Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
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How To Best Prepare for
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
First time clients typically ask how they can best prepare for ketamine assisted therapy to ensure they are gaining the most optimal results & getting the most out of therapy. For us at Mind by Design, our process as ketamine assisted therapy providers in New Jersey is simple and straightforward in efforts to give clients the most opportunity to maximize benefits. In this blog, we’ll discuss what clients can do to feel ready and confidence when they begin ketamine therapy for mental health.
Fundamental Info to help
pepare for ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Therapy is an integrated approach combining the use of ketamine — a medication known for its rapid-acting antidepressant properties — with traditional psychotherapy. It’s particularly noted for its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain chronic pain conditions. But it’s not just about the medication; it’s about setting the stage for deeper psychological work and personal growth.
Differentiating between
"Ketamine Assisted Therapy" & "Ketamine Treatment"
While both of these involve the use of ketamine, Ketamine Treatment is more about the drug’s direct effects on symptoms, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy is a holistic approach that combines the medical benefits of ketamine with the transformative potential of psychotherapy. Ketamine Assisted Therapy recognizes that while ketamine can provide significant symptomatic relief, lasting change often requires integrating the insights and altered perspectives gained during the treatment into one’s life with the guidance of a therapist.
Ketamine Assisted Therapy for mental health
Definition:
Ketamine Assisted Therapy/ Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAT/KAP) is a more specific term that refers to a therapeutic approach combining the medical administration of ketamine with psychotherapy sessions. Here, ketamine is used as a catalyst or tool to facilitate deeper psychological work.
Focus:
The focus is not only on the physical administration of ketamine but also on the psychological and emotional support provided before, during, and after the medication is given. It involves preparation sessions, the ketamine session itself, and integration therapy sessions afterwards to help patients process their experiences and insights.
Setting:
While it also occurs in a clinical, therapeutic setting, there is a significant emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the environment. The settings are often designed to be calming and supportive, enhancing the introspective and therapeutic potential of the ketamine experience.
Ketamine Treatment
Definition:
Ketamine Treatment generally refers to the use of ketamine as a drug to treat various conditions. This usually means the clinical administration of ketamine to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health conditions such as depression, or for chronic pain management.
Focus:
The focus is primarily on the pharmacological effects of ketamine. This involves the medical administration of the drug, usually through IV infusions, injections, or nasal sprays, and monitoring its effects on the patient’s condition.
Setting:
Ketamine treatment is typically conducted in a clinical setting under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The primary aim is to monitor the safety and response of the patient to the drug.
General Timeline of
Ketamine Assisted Therapy for Mental Health
- INITIAL CONSULTATION
Initiate your KAP journey with a detailed consultation with Rebecca Sidoti. Understand the core principles and expectations of the Ketamine Therapy Process.
»60 minutes/$250.00 - COUNSELING SESSIONS
Clients attend two to three sessions to lay the groundwork, mentally and emotionally preparing you for the KAP experience.
»60 minutes/$175 per session
- MEDICAL EVALUATION
In collaboration with Journey Clinical, we conduct a rigorous medical evaluation, ensuring your readiness for the therapy.
»Medical Eval:$250.00
»Ketamine Prescription: $85 (3 doses), then $145 (6 doses) - SETTING INTENTIONS
With the guidance of your ketamine therapist, one to two sessions are held to familiarize yourself with dosing protocols, establish clear therapeutic intentions and purpose of dosing, and ensure that the physical environment is optimal for the dosing session .
»60 minutes/$175 per session - KETAMINE DOSING SESSION
At this point in treatment, you’re ready to engage in the therapeutic dosing session. With your ketamine therapist present in your home, or via telehealth, you will be guided in the Ketamine Dosing Process, starting with self-administering your prescribed Ketamine lozenge.
