelerated advanced assessment with treatment beginning on day one. The advanced assessment includes an intake with our dietitian and a 3-day food log review to assess whether ketogenic therapy is appropriate, safe, and likely to be beneficial based on your medical history, psychiatric symptoms, current treatments, and metabolic health.
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Coordinated psychiatric care and metabolic support
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Individual and group psychotherapy
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Movement, nutrition, and health coaching interventions
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Structured skill-building with a multidisciplinary team working together on your behalf
Advanced Assessment
The Advanced Assessment is our most in-depth diagnostic experience. It begins with extensive pre-visit questionnaires and may include optional labs completed ahead of time. Patients then spend two to three days in the clinic meeting with each member of our multidisciplinary team.
The advanced assessment includes an intake with our dietitian and a 3-day food log review to assess whether ketogenic therapy is appropriate, safe, and likely to be beneficial based on your medical history, psychiatric symptoms, current treatments, and metabolic health.
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Comprehensive psychiatric and metabolic health evaluation by a psychiatrist
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Detailed psychosocial and substance-use assessments
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Medical, lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, and environmental evaluation
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Physical exam and expanded biomarkers, including DXA and lab work
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Cognitive testing and fitness and movement assessment
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Multidisciplinary case conference and treatment recommendation meeting
Ketogenic Therapy Assessment
The Ketogenic Therapy Assessment is a focused evaluation to determine whether medically supervised ketogenic therapy is an appropriate and safe treatment option for you.
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Psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatric nurse practitioner (60 min)
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Ketogenic therapy and nutrition assessment by a registered dietitian (60 min)
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Standard biometrics (height, weight, blood pressure)
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Laboratory testing, including ketogenic-specific biomarkers
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DXA body composition and bone density analysis
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Personalized report and treatment planning meeting
Ketogenic Therapy Implementation Month
An intensive, one-month program designed to establish ketogenic therapy, monitor early clinical response, and develop an individualized treatment plan through a coordinated multidisciplinary care model.
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Weekly 45-minute Dietitian sessions
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Weekly 20-minute Nurse Practitioner sessions
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Weekly 45-minute Health Coaching sessions starting Week 2
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Weekly Vitals
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Weekly Keto Support Group
Ongoing Ketogenic Support Tracks
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Keto Intensive — Designed for patients who desire intensive support during ketogenic therapy implementation and stabilization.
This track may be appropriate for patients who:
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Are newly implementing ketogenic therapy
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Require frequent medication monitoring or adjustment
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Have significant psychiatric symptom burden
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Need substantial nutrition and behavioral support
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Are experiencing challenges with adherence or implementation
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Keto Maintain — Designed for patients who have established a foundation with ketogenic therapy but continue to benefit from regular multidisciplinary support.
This track may be appropriate for patients who:
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Have achieved a stable ketogenic routine
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Are continuing to work toward clinical or metabolic goals
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Benefit from ongoing accountability and guidance
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Require periodic adjustments to their treatment plan
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Keto Thrive — Designed for patients who have achieved clinical stability and are focused on long-term sustainability, optimization, and relapse prevention.
This track may be appropriate for patients who:
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Have established a sustainable ketogenic lifestyle
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Demonstrate stable psychiatric and metabolic outcomes
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Require less frequent support
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Desire continued access to the multidisciplinary team for guidance and monitoring
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Ketogenic Therapy Team
Elizabeth Russet, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Russet, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner



