Ketamine therapy may offer promising benefits for mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. As part of Better U's holistic approach to wellness, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) provides new hope for those who have struggled with conventional treatments. Here