Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is becoming more popular for treatment against depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
Traditional talk therapy can take months or even years to provide relief. Ketamine has produced results within a shorter time frame.
Ketamine is administered at low doses under controlled conditions in conjunction with therapy and a trained mental health provider.
Ketamine can help a patient access a deeper connection to their behaviors and inner world.
At the time of a medicine session, a patient is administered Ketamine at a low dose, usually though intramuscular injection, lozenge or liquid form to be taken orally. A patient is guided through their experience by a mental health provider who stays with the patient for the entirety of their journey.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine was first developed in the 1960’s as an anesthetic for surgical use. Ketamine is approved by the FDA for use as an anesthetic and pain reliever.
Ketamine is not FDA approved for treatment for mental health issues as described above. Ketamine is being used as an off-label treatment to treat certain mental health concerns.
There are risks associated with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and it is not for everyone. Patients will undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation process to determine if Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is appropriate and safe for them.
How Does this Help?
In real-world studies of people receiving ketamine for depression, the response rate at 2-4 weeks after an initial series has been 20-55% (45-50% most often) and the remission rate has been from 15-30%. 5-10% of patients had transient worsening of their depression with use of ketamine.
Of the responders, over 75% maintained response at 4 weeks after last dose and 60% maintained response at 8 weeks. About half of the patients returned for 2-3 ‘booster’ visits over the year following their last dose.
Response rates for PTSD vary widely, between 45-60% in study populations, but with relapse occurring at 1 to 4 weeks after treatment.
Ketamine has been associated with a decrease in suicidal thoughts and obsessive thoughts.
I am interested, where do I begin?
A consultation call is necessary to determine potential eligibility. Patients will be referred to a medical provider for a medical and psychological screening. If the medical provider has approved patient to receive Ketamine, patient will meet with the mental health provider to begin.
Stages of Treatment
Preparation Sessions
Preparation sessions can vary in amount and typically last one hour in duration. This is to gain trust, rapport, understand history, and patient’s intentions.
Ketamine (Medicine Sessions)
Patient is administered Ketamine in a low dose. Patient and the mental health provider will participate in therapy. Some patients have more of an inward response and this is perfectly normal.
Integration Sessions
Patients are then required to participate in integration sessions (discuss/process connections made in Ketamine sessions) within 24 to 72 hours post medicine sessions.