Ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for mental health conditions, particularly depression, PTSD, and anxiety. However, there’s often confusion between ketamine infusions and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). While both involve the use of ketamine, their approaches differ significantly.
What Are Ketamine Infusions?
Ketamine infusions refer to the administration of ketamine as a stand-alone treatment, typically in a medical setting such as a clinic. This approach primarily focuses on the biochemical effects of ketamine on the brain rather than the integration of therapy.
How It Works
- Patients receive intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or nasal ketamine in a controlled setting.
- The sessions are usually supervised by a healthcare provider but do not include therapy during or after the experience.
- The goal is to leverage ketamine’s neuroplastic effects—helping the brain form new connections and pathways to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
- Treatments typically follow a series of infusions (e.g., six sessions over two to three weeks), with some patients requiring maintenance doses over time.
Who Might Benefit?
- Individuals seeking fast-acting relief from depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Patients who have treatment-resistant depression and have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
- Those looking for a purely medical approach without psychotherapy.
Limitations of Ketamine Infusions
- While many patients experience rapid symptom relief, the effects may be temporary without deeper psychological work.
- Without therapy, patients might not process or integrate the experience fully, which could limit long-term benefits.
- Some clinics focus solely on ketamine administration rather than holistic mental health support.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a more integrative approach that combines ketamine with psychotherapy. This model recognizes that ketamine can induce an altered state of consciousness, making it a valuable tool for deep therapeutic work.
How It Works
- Patients receive ketamine in a structured setting with a trained therapist present during or after the session.
- The therapy can occur before, during, or after the ketamine experience, depending on the specific approach used.
- The focus is on using ketamine’s mind-expanding properties to help patients process trauma, reframe negative thought patterns, and gain insight into their emotions.
- Integration therapy sessions follow, helping patients make sense of their experience and apply insights to everyday life.
Who Might Benefit?
- Individuals seeking deep emotional healing rather than just symptom relief.
- Patients with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or existential distress who need a therapeutic framework.
- Those who prefer a guided experience to help navigate the effects of ketamine and integrate its benefits into their lives.
Advantages of KAP Over Ketamine Infusions
- The therapeutic setting helps patients feel safer and more supported during the experience.
- Therapy sessions enhance the long-term impact, reducing the risk of symptom relapse.
- Can help uncover root causes of mental health struggles rather than just treating symptoms.
- Supports personal growth and self-discovery, not just symptom relief.
Why Choose KAP at Keter Health?
At Keter Health, we take a structured, personalized approach to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to ensure a truly transformative healing experience. Unlike standard ketamine infusions, which focus solely on symptom relief, our KAP program is designed to facilitate deep psychological healing by integrating ketamine with expert-guided psychotherapy.
Our Five-Step Process:
- Comprehensive Assessment – Your journey begins with an in-depth evaluation by Dr. Isaac Nagel, MD, our experienced psychiatrist, who will determine if KAP is the right fit for you.
- Certified Ketamine Facilitator (CKF) Assignment – If approved, you will be paired with a Certified Ketamine Facilitator (CKF) to guide and support you throughout your therapy.
- Preparation Session – Before your first session, you’ll meet with your CKF to discuss expectations, set intentions, and mentally prepare for your ketamine experience.
- Ketamine Journey Session – In a safe, controlled environment, you will undergo your guided ketamine experience, supported by your CKF and medical professionals.
- Integration Session – After your session, an integration meeting helps you process your experience, solidify insights, and apply them to your daily life for lasting change.
At Keter Health, we view ketamine as a catalyst for profound healing, rather than just a temporary solution. Our unique approach ensures that you not only experience relief but also gain long-term emotional and psychological growth.