Ketamine Treatment
What is ketamine?
Ketamine has been around since the 1960s and was originally developed for use in surgery to assist with sedation and pain management. Recently, ketamine has been explored as an “off-label” treatment for mental health conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional medications or therapy.
Why choose ketamine?
Ketamine brings a promising approach to treating mental health disorders, working in a way that’s quite different from traditional antidepressants and mood stabilizers. It helps by boosting brain connectivity and flexibility, offering rapid relief from symptoms—often within hours. This can be especially important for those struggling with severe or treatment-resistant conditions, giving them much-needed support when it’s needed most.
Ketamine creates a non-ordinary state of consciousness that can enhance self-awareness, shift your thinking patterns, and release buried emotions. This often leads to deeper insights and a stronger sense of purpose. It’s especially effective in easing depression, suicidal thoughts and can also be beneficial for those with anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse issues. When used alongside therapy, ketamine can significantly boost the therapeutic process, making it easier to explore and work through difficult emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
Is ketamine right for you?
We offer two different options for ketamine therapy to suit your needs.
- The first option involves coming into the office for self-administered oral or nasal ketamine administration with a licensed therapist guiding you through your experience, and another session with the same therapist 24-48 hours later.
- The second option is the self-administered ketamine administration itself, which might be ideal if you’re already working with a therapist outside our practice or if you prefer not to include therapy at this time. We’re more than happy to coordinate with your current therapist and find a schedule that works best for you.
Ketamine can offer quick relief, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. It’s important to speak with a psychiatric provider who knows your medical history and can help you figure out how ketamine might fit into your overall treatment plan. We’re here to help you understand the potential benefits and any risks, ensuring you make the choice that’s best for your overall well-being.
Want to know more?
If you’re curious to learn more, below are some great articles that dive deeper into the topic. They explain how ketamine works, its benefits, and how it helps with treatment-resistant conditions. If you have any questions or need help finding reliable sources, feel free to reach out—we’re here to guide you!
- Dutton M, Can AT, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Oral ketamine may offer a solution to the ketamine conundrum. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2023 Dec;240(12):2483-2497. doi: 10.1007/s00213-023-06480-x. Epub 2023 Oct 26. PMID: 37882811; PMCID: PMC10640543.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37882811 - Drozdz SJ, Goel A, McGarr MW, Katz J, Ritvo P, Mattina GF, Bhat V, Diep C, Ladha KS. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature. J Pain Res. 2022 Jun 15;15:1691-1706. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S360733. PMID: 35734507; PMCID: PMC9207256.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35734507 - Ziegler L, Peters E, Wanson A, Halpape K. Compounded intranasal racemic ketamine for major depressive disorder: A case report. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021 Dec;29(6):750-754. doi: 10.1037/pha0000437. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33661659.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33661659