»2.5-3 hours/$550 per session - INTEGRATION THERAPY SESSION
Following about 1-2 days after your dosing session is the “Integration Therapy”. During this time, clients and therapists work collaboratively to process and integrate your ketamine experience, emotions and take-aways from your journey. At first glance, this may not seem as important as the dosing session, however, the Integration Therapy is a vital component that allows clients to gain the most benefit from using ketamine therapy
»60 minutes/$175 per session - PRESCRIPTION REFILLS & ADDITIONAL SESSIONS
Clients will have access to prescription refills if eligible, along with follow up therapy sessions, dosing sessions and integration sessions as defined in your individualized treatment plan
»30 minutes/$150
Who Can Help you Prepare for
ketamine assisted therapy
Starting to Prepare for Ketamine Assisted Therapy
If you’re reading this blog, you’re already in the process of preparing for ketamine assisted therapy for mental health! Once you speak with a therapist, you’ll schedule an intake evaluation. At this time, you’ll share your hopes and goals of therapy and begin the collaborative process of preparing for KAP.
who can help you Prepare for ketamine assisted therapy
Your wellness is not a one-size-fits-all, and we view therapy as a necessary and crucial part of our overall process. We modify our approach to meet your needs. We work collaboratively with you to create the most individualized treatment possible. With the guidance of your ketamine therapist, one to two sessions are held to familiarize yourself with dosing protocols, establish clear therapeutic intentions and purpose of dosing, and ensure that the physical environment is optimal for the dosing session .
Ketamine assisted therapists are are formally trained to understand the biological and psychological influence that Ketamine may have on a client. Training institutions must be reliable, credible and evidenced based to ensure that ketamine therapists are proving safe and effective services. Our Training is provided by the team at Fluence, a highly recognized training provider in the field of psychedelic therapy and biotech and life sciences.
In a Nutshell
Just as with all mental health treatment, clients experience the benefits of Ketamine Assisted Therapy for Mental Health in different ways, and some clients may not be eligible, or need, ketamine assisted therapy. If you are a candidate for this treatment, knowing how to prepare can be immensely helpful and may lead to more positive outcomes.
When you work with your ketamine provider, it’s important that you feel confident with the intention and goal of treatment, as well as aligned with your provider. Having a holistic approach involving preparatory sessions, the ketamine experience itself, and integrative sessions post-treatment ensures a safe pharmacological intervention as well as the benefits of therapeutic support to process and integrate their experiences effectively.
Want to Learn More About Ketamine Assisted Therapy for Mental Health?
FAQ's About Therapy in New Jersey
Could anyone benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP has shown promise for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and certain anxiety disorders. However, its efficacy can vary from person to person.
What does Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy help treat?
Ketamine has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias and OCD. As Ketamine therapy providers, we offer this service to help clients break cycles of thinking traps that lead to compulsive behaviors.
Is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy the same as ketamine infusions?
KAP is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy. Our Process of providing ketamine assisted psychotherapy is different from ketamine infusions, which are typically administered without the accompanying psychotherapy. Our partnership with Journey Clinical provides patients with lozenges for self-administering their Ketamine dose prescribed by the Journey Clinical provider.
How does ketamine work in the brain?
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in the release of certain neurotransmitters. This can result in rapid antidepressant effects
Is ketamine addictive?
While ketamine has the potential for misuse, when used in a controlled medical setting for therapeutic purposes, the risk of addiction is considered low according to medical researchers
How many ketamine treatment sessions do clients need for KAP?
The number of sessions can vary based on individual needs and the specific protocol followed by the provider. You will see in “Our Process” that generally 2-3 sessions are held prior to a dosing session, and then integration sessions are held after a dosing session. Depending on your treatment plan, there may be more or less number of sessions
Do I need to take off work for KAP treatment? And if so, how long should I plan for?
It’s recommended to take some time off work after a KAP session to process the experience and ensure safety, especially if any side effects are experienced. Clients are provided with safety measures and consents which stipulate that clients should not drive after a dosing session and should have a trusted person with them to drive if needed.
What medical conditions might disqualify someone from KAP?
Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or a history of psychosis, might be contraindications for KAP. See Our “Safety Measures” page for more information about the precautions that the medical team adheres to, along with other safety measure sin place.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
At Mind by Design, we do not require pre-approval to begin the process. We do require a medical clearance through our partnership with Journey Clinical Medical Staff to participate in a ketamine dosing session.
How often would KAP be needed?
The frequency of KAP sessions would depend on the individual’s response to treatment and the medical provider’s recommendations.
How does ketamine compare to other psychedelic medicines?
Ketamine is unique in its rapid antidepressant effects and mechanism of action. Other psychedelics, like psilocybin, have different mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.