FAQs

What is Ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a psychiatric treatment that involves the use of ketamine, a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its off-label use in treating various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ketamine is administered in controlled settings, typically via a sublingual lozenge or intravenous infusion, and has shown promising results in rapidly alleviating symptoms in individuals who have not responded well to other traditional treatments. Despite its potential benefits, ketamine therapy is not without risks and side effects, and it is crucial for treatment to be conducted under the supervision of trained medical professionals.

Who can benefit from ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy can benefit individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and chronic pain conditions. It offers hope to patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like medications and therapy. Ketamine therapy is also beneficial for those seeking a rapid and effective treatment option, as it can often provide relief after just a few sessions. Additionally, individuals who are unable to tolerate the side effects of other medications may find ketamine therapy to be a well-tolerated alternative. Overall, ketamine therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals looking to improve their mental health and quality of life.

What is the difference between a relational and a transformational dose of ketamine?
Relational doses are typically lower and aim to enhance introspection, empathy, and communication. These doses help strengthen the therapeutic alliance and improve the patient's ability to engage in the therapeutic process.

On the other hand, transformational doses, which are higher, can lead to profound and mystical experiences that may promote personal growth and insight.

Both relational and transformational doses work by modulating glutamate neurotransmission and enhancing synaptic plasticity in the brain, ultimately facilitating therapeutic breakthroughs and emotional processing for individuals seeking treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

What is the process for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy involves a series of sessions where a patient receives a ketamine infusion while being guided by a therapist to explore their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. The procedure begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical and mental health history to determine if they are a suitable candidate for ketamine therapy.

If cleared, the patient will be scheduled for their first session which takes place in our controlled clinical setting. During the session, the patient is closely monitored by our staff as the ketamine is administered through a sublingual lozenge or intravenously at a low dose. The therapist then guides the patient through the experience, helping them navigate any thoughts or emotions that may arise.

After the session, the patient is monitored for a period of time before being allowed to leave the clinic. The number of sessions needed varies for each individual, with follow-up integration sessions scheduled to help process and integrate the insights gained from the ketamine experience.