Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) utilizes a sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine administered via intramuscular injection, subcutaneously (SubQ), or sub-lingually (under the tongue). It induces an extraordinary state of consciousness and has antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and psychedelic effects. This altered state unlocks your mind’s inherent wisdom and paired with integrated psychotherapy, allows for a transformational change in perspective.
What to expect
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Intake
Review your medical and psychiatric history with Dr. Leesman to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
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Preparation
Work with a therapist to mentally prepare for your ketamine sessions. Learn what to expect, prepare your mind, and set your intentions to make the most of your session.
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Ketamine Sessions
You will have a series of ketamine treatments supervised by Dr. Leesman to explore your psyche.
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Integration
Work closely with your therapist to understand and integrate your ketamine experience. Explore the meaning, and plan a path forward to make lasting change.
Details
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Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic approved for use by the FDA in 1970. It is a DEA schedule-III controlled substance, meaning it must be administered by a medical provider in a medical facility.
As a dissociative it induces a sense of disconnection from one’s ordinary reality and self. The lower sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine used in KAP can have psychedelic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. The effects usually last between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the dose and method administration. -
Research has shown that psychedelic and dissociative experiences can be instrumental in creating lasting change. Ketamine specifically can produce an altered state that relaxes the mind, reducing negative feelings, obsessions, and intrusive thoughts, creating a positive change in outlook and character that we call a ‘transformative’ response. Beyond the psychedelic experience, ketamine promotes the formation of new connections in the brain (increasing neuroplasticity and the formation of new synapses), allowing for new pathways to develop with new thought patterns and positively promoting new behaviors. Pairing these experiences with integrative therapy sessions increases the efficacy and duration of the effect making lasting change.
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Ketamine is a powerful medicine. Many other clinics rely on the effects of the medicine alone. The goal of ketamine assisted psychotherapy is to provide a framework that maximizes the potential for lasting change. Current research shows that combining ketamine treatment with psychotherapy has a greater effect than any of these treatments alone. Check out the following link for more information.
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Ketamine has been in use for over 50 years and throughout its use it has shown an excellent safety profile. Like any medication there can be side effects to ketamine treatment, but they tend to be mild and manageable.
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The number of sessions varies based on your individual treatment plan. However, research shows that around 6 sessions gives the best therapeutic outcome. This serves as a guide, but individual needs may vary.
Upon completion of a series of treatments, we can offer ongoing maintenance sessions depending on your unique needs.
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We can administer ketamine via intramuscular and subcutaneous injection or orally. We primarily utilize the intramuscular approach.
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Only patients aged 18 years and older are eligible. KAP is used for treatment resistant depression, depression with suicidal ideation, bipolar depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, OCD, psychological reaction to chronic illness, or end of life care.
People with any of the following conditions should not receive ketamine treatments: history of aneurysms, bleeding in the brain, unstable cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, schizophrenia, active substance use disorders (current use), pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Partner therapists
The following therapists provide preparation and integration therapy for ketamine treatments at Transformative:
Tracy Lenee Bluhm, LMFT
Taryn Borsch, LCSW
We also can work with outside therapists on an as needed basis.
*Having a therapist is encouraged, but not a necessary requirement. This is discussed with you on a case by case basis with Dr. Leesman at the time of your consultation.
Are you ready?
Fill out our HIPAA secure form to apply today. We will reach out to you shortly to begin the process.