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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

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“You may notice that you are a bit different after a ketamine experience and that difference may well be liberating and allow for new mindfulness and new behavior. It is frequently the case that a ketamine experience may promote happiness, empathy, loving-kindness to self and others, and a sense of greater self-acceptance and peacefulness.”

— Dr. Phil Wolfson, MD, founder and CEO of Ketamine Research Foundation

Ketamine was first created in the 1960s as part of anesthesia for surgery. It induces psychedelic effects and/or a sense of being disconnected from or out of the body. Over time, ketamine began being used for not only  anesthesia but also as an off-label drug to treat pain. Medical professionals began to notice its antidepressant effects, leading to research and clinical trials utilizing ketamine for mental health treatments. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines ketamine treatments with talk therapy (including therapeutic guidance during ketamine treatments) to optimize outcomes and sustain long-term benefits.

Amber Creek offers the unique opportunity to receive complete counseling and psychiatric care all in one location, including the powerful combination that KAP provides. Read on for more information about KAP and FAQs about the process at our practice.

How ketamine works to improve mental health

Ketamine works a little differently than other drugs, given that the benefits lie not in what happens while the drug is in the system but in how the brain reacts to the drug. It’s believed that ketamine activates the cortex to create new connections and growth–basically, it helps you form new neural pathways well after administration of the drug. This impactful medication can produce rapid results in symptom reduction, results that are even more likely to last when paired with therapy.

Ketamine may be administered a few different ways: intravenously (IV); intramuscular injection (IM); sublingual (under the tongue); or even via nasal spray (a ketamine derivative called esketamine). Administration type is dependent on the clinical setting–IV’s are more likely to be administered in a hospital-type setting with closer monitoring, for example. The research on the efficacy of each form of administration is comparable. While IV ketamine tends to be more bioavailable–meaning more of the drug is absorbed in the system–, sublingual and nasal sprays appear to produce similar results, and sometimes have fewer side effects.

Research on this cutting-edge treatment is still fairly new, but overwhelmingly promising. Most important is to find a setting in which you feel safe and supported and that you have the information you need to proceed with confidence. 

Side effects

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it does have the potential for abuse or misuse but is not as addictive or potentially harmful as Schedule II or I drugs. Often clients have concerns due to this classification and its recreational use (such as the club drug Special K). However, in controlled environments and under the guidance of medical and mental health professionals, ketamine and other drugs that induce psychedelic effects are showing promising results in previously-treatment resistant mental illnesses. While the treatment is fairly new and research is still underway for long-term effects, short term use of ketamine is generally safe.

Common side effects during drug administration include dizziness, feelings of detachment and increased blood pressure. Other possible side effects include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Muscle stiffness or spasms

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of balance or coordination

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Changes in mood

  • Dissociation, hallucinations, changes in perception

These are temporary effects of the drug, and some of them, such as changes in perception, promote insight and change. Our competent medical providers conduct a thorough screening to help avoid more serious interactions or reactions that can come from underlying health conditions or current medications. Additionally, KAP provides the guidance of a therapist through the entire process of the drug administration. The goal of KAP is to provide a safe, supportive, and effective ketamine experience.

Promising outcomes and research

While first studied for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine and KAP are also showing promising results for generalized anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, among other mental health issues. It has been particularly effective for clients who struggle to see results from other medications, such as SSRIs.

Perhaps you’ve heard of ketamine treatments or KAP before, or you are new to it. Here are a few links to resources we like for more learning: 

Give us a call to receive more information about our treatment package, to ask further questions, or to schedule your ketamine treatment and begin your healing journey.

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801-455-0045
info@ambercreekcounseling.com

9295 S 1300 E
Sandy, UT 84094

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Amber Creek KAP FAQs

What is the treatment process at Amber Creek?

KAP at Amber Creek is typically a six week process in which a client attends one ketamine session (3 hours) and one talk therapy session (50-55 min) each week. All clients will meet first with one of our medical providers for intake and health screening to determine whether KAP is the right fit. Post screening, they will receive a prescription for ketamine, which they will then bring with them to session. Clients are expected to have a support person drop them off and pick them up. They will be guided through their ketamine experience by a therapist in the room. A follow up talk therapy session is booked 1-2 days following the ketamine session. Clients often benefit from continuing talk therapy for several months after the six week ketamine treatment and are welcome to schedule with us. Amber Creek is also happy to accommodate if you already have a therapist that you work well with.   

What type of ketamine administration does your practice use?

Amber Creek utilizes sublingual administration. As noted above, it is generally effective and is a safe option for non-medical office environments such as our outpatient therapy office. For this, you use a lozenge or dissolvable tablet under your tongue, swishing it in your mouth before swallowing or spitting out. Effects will start in about 10-15 minutes. It’s important to find the dosage sweet spot for therapeutic purposes, as that can vary from person to person. Typically you can expect your first ketamine session to begin with a conservative dose. Depending on your response, you may receive a booster dose. Subsequent sessions will begin at your established baseline dose. 

What safety measures are taken?

Clients will first be screened by our medical providers for health history and potential risk factors and interactions. Other recommendations and referrals will be made if you do not qualify for treatment at our clinic. During ketamine sessions, blood pressure and heart rate are measured and a therapist will remain present. Clients are also expected to bring a support person to drive to and from appointments. While ketamine is generally safe, further therapeutic re-assessment and consultation with our medical professionals can be provided to assist with any adverse reactions.

What is the cost?

Our KAP package costs $4,000 total for all services mentioned in the process above (which comes out to approximately $160 per hour of treatment). Clients will be assisted in their ketamine sessions by our clinic director, Dr. Macey, and will do talk therapy either with Dr. Macey or another therapist on staff. If a client is already seeing staff for therapy, we will continue to bill therapy according to plan and to insurance if we accept your plan. The subsequent $3000 for ketamine-only sessions will be billed separately. As with any treatment at our practice, clients are ultimately responsible for payment, including co-pays, allowed amounts, and anything else not covered. Because ketamine is a fairly new treatment in mental health, it is not always covered by insurance. Our team will work with you to establish a payment plan if needed.