Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy​

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a Safe Treatment Option

In line with our mission to provide cutting-edge, evidence-based, safe, and effective treatments to our clients, we offer ketamine as a medicine and psychotherapeutic tool. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy compliments other treatments and programs at Mind Therapy Clinic, including intensive programming, supportive housing, and more.
 
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FAQ

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy. It is a state-of-the-art treatment that involves administering a low dose of ketamine, a medication commonly used for anesthesia, through carefully monitored intramuscular injections or oral lozenges called troches. KAP has shown promising results treating various mental health conditions, particularly depression. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is considered safe and effective, providing a potential breakthrough for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.

KAP is an effective treatment option for depression that works differently than traditional antidepressants. Instead of waiting weeks for improvement, ketamine can provide relief in just hours to a few days. By targeting specific brain receptors and boosting the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate, increased connection in the brain occur, promoting neuroplasticity, which is essential for overcoming depression. It also stimulates the release of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein, which helps our brain’s health and mood regulation. Again, ketamine infusion therapy is part of a comprehensive approach to healing. Our healthcare professionals closely monitor its use to ensure safety and effectiveness.
 

For those suffering from depression who have tried other medications with little or no relief, ketamine may be able to help. Individuals struggling with acut suicidality, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, anxiety, and eating disorders may also benefit.

KAP is administered under the guidance of Mind Therapy Clinic’s expert psychiatrists and therapists, who are a select set of clinicians with the expertise to offer this treatment. It is an office-based, outpatient procedure in our Marin location. It starts with you reclining comfortably while conversing in preparation with your KAP therapist. You will be offered eye shades and music on headphones. When ready, the intramuscular injection is administered by a medical professional. If you prefer to use a lozenge, you will dissolve it in your mouth while sitting up. You may feel a sense of relaxation in your mind and body, a slight warmth, or a little lightheadedness. The effects last about 40-90 minutes. Clients can expect: supervision and monitoring by our highly-trained medical professionals, an experienced ketamine therapist, a thoughtfully prepared, comfortable environment, and an integration session the following day to help make the most of the experience.

KAP is a safe treatment with no long-term side effects observed in a clinical setting. Most patients find the effect of the ketamine to be a pleasant experience. It is common to feel dissociation during the treatment, which is expected and not harmful. Short-term side effects, when experienced, include mild nausea and blurry vision, and are usually resolved after a couple of hours. To ensure the safety of our clients, they are monitored by our specialists before cleared to go home. Although you may not experience any, typical other side effects include: feeling tired. or groggy for the rest of the day after the treatment, and temporary dizziness immediately afterward, usually resolving within a few hours.

KAP includes psychotherapy along with Ketamine treatment, that often leads to breakthrough results with treatment resistant mental health conditions. Ketamine treatment without psychotherapy is also an effective treatment for depression.

KAP vs Spravato®

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

  • Combination of Ketamine and Psychotherapy
  • Oral lozenges or intramuscular injections
  • Effective for various mental conditions
  • Takes place in an outpatient setting
  • Administered by a Psychiatrist and therapy provided by a Therapist (sometimes the same clinician)

Spravato®

  • Variant of Ketamine
  • Nose spray
  • Effective for depression
  • Takes place at Spravato® approved centers
  • Administered by a Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner
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