Ketamine therapy is a treatment approach that uses ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic medication, in sub-anesthetic doses, to manage various mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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When administered in controlled settings by trained professionals, ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours or days, compared to the weeks or months it may take for traditional antidepressants to take effect. It's believed that ketamine increases the production of certain proteins that help to form new neural connections, leading to improved mood and cognition.
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Ketamine use elicits a brief yet powerful subjective experience, often followed by a positive shift in mood, perception, motivation, cognition, and behavior. Through effective integration, individuals can deepen and potentially extend the benefits and insights derived from the experience.
Treatment Process Steps
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
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Initial Assessment: Evaluation of mental health history and setting treatment goals. Referral to the administration site. Each of my clients must be also assessed by the site´s medical professional and has to fill up the site´s paperwork. An additional assessment fee might be charged depending upon the site choice. Usually via telehealth.
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Informed Consent: Discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
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Administration: Ketamine infusion or injection under supervision. Ketamine is typically administered via intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular injection. The client is closely monitored throughout the infusion for safety and efficacy by the site´s medical professional. Ketamine must be administered by a trained medical professional, such as a nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or medical doctor. Currently I am working in close alliance with Complete Ketamine Solutions in Stamford but flexible depending on your choice of preferred facility.
- Integration: Processing the experience and insights gained with a therapist during, immediately after (at the site) and in follow-up integration sessions (in office or via telehealth) that usually take a place within one week after the infusion. Integration seems to play a crucial role in prolonging and deepening the effects of the experience.
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Maintenance: Continued sessions as needed to sustain benefits over time. All follow-ups in my office or via telehealth.