Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy FAQ

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a cutting-edge treatment that leverages the unique properties of ketamine to deepen your therapeutic experience. This combination may lead to significant improvements in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders, offering hope when traditional treatments haven't worked.*

Ketamine is a medication known as a dissociative anesthetic, traditionally used in inducing and maintaining anesthesia during surgeries. A specific form of ketamine, called esketamine, is approved for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD) when administered as a nasal spray. 

Beyond its anesthetic uses, ketamine has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, particularly when traditional treatments have failed. In KAP we administer Ketamine, as a sublingual tablet (under the tongue). This "off-label" use is based on clinical judgment and emerging evidence supporting its efficacy in addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.*

When administered for mental health treatment, ketamine induces a state of altered consciousness. This unique state can facilitate profound emotional and psychological exploration, enhancing the therapeutic process. The effects of ketamine can lead to rapid alleviation of symptoms and promote long-term mental well-being.*

KAP is used for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.* It may be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments.

*Ketamine treatment in sublingual form for the treatment of mental health conditions is considered "off-label." More information on off-label use and potential benefits/risks can be found below. 

Ketamine offers several benefits that make it a valuable option for those struggling with mental health conditions:

• Rapid Symptom Relief: Ketamine has been shown to quickly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Enhanced Therapeutic Experience: The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine allows for deeper therapeutic work and insight.
• Efficacy in Treatment-Resistant Cases: Ketamine provides hope and relief for individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Sublingual (Under the Tongue): Ketamine is administered via a lozenge placed under the tongue.

Sublingual or under the tongue Ketamine is an effective and non-invasive way to deliver Ketamine for psychotherapy.* Sublingual administration eliminates the need for painful injections or costly and invasive IV procedures and can be administered in our office or at home. 

Therapeutic Environment: Sessions are conducted in a comfortable and supportive setting, with a trained medical professional overseeing the entire process.

Session Duration: Sessions typically last between 1-2 hours, depending on individual needs and responses.

Monitoring: Your vital signs and level of consciousness will be closely monitored to ensure your safety throughout the session.

Multiple sessions and maintenance treatments may be required to achieve and sustain benefits. The number of treatments needed will vary based on individual needs and responses.

Important Disclaimer: Off-Label Use of Sublingual Ketamine

Sublingual ketamine, administered as a lozenge placed under the tongue, is considered an "off-label" use for the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.

What Does Off-Label Mean? 

"Off-label" use refers to the prescription of a medication in a manner different from the FDA-approved specifications. While ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and for treatment-resistant depression in the form of esketamine (a nasal spray), the sublingual route for treating mental health conditions has not received specific FDA approval.

Is Off-Label Use Legal? 

Yes, off-label use is legal and a common practice in medicine. Healthcare providers utilize their clinical judgment and the best available evidence to prescribe medications in ways that meet the unique needs of their patients. By choosing to undergo treatment with sublingual ketamine, you acknowledge and accept this off-label use.

Understanding the Implications: 

By agreeing to this treatment, you understand that:

• The specific use of sublingual ketamine for mental health conditions is not FDA-approved.
• The decision to use sublingual ketamine is based on emerging clinical evidence and the professional judgment of your healthcare provider.
• There may be potential risks and benefits, as with any medical treatment, and these will be thoroughly discussed with you.

Emerging Research: 

While ketamine therapy shows promise, it is important to recognize that research is ongoing. The long-term effects and full therapeutic potential of ketamine for mental health conditions are still being studied. Patients should make treatment decisions based on the most current and comprehensive information available in consultation with their healthcare providers.

Risks and Side Effects: 

As with any medical treatment, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy carries potential risks and side effects. These may include common side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and dissociative symptoms, as well as more serious risks like increased heart rate and psychological distress. Patients should thoroughly discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Not a Guarantee of Results: 

The benefits described, including rapid symptom relief, enhanced therapeutic processes, and improved overall well-being, are based on clinical studies and anecdotal reports. However, these outcomes cannot be guaranteed for every individual. The response to ketamine treatment can differ significantly from one person to another based on various factors, including the specific condition being treated, individual health status, and concurrent therapies.