Ketamine, when taken in a psychotherapy session, can be very beneficial. The medication can stabilize patients with severe depression swiftly. Scientists from the University of Texas (UT) have identified the key protein that helps activate the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine in the brain. Their study, published in the science journal, Nature, revealed that the medication blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, an ion channel protein and glutamate receptor found in nerve cells. Inhibiting NMDA produces an initial antidepressant reaction. A metabolite found in ketamine is responsible for prolonging the effect’s duration.

Stabilization is not the only effect of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) therapy. The blocking of the NMDA receptor also induces the hallucinogenic responses of ketamine. These responses lead to” journeys,” where deepening and broadening our inner and outer view occurs. When taken with proper care, the drug may help severely suicidal, depressed, or anxious patients get effective, fast, and lasting treatment.

How is Ketamine Administered?

People undergoing KAP therapy can take the drug in various ways. A medical professional can inject the medication into their vein or muscle or have the patient ingest it; some use a nasal spray route. At Transformational Psychotherapy, we provide ketamine to patients in the form of a low-dose, sublingual lozenge and Intra-muscular injection.

When we conduct lozenge sessions during ketamine psychotherapy, we make sure that the patient reaps the benefits of the medication along with psychotherapy. Our team begins by evaluating the individual’s responsiveness to the lozenge. This allows us to adjust the dose and evaluate the ongoing effectiveness of the medication. Along with our assessment, we may prescribe lozenges that enable patients to do their ketamine sessions at home. The oral lozenge sessions, together with more profound in-office sessions and the accompanying psychotherapy, could be their successful strategy with ketamine.

What Is The Eligibility for Ketamine Treatment

Before you undergo KAP therapy at one of our centers in Marin County, California, we first interview you carefully to find out if you’re eligible and safe to receive this medication. We have you go through the following procedures:

• Assessment and review of Your Medical and Psychiatric History

• Short Psychological Tests to Evaluate Your Current State of Mind

Apart from these procedures, we look for specific criteria that would make you ineligible for KAP therapy. You may not undergo the treatment if you belong to one (or more) of these categories:

• Pregnancy – While ketamine may be safe for nursing mothers using a strict protocol, it has not yet been shown safe for pregnant women. 

• Untreated Cardiovascular Problem–Hypertension, if untreated, is a contraindication to the use of ketamine. The drug causes a transient rise in blood pressure and heart rate; some Individuals with a history of cardiac issues, therefore, may not be eligible to take this treatment.

• Untreated Hyperthyroidism – People with this condition should not take ketamine. The drug increases the risk of tachycardia and hypertension.

• Those individuals with untreated Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia or other psychosis would not be candidates for KAP

We Value Your Privacy

If you are eligible and will be undergoing our KAP therapy, you can be at ease knowing that we will keep your records confidential. A signed release form is required to allow others, such as medical professionals, to access your files.

A Disclaimer on Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

We want to remind you that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t established the use of ketamine as an “off-label” treatment yet and has not certified the appropriateness of KAP. Your awareness of this information is important to understanding any liability related to your use of the medication. Your signed informed consent signifies your knowledge of this situation. 

Your decision to go through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, therefore, is 100 percent voluntary. We encourage you to ask us questions before saying yes to the treatment.