Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of therapy that combines the use of the drug ketamine with psychotherapy. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for decades, but more recently has shown potential as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

During KAP, a licensed therapist administers a controlled dose of ketamine to the patient in a clinical setting, under careful supervision. The patient then undergoes a guided psychotherapeutic session, which may involve exploring past traumas, emotions, or thought patterns. 

Ketamine is thought to enhance the therapeutic process by lowering inhibitions and increasing emotional openness, while also reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It may also help to facilitate neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new connections. 

KAP is still a relatively new and experimental form of therapy, however, early studies have shown promising results, and many patients report significant improvements in their mental health and well-being after undergoing KAP.

KAP is generally a 2.5 hour session, that is repeated weekly for a period of time, until gains have been made in the clinical problem. Often times the addition of ketamine to this process drastically decreases the time in therapy necessary to achieve the same gains without ketamine. The administration of ketamine in this instance is generally intramuscular.

Ketamine infusions (IV) have recently gained attention as a potential treatment option for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and bipolar disorder. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in anesthesia and pain management. In recent years, studies have shown that low-dose ketamine can have rapid antidepressant effects, sometimes within hours of infusion.

Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain, which can lead to increased levels of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood, cognition, and motivation, and low levels have been linked to depression and other mental health conditions.

Ketamine infusions are typically administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The dosage and frequency of infusions vary depending on the individual and their specific mental health condition. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, and dissociation, but these are typically short-lived and subside after the infusion is complete.

While ketamine infusions show promise as a treatment option for mental health conditions, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects and efficacy. It is important for individuals considering ketamine infusions to speak with their healthcare provider and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.

More serious side effects, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate, can occur in rare cases. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of ketamine infusions with a healthcare professional before undergoing treatment.

Ketamine infusions are generally started with an induction of 6 infusions within a 2-3 week period, every other day, for longest and best efficacy. Often, a booster dose can be given to “remind” the brain what it learned in the initial induction series. This can be after a few months, or even be up to a year afterward.

Breathwork is a practice of intentionally controlling and regulating breathing patterns to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Some people have combined breathwork techniques with ketamine therapy as a way to enhance the experience.

However, combining ketamine with breathwork can be risky and should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional. Ketamine can cause dissociative effects and altered states of consciousness, which can be intensified when combined with breathwork. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations if not done under the supervision of a trained practitioner.

Furthermore, the use of ketamine for mental health conditions is still being studied, and it is not yet an approved treatment by the FDA. However there are many psychiatric medications that are used in an off-label status, meaning not the application it was originally approved for by the FDA. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider and understand the potential risks and benefits before considering any combination of ketamine and breathwork.

 Breathwork is often given to groups of people and are led by the therapist to induce a feeling of well-being and openness to facilitate group therapy, group cohesiveness, trouble shooting and problem solving. The ketamine in this scenario is often oral, called a troch

Ketamine has been shown to have potential benefits for hospice care patients, particularly for those experiencing pain and depression.

In terms of pain management, ketamine has been found to be effective in treating chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, and can also be used in combination with opioids to enhance pain relief. It is believed that ketamine works by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which are involved in pain perception.

Additionally, ketamine has been studied as a treatment for depression in hospice care patients. Depression is common among hospice patients, and traditional antidepressants may not be effective for them due to factors such as the patient’s age, medical condition, or medication interactions. Ketamine has been found to have rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours of administration, and can be useful for patients who are experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts.

It is important to note that the use of ketamine for hospice care should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and with the patient’s informed consent. The potential benefits and risks should be carefully considered for each individual patient, and ketamine should always be used in combination with other hospice care interventions, such as palliative care and emotional support.

Ketamine has also been shown to help in the process of death and dying, in spiritual and ethereal experiences often known to aid in the acceptance of death and facilitating the possibility of better interaction of the family and patient because of alleviation of pain and increased comfort.

Ketamine in this situation is given either by IV, intramuscular injection, or oral, depending on the situation of the patient.

Ketamine infusions have been used for pain management in a variety of settings, including acute and chronic pain conditions. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which can lead to decreased pain perception and increased pain tolerance.

In acute pain settings, such as post-operative pain, ketamine infusions have been shown to be effective in reducing the need for opioid medications and improving pain control. In chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain or complex regional pain syndrome, ketamine infusions have also been used with some success.

Ketamine infusions for pain are typically administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The dosage and frequency of infusions vary depending on the individual and their specific pain condition. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, and dissociation, but these are typically short-lived and subside after the infusion is complete.

While ketamine infusions show promise as a treatment option for pain, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects and efficacy. It is important for individuals considering ketamine infusions for pain to speak with their healthcare provider and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.

Ketamine for chronic pain is often given in a 5 day series, in half day sessions. The doses can be higher and require consistent monitoring of blood pressure, EKG, and oxygen saturation. Sedation may also be added to aid in comfort with such a long infusion.