What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is an innovative mental health treatment that combines the anesthetic, ketamine, with therapeutic support. This approach offers rapid relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often delivering noticeable improvements within hours or days, unlike traditional therapies. At Anew Therapy, we emphasize the use of Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray, and IM ketamine therapy as the most effective options, with Spravato often being covered by insurance for treating depression.
In recent years, ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising option for those seeking fast-acting solutions for mental health challenges. Its potential to alleviate pervasive conditions with speed and effectiveness has captured the attention of both patients and healthcare professionals.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative treatment that combines the administration of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy sessions. This approach is gaining traction as a potential game-changer for individuals struggling with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. The combination aims to harness the therapeutic effects of ketamine’s brain chemistry alterations, providing a new avenue of hope for those who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies.
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
KAP works by leveraging ketamine’s unique action on the brain. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- NMDA Receptors: Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of a system that regulates mood, cognition, and pain perception. By blocking them, ketamine disrupts the usual patterns, opening pathways for new experiences and insights.
- Glutamate Release: The blocking of NMDA receptors triggers the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for brain function. This release improves communication between neurons, promoting the growth of new synapses, or connections, in the brain.
- BDNF Production: The process also increases levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron growth and survival. BDNF is vital for neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change, which is key in overcoming entrenched negative thought patterns associated with mental health disorders.
Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Rapid Improvement: One of the standout benefits of KAP is its speed. Many patients report feeling better within hours or days after treatment, a stark contrast to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects. This rapid response can be crucial for individuals in acute distress.
Mood Improvement: Ketamine’s impact on neurotransmitters can lead to significant mood improvements. Patients often experience a reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety levels, allowing them to engage more actively in their daily lives.
Emotional Resilience: Beyond immediate relief, KAP fosters long-term emotional resilience. By facilitating neuroplasticity, it helps patients build new, healthier thought patterns and emotional responses. This can lead to sustained improvements in overall well-being.
In summary, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy represents a promising frontier in mental health treatment. By combining the biochemical effects of ketamine with the supportive guidance of psychotherapy, it offers a multifaceted approach to healing. At Anew Therapy, we offer Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray often covered by insurance, and IM ketamine therapy as effective options for those seeking relief. Patients gain not just temporary relief, but also tools for lasting change and emotional resilience.
Additional Therapies Offered at Anew Therapy
At Anew Therapy, we provide a variety of therapy options to support your mental health journey:
- Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): During these sessions, a therapist is present in the room while you receive ketamine treatment. This hands-on approach ensures immediate therapeutic support and guidance as you navigate the experience.
- Ketamine Integration: This virtual session occurs within the neuroplastic window (up to 72 hours post-session) to help patients integrate the insights and emotional breakthroughs achieved during their ketamine therapy. A dedicated therapist works with you to incorporate these changes into your daily life.
- Regular Psychotherapy: For those seeking traditional therapy methods, we offer virtual psychotherapy sessions with our skilled therapists. These sessions do not involve ketamine but provide valuable support for managing mental health challenges.
Our therapists, Carolynn Redd-Recksiek, LMFT and Kate Johnson, LMFT, are highly experienced and committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals. Click their names to learn more about their experience and specialities.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Process
What to Expect During a Session
Pre-Treatment Preparation: Before starting a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session, you’ll have a comprehensive evaluation. This involves discussing your mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals with your therapist. You’ll also receive guidance on preparing for the session, including dietary restrictions and medication adjustments.
Ketamine Administration: During the session, ketamine is administered through an intramuscular (IM) injection. At Anew Therapy, we also offer Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray, which is often covered by insurance for treating depression. The choice between these methods depends on your medical history and therapist’s recommendation.
Therapeutic Exploration: As the ketamine takes effect, you might experience an altered state of consciousness. This can include feelings of detachment or heightened emotional awareness. With your therapist’s guidance, you’ll explore these experiences, allowing you to confront and process difficult emotions in a safe environment. Many patients find that this state helps them access insights and emotions that are hard to reach with traditional talk therapy.
Integration: After the ketamine wears off, you’ll spend some time reflecting on the session. The therapist will work with you to integrate the insights gained into your daily life. This step is crucial for developing coping strategies and ensuring the benefits of the session are long-lasting.Side Effects: While ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience temporary side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or increased heart rate. These effects are usually mild and resolve quickly. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Comparing Treatment Options: Spravato and IM Ketamine Therapy
When considering KAP, it’s helpful to compare the different treatment options available:
IM Ketamine Therapy: Intramuscular injections are an effective method of administering ketamine. This option allows for precise dosing and is typically used in a controlled clinical setting. While IM therapy may not always be covered by insurance, it offers a custom approach based on individual needs.
Spravato (Esketamine Nasal Spray): Spravato is a form of esketamine approved for treating depression. It’s administered as a nasal spray and is often covered by insurance, making it a more accessible option for many patients. The treatment is done under medical supervision, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Both Spravato and IM ketamine therapy have shown promise in treating mental health disorders, providing rapid relief and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The choice between them depends on various factors, including insurance coverage, personal preference, and medical suitability. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss what the the best option is for you.
Conclusion
At Anew Therapy Utah, we believe in providing a personalized treatment experience for every patient. Our approach is centered around understanding each individual’s unique needs and crafting a therapy plan that aligns with their goals. By offering both Spravato and IM ketamine therapy, we ensure that our patients have access to the most effective and suitable treatment options available.
Personalized Treatment: We understand that mental health is deeply personal. That’s why we tailor each therapy plan to suit the specific needs of our patients. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, our team is committed to helping you find the path to healing. Our comprehensive evaluations and ongoing therapeutic support ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible.
Holistic Approach: At Anew Therapy Utah, we don’t just focus on alleviating symptoms. We aim to improve overall well-being by combining ketamine therapy with supportive psychotherapy and integration practices. This holistic approach helps patients gain deeper insights and develop lasting coping strategies, ensuring that the benefits of therapy extend beyond the treatment sessions.
By choosing Anew Therapy Utah, you’re opting for a compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health treatment. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through your journey with care and expertise.Explore more about our services and how we can support your mental health journey by visiting our Conditions We Treat page, or by scheduling a consultation today.
