Ketamine-Assisted Healing

HOW DOES KETAMINE-ASSISTED HEALING + THERAPY WORK?

Ketamine treatments come in many different forms. The dose, environment, route of administration, and adjunctive therapies can all differ depending on your diagnosis and goals. As such, there are several different ways that ketamine can help in the treatment of mental illness. 

Ketamine is most commonly delivered in a higher dose using a nasal spray, nebulizer, IV, pill, or transdermal patch. At Plus by APN, each client’s ketamine dosage is catered to their needs (as determined by a provider) and delivered via nebulizer. At higher doses, patients can experience the full dissociative effects of this psychoactive chemical. During ketamine treatments, people with anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder can let their guard down or access distressing memories without feeling overwhelmed. 

WHAT DOES KETAMINE-ASSISTED HEALING + THERAPY TREAT?

Ketamine-assisted healing + therapy can be used as an off-label treatment for:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

LEARN ABOUT KETAMINE TREATMENT

Is ketamine-assisted therapy safe? Can everyone benefit from ketamine treatments? APN Lead Therapist, Lana Seiler, MSW, LCSW, talks with Dr. Kate Daly, the Medical Director of Plus by APN. They discuss the combat origins of ketamine therapy, how ketamine has evolved to treat depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, pain, trauma, and more, possible side effects and common misconceptions, the differences between ketamine as a drug of misuse versus therapeutic applications in a clinical environment, treatment options, and what to expect.

MEET MORE OF THE TEAM

KETAMINE THERAPY TREATMENT EXPERIENCE

Ketamine-assisted therapy happens in three distinct stages. The first stage is preparation: you’ll meet with a provider to discuss your goals, intentions, and concerns ahead of your session. The provider will explain what to expect and attempt to alleviate any of your fears. They may also offer specific cues related to individual symptoms.

KETAMINE-ASSISTED THERAPY TREATMENT PROCESS

1. The process starts with a free call or live chat. A member of our contact center team will gather your information and send it along to our Ketamine-Assisted Healing + Therapy team.
2. You will receive a call from a Plus by APN team member to assess your story and discuss treatment options. We’ll also run your insurance benefits, discuss payment, and take steps to see if you are qualified.
3. A ketamine-assisted healing session typically lasts three hours. First, a medical provider administers ketamine in a calm environment with limited stimuli. A provider remains nearby and offers support based on your needs.
4. Clients typically start noticing the effects of ketamine after 15 to 20 minutes. Effects peak for about 40 minutes and slowly dissipate over the following two hours.
5. Sometimes, challenging emotions and experiences surface during the session. Therapists can respond accordingly and help you navigate any emotional discomfort. As the effects wear off, you’ll work with a therapist to process emotions and integrate the experience.
6. Your medical provider and therapist will work together to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

CONJUNCT TREATMENT

It’s easy to see why ketamine has become a valuable tool for treating mental health disorders. However, it’s important to note that ketamine alone is not a cure for these disorders; the best treatment is a multi-pronged approach. Providers often combine ketamine-assisted therapy with several other evidence-based treatments to improve the likelihood of success.

We’re taking a closer look at how ketamine has been used in clinical settings, plus some of the benefits and applications of ketamine-assisted therapy.

READ MORE

THE RESEARCH ON KETAMINE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Doctors first observed ketamine’s potential as a mental health aid after patients recovering from surgery reported rapid relief from depression symptoms. After additional research, scientists found ketamine to be an effective tool for quickly reducing depressive symptoms. And unlike other antidepressants, ketamine can work almost immediately, providing much-needed relief for clients struggling with suicidality.

In 2019, the FDA approved the nasal spray form of esketamine to treat depression in adults with treatment-resistant depression in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR PROGRESS

Ketamine-Assisted Healing & Therapy works better with conjunct psychotherapy. Our telehealth platform – APN Connection – allows us to support you in the real world. As new stressors come up, we can help you unpack and process in real-time. You’ll be able to build a greater support network by participating in group therapy sessions with APN clients across the country. With peer support, you can get advice rooted in experience and hold space for others as you journey deeper into recovery together.

APN has built its own private app for you to see your schedule, join sessions, track your progress, and get peer-to-peer support for your recovery journey. APN Connection is a secure hub for clients to join all remote groups and individual sessions with just a smartphone.

LEARN MORE

The goal of ketamine-assisted therapy is to help clients struggling with depression find relief from the overbearing weight of their symptoms and get to the root of their troubles without difficulty. Although ketamine is not a treatment for substance use disorders, it can help clients talk openly and honestly about their symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors so that their therapist can better address their needs.