In a recent Instagram Live session, Dr. Julie Hanks had a lively chat with Dr. Nathan Gilmore, Chief Medical Director at Anew Therapy, about how ketamine-assisted therapy can transform mental health. They explored everything from how ketamine works, its safety, and who might benefit from it. If you’ve been curious about whether ketamine-assisted therapy could help you or a loved one, this post sums up the key takeaways and explains why ketamine is quickly becoming a game-changer for mental health care.
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What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Dr. Gilmore began by explaining the origins of ketamine. Initially developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has been used for decades in clinical settings, including during surgeries and for pain relief on battlefields. Over time, researchers discovered that ketamine had surprising effects on mood, making it a valuable tool for treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Dr. Gilmore noted, “For many patients, ketamine is a game-changer—it breaks down the barriers that traditional treatments can’t, allowing them to reset their mental health and start fresh.”
When used in mental health, ketamine acts as a fast-acting antidepressant. It targets the glutamate system in the brain, helping to disrupt negative thought patterns and creating new, healthier pathways. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results, many patients experience improvements in their mood shortly after treatment, sometimes even after the first session.Ketamine-assisted therapy is generally used for patients with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, as well as PTSD. The typical protocol involves a series of six treatments over three to six weeks. During these sessions, patients may enter a dissociative state, allowing them to access deep-seated emotions and thought patterns that may be contributing to their mental health challenges.
Is Ketamine Safe?
A common concern about ketamine therapy is its safety. Dr. Gilmore was quick to reassure viewers that ketamine, when administered in a clinical setting with proper supervision, is incredibly safe. He explained that ketamine does not suppress the respiratory system the way other sedatives do, making it less risky in terms of respiratory complications.
At Anew Therapy, patient safety is paramount. Dr. Gilmore emphasized the importance of receiving ketamine in a controlled environment with proper monitoring. Each treatment session at Anew Therapy is supervised by medical professionals trained in airway management and critical care. This ensures that any potential complications can be immediately addressed. The careful monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels helps create a safe and supportive experience for every patient.
Addressing Misconceptions: Is Ketamine Addictive?
Many people worry about the risk of addiction with ketamine, especially because of its recreational use. However, Dr. Gilmore made it clear that ketamine does not have the same addictive properties as substances like opioids. In fact, ketamine has even been used to help individuals reduce or stop their use of narcotic pain medications.
Ketamine’s mechanism of action is very different from opioids. It doesn’t create the kind of dependency seen with drugs like morphine or oxycodone. Instead, it works to restore balance to the brain’s neurotransmitters, helping patients achieve a more stable mood and reduce their reliance on other medications.
The Importance of Integration with Therapy
One of the standout messages from this Instagram Live was the emphasis on integrating ketamine treatments with psychotherapy. Ketamine alone can offer profound benefits, but the process of healing is most effective when it is paired with ongoing therapy. Dr. Hanks shared her personal experience, saying, “Having a therapist in the room during my ketamine sessions was incredibly helpful. I experienced breakthroughs that I hadn’t been able to reach in traditional therapy.” She highlighted how therapy before, during, and after her ketamine sessions helped her process emotions and gain new insights.At Anew Therapy, the environment is designed to be peaceful and supportive, helping patients navigate the strong emotions that may arise during a ketamine session. Ketamine-assisted therapy sessions are conducted in a way that allows patients to safely explore difficult emotions, often with the help of a therapist in the room. This integrated approach helps patients make sense of their experiences and apply those insights to their daily lives.
Who is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is especially beneficial for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. This includes those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even chronic pain. For some patients, a series of six treatments is all it takes to experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life. Others may require booster sessions, particularly during challenging times like winter when symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may flare up.
Anew Therapy conducts thorough evaluations to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for ketamine treatment. The evaluation considers factors like medical history, current medications, and the severity of symptoms. While ketamine can offer life-changing benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone, and safety is always the top priority.
Treatment Options and Costs
A question that frequently comes up is whether ketamine treatments are covered by insurance. Dr. Gilmore explained that there are two main forms of ketamine treatment offered at Anew Therapy: intramuscular (IM) injections and Spravato (an intranasal form of ketamine). Spravato has FDA approval specifically for treatment-resistant depression, which means it is often covered by insurance. On the other hand, IM ketamine treatments are not typically covered by insurance, although Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts may help cover the cost.
The cost of ketamine-assisted therapy can vary depending on the type of treatment. IM treatments at Anew Therapy cost approximately $375 per session, which includes monitoring by a trained medical professional and the use of advanced safety equipment. While the financial aspect can be a barrier for some, Dr. Gilmore encouraged viewers to consider the profound value of investing in their mental health, emphasizing that the results can be truly life-changing.
Personal Experience: Dr. Julie Hanks’ Testimonial
Towards the end of the Instagram Live, Dr. Julie Hanks shared her own experience undergoing ketamine-assisted therapy at Anew Therapy. She described how the treatments helped her achieve breakthroughs in her mental health, even after years of traditional therapy and medication. “I’ve done a ton of therapy over the years, but ketamine helped me reach new insights that I just couldn’t get to before,” Dr. Julie Hanks explained. She went on to say, “After my very first session, I felt an immediate difference—it was like a weight had been lifted, and I could see things more clearly.” Over the course of just a few treatments, she noticed significant improvements and was even able to reduce her reliance on antidepressants without experiencing any negative side effects. For Dr. Hanks, ketamine-assisted therapy has given her a fresh perspective, making it easier to manage her long-standing depression and embrace life with renewed hope and optimism.
Conclusion: Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is transforming the way we approach treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. With its rapid effects and ability to help individuals break free from negative mental health cycles, ketamine represents a beacon of hope for those who have not found relief through traditional treatments.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, ketamine-assisted therapy may offer the opportunity for a much-needed reset. At Anew Therapy, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where patients can explore this groundbreaking treatment under the care of compassionate professionals.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Schedule a consultation call with Anew Therapy today to learn more about how ketamine-assisted therapy could benefit you. Visit Anew Therapy Utah to get started.
