Metabolic Psychiatric Recovery Program – FAQ

What is this program?

This program is a current initiative of Brain Fog Recovery Source, a registered nonprofit. It provides free education and support for individuals on disability who want access to ketogenic metabolic therapy for psychiatric recovery. Participants receive structured online learning, live Q&A sessions, individualized dietary guidance, and access to a supportive community. This is an educational program, not medical treatment.

Is this medical care or psychiatric treatment?

No. This program is not medical care or psychiatric treatment. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace any form of professional healthcare. The purpose of this program is to provide education on ketogenic metabolic therapy so that participants can decide for themselves how they want to implement the information. If you are currently under medical or psychiatric care, you should consult with your provider before making changes to your diet or medications. The role of this program is to provide a ketogenic informed professional as part of your existing treatment team.

Will you coordinate and talk with my doctors and therapist?

No. You are responsible for communicating with your treatment team. We do not coordinate care or speak with providers directly. However, we do coach participants on how to discuss ketogenic and metabolic strategies with their healthcare providers.

If you cannot manage your own medical care and do not have a caregiver or support system to assist you, do not ask to enroll in this program.

Does the program protect my data under HIPAA or GDPR?

No. This program is not a healthcare service and does not comply with HIPAA or GDPR regulations. Because this is an educational program, not medical care, we are not bound by the privacy and security requirements that apply to healthcare providers.

If you require HIPAA or GDPR-compliant handling of your information, do not apply for enrollment. This program relies on standard online platforms for course access, group discussions, and document sharing, none of which are structured for medical-level data security.

Is this a separate or limited version of the online program for people on disability?

No. This is the same high-quality education and support forum that private-paying participants access as part of the Brain Fog Recovery Program. Being on disability does not mean receiving a reduced or limited version of the program. You would receive the full experience and support just as any other participant would.

Who is eligible to enroll?

This program is designed for adults with serious mental illness who are receiving government-recognized disability benefits. While we currently accept documentation from the United States and Canada, we may consider international participants if equivalent documentation can be clearly verified and participation logistics are feasible.

Individuals must have a current medical professional to monitor medications and provide medical oversight during ketogenic and metabolic therapies. They do not have to be perfectly ketogenic informed and trained practitioners, but they must know you are doing this and agree to the increased oversight that may be necessary. If you do not have a doctor managing your medications or your treatment, do not apply.

How do I verify my disability status?

Proof of state or federal disability benefits is required for enrollment if seeking no cost enrollment. The award letter must be for the most current enrollment year. Private or employer-sponsored disability benefits do not currently qualify.

Acceptable documentation includes:

United States: Social Security Award Letter, Notice of Award from the SSA, or an Annual Benefit Statement (SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S).

Canada: CPP Disability (CPPD) Award Letter from Service Canada or a Provincial Disability Assistance Approval Letter (e.g., ODSP, PWD, AISH).

International applicants may be considered if they can provide official documentation that clearly demonstrates a permanent or long-term disability status. Documentation must be current.

What if I am not on government disability but am low-income?

If you are not on government disability but meet low-income eligibility criteria, you may still apply to the Metabolic Psychiatric Recovery Program. Proof of government-issued low-income or social welfare benefits is required for enrollment. If documentation is unavailable, financial circumstances can be evaluated individually on a case-by-case basis in extenuating circumstances. Applicants enrolling through the low-income pathway typically receive partial scholarships, meaning participants are asked to make a donation to the nonprofit to help offset program costs.

Gaining entry under low-income eligibility is possible but is not part of the disability-specific initiative.

Is my participation confidential?

No. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in this program. This is an educational group program, not medical care, and participation occurs in a shared environment.

Group sessions are recorded for participant access in a private forum, and while you are not required to turn your camera on, your voice and participation may be included in the recordings. Additionally, discussions in the private forum are visible to all participants, and we cannot control how others may use or interpret shared information.

If you require strict confidentiality in your implementation of ketogenic metabolic therapy, do not seek enrollment in this program. We encourage you to seek one-on-one professional guidance instead. This program is for individuals who are comfortable engaging in a group setting and understand that participation inherently involves shared discussion and learning.

If privacy concerns prevent you from comfortably participating in group discussions, submitting questions, or using standard communication methods, this program will not be a suitable option for you.

Does this program guarantee results?

Absolutely not. Every individual’s experience is different, and results vary. This program provides education and support to help participants learn about and implement ketogenic metabolic therapy and other metabolic tools, but outcomes depend on many factors, including biological differences, medication management, underlying health conditions, and each person’s ability to engage with the process.

Some participants notice significant improvements in cognitive function, mood stability, and overall well-being, while others may experience more gradual or subtle changes, or even no change at all. There are no guaranteed outcomes, as psychiatric conditions are complex, and metabolic therapy is not a cure-all. It is one potential tool among many.

Can I stop taking my medication if I feel better?

Under no circumstances will anyone teaching or facilitating this program provide guidance or advice regarding medication decisions. This program is not medical care, and no part of it replaces the expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.

If you feel better and are considering changing or stopping any medication, you must discuss this with your doctor or prescribing clinician. Psychiatric medications require careful management, and making adjustments without medical supervision can have serious consequences. Any decisions about medication changes must be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

How is this program funded?

This program is funded entirely through donations and grants. It relies on the generosity of individual donors, philanthropic organizations and grant-making institutions to sustain and expand access.

Because funding is limited, we prioritize those who meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging with the program. Expanding access to more participants depends on continued funding support, and we actively seek partnerships with organizations that recognize the urgent need for accessible metabolic therapy education in psychiatric recovery.

What if I am not in the United States or Canada?

This program prioritizes adults receiving state or federal disability benefits. Currently, we accept documentation from the U.S. and Canada, but may consider international participants on a case-by-case basis if disability status can be clearly verified and participation logistics are manageable. You may email nonprofit@mentalhealthketo.com to inquire.

How much time do I have to complete the program?

There is no time limit on how long participants and their support persons can access course material or attend live Q&A sessions. Once enrolled, they have continued access for as long as the program exists and they wish to remain engaged, rather than being cut off after a fixed number of weeks or months.

What does the program include?

Participants gain access to 12 course modules on an online education platform, weekly group live Q&A sessions, and a private community forum for questions and peer support. Educational handouts and resources are also provided.

Participants are expected to show up for live sessions, engage respectfully in discussions, and take responsibility for their own progress. Participation in this program requires the development of commitment, engagement, and a willingness to learn. To get the most out of this opportunity, you should be prepared to meet the following expectations:

  • Attend at least one Live Q&A session per week, even if you don’t have questions. These sessions are essential for learning, troubleshooting, and staying engaged. For at least the first three months, attending regularly should be a priority.
  • Go through the lessons at your own pace. Remember, there is no time pressure to complete the program by a deadline. Progress depends on your willingness to engage with the material and apply what you learn.
  • Enroll a caregiver or support person (at no cost) if additional support would benefit you. Having someone involved can help reinforce learning and improve long-term success.
  • Understand that this is an education and coaching program. Support means actively asking questions, problem-solving, and working toward mastery.
  • You must have access to the internet and be open to learning the basic technology used to get the most out of the program. This can include but is not limited to Zoom, Google Drive or One Drive, Facebook and Cronometer.

Is the program completely free?

Yes, the program is fully funded for eligible individuals. However, participants are responsible for covering certain costs that may be necessary for implementation. These include:

  • Nutritious foods, including meat, eggs, dairy, healthy fat sources and vegetables.
  • Supplements, in the form of electrolytes and a multivitamin. These do not need to be expensive brands for success.
  • Ketone testing supplies such as Keto-Mojo or if cost prohibitive, urine test strips, costing $15–$20.
  • If you are on medication, you may need to budget for a prescriber to monitor your medications. This cost varies based on insurance coverage.

Optional but helpful expenses:

  • A genetic test from (such as AncestryDNA) which costs $40–$100 and is used for personalized nutrition recommendations.
  • A Vitamin D test, which may cost around $50 out of pocket.

You can space out some purchases based on your budget. However, access to testing and high-quality nutrition will significantly impact your results, so participants should do their best to plan accordingly. Resources are provided to help teach people how to accomplish on a budget.

How do I apply?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and feel you are a good fit for the program requirements, please contact us directly at nonprofit@mentalhealthketo.com to begin the enrollment process. Please DO NOT send your documentation in with this initial inquiry. In your email, briefly indicate your interest in the Metabolic Psychiatric Recovery Program and confirm that you have appropriate disability documentation ready to submit. After receiving your inquiry, we’ll schedule the enrollment call via Zoom to determine if the program is a good fit for your needs.

I don’t want to apply, but I definitely want to donate!

If you found this page not because you want to apply but you wanted to see the kind of work we do, and you are inspired to support it with a one-time or recurring donation, you can find do that by visiting the Donation Page of our organization.