Ketamine Assisted Therapy in Arizona

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy? (KAP)

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of evidenced based practice the utilized a mix of intensive psychotherapy a concurrent ketamine infusion or dose to reduce symptoms related to PTSD and severe depression.

The ketamine portion is handled by a prescribing provider who will determine which type of ketamine is administered, how, and what dosage you will receive. Some options include IV-Ketamine, IM-ketamine, Nasal Spray (Spravado), and various oral routes.

The therapeutic intervention is handled by a mental health therapist. During ketamine therapy, your therapist will assist you in setting intentions for your ketamine appointments, providing interventions and support during your session, in addition to providing integration post-session so you can find the best path forward to implement new insights gained from ketamine therapy.

Who is Ketamine Therapy For?

Ketamine therapy is generally used for people who have failed other medications and treatment for depression and PTSD, such as traditional talk therapy and different antidepressant medications.

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is generally understood to be a safe and effective form of treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. However, people with complex trauma histories, severe anxiety, and other mental health issues can often benefit.

How is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy different from Psychedelic integration?

Ketamine therapy refers only to ketamine used in a therapeutic context. "Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy" refers to working with a therapist who is trained to provide therapy during a client's ketamine session.

"Psychedelic integration" on the other hand, is a broader definition where previous psychedelic experiences are discussed to be better understood and potentially result in positive life changes. While this may include integration from ketamine therapy, it may include discussion relating to psilocybin, ayahuasca, or other psychedelic experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine Therapy

  • When administered under the care of a medical prescriber, yes, ketamine is considered to be a safe and effective way to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistance depression and PTSD.

  • Sometimes "bad trips" can offer us valuable lessons even if the emotional experience is challenging. To help navigate those challenging emotions in session, a variety of emotional supports can be used, including coping skills and other techniques you can discuss with your therapist and care team ahead of your appointment.

  • Intention setting refers to the practice of identifying a theme to think about in your ketamine session. This allows the session to have a starting point and sense of direction, while also ensuring the topics can be helpful to your overall therapeutic goals.

  • While opinions can differ, I personally prefer to do integration services within 24 hours of the original ketamine infusion. This allows memories and experiences within the infusion to be easier to remember and can lead to more impactful therapeutic work.

  • When under the care of a prescribing doctor, using ketamine as prescribed and in a therapeutic context is unlikely to cause addition. However, any concerns in this area are best discussed with your prescribing doctor to best understand the risks and benefits present in your particular case.

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