Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a type of mental health treatment that combines the use of the drug ketamine with psychotherapy . Ketamine is typically administered at a low dose in a controlled environment, and its dissociative effects can help patients access and process difficult emotions and thoughts. Learn more at https://helloinnerwell.com.
Here’s a breakdown of how KAP generally works:
- Administration of Ketamine: Ketamine can be administered several ways, sublingual (oral absorption) will be utilized when scheduled via Hello Innerwell.
- Therapeutic Exploration: The ketamine session creates an altered state of consciousness, which can allow patients to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors they may have difficulty accessing in traditional therapy.
- Integration: After the ketamine session, the therapist works with the patient to integrate the insights gained during the experience into their daily lives and develop coping strategies.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for many years, primarily for anesthesia and pain management. In recent years, it’s gained attention for its potential in treating mental health conditions.
How Does it Work?
- Neurotransmitter Modulation: Ketamine is thought to work by modulating the activity of neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly glutamate and serotonin. This can lead to rapid improvements in mood and cognition.
- Neuroplasticity: Ketamine can promote neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This can help break down negative thinking patterns and improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
Potential Benefits of KAP:
- Rapid Symptom Relief: KAP can often provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, sometimes within hours or days of treatment.
- Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression: It can be particularly helpful for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional treatments like antidepressants or talk therapy.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s emotional challenges.
Conditions Treated:
KAP has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including:
PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorders
Treatment-Resistant Depression: Depression that hasn’t improved with other treatments.
Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety.
Get Started Today
Reach out today to start your first KAP session with Dr. Milonas.