Author Carrie Lewey
A Sound Mind & Body is now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders, such as OCD and social anxiety. There are many benefits to assisted therapy.
Ketamine is a dissociative medication with more than 50 years of safe use as an anesthetic agent in medical procedures. Recently, ketamine, when administered in small doses, has shown great promise for patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and much more. A therapeutic dose is a fraction (10-20%) of the dose typically used for anesthesia.
Benefits of ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ketamine creates a safe but powerful experience, inducing dissociation. It has quickly become known as the best currently available substitute for psychedelic medicine. Ketamine can enhance neuroplasticity, the capacity of the brain to rewire itself in response to stimulation and experience.
A Sound Mind & Body offers a unique ketamine experience unlike the traditional infusion-only model of care found at most ketamine treatment facilities. In those clinics, IV ketamine is administered in a clinical setting with little oversight or integration of the patient. The benefits of the infusion-only method are fleeting in the treatment of mental health. We have found that combining the powerful insights from the ketamine experience with talk therapy are necessary to make lasting behavioral changes and improved mental health.
A different approach to Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
A Sound Mind & Body offers a unique approach to Ketamine-Assisted Therapy. Every treatment with us encompasses a holistic range of services aimed at promoting symptom remission.
We provide a unique psychedelic therapy experience in a cozy, comfortable space with carefully selected music using headphones and eyeshades. These measures deepen the inward journey and enhance the healing power found in this medicine. The sessions last about two hours and almost everyone finds the experience positive and helpful for the challenges they face.
In the past ten years, we have witnessed an eruption of research that supports the beenefits of assisted therapy using ketamine for depression, trauma, OCD, addiction and other mental health challenges. These studies reveal that even the most difficult to treat depression responds positively to ketamine, even after many failed medications and courses of therapy. Improvement in symptoms usually occurs very quickly after the treatment begins. When used correctly, ketamine can catalyze the benefits of psychotherapy by increasing one’s ability to experience life from a new point of view. Many studies have shown that ketamine can eliminate suicidal ideation within hours.
Ketamine can be administered through several routes, but we have found the most effective to be intramuscularly or orally.
Every single Individual Ketamine-Assisted Therapy appointment is followed by an Integration session scheduled within a few hours or days following the ketamine journey. In this session you will discuss, process and evaluate your experience. It is a crucial part of the therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, goals, and experiences. The therapy sessions are private and provide an opportunity for deep exploration of personal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT)?
Ketamine Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the drug ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat various mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
How does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy work?
Ketamine is administered in a controlled setting and is believed to work by altering neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can lead to rapid improvements in mood and thought patterns.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy legal?
Yes, ketamine is a legal medication when prescribed by a medical provider, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is practiced in various clinics around the world.
What conditions can Ketamine-Assisted Therapy treat?
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy has been used to treat depression, PTSD, OCD, and substance use disorders, among others.
Can Ketamine-Assisted Therapy lead to addiction?
While ketamine can be addictive if abused, KAT is administered in a controlled, clinical setting to minimize the risk of addiction.
What is the difference between racemic ketamine and esketamine?
Racemic ketamine is the standard form used in medical settings, while esketamine is a more recent, FDA-approved nasal spray specifically for treatment-resistant depression.
Are there any risks associated with Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
As with any treatment, there are potential risks including dissociation, elevated blood pressure, and in rare cases, addiction. These risks are managed by medical professionals during treatment.
How is ketamine administered in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine can be administered intramuscularly (IM) or orally depending on the clinic and the specific needs of the patient.
What is the success rate of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for depression?
Studies have shown promising results, with many patients experiencing rapid relief from depressive symptoms, though individual responses can vary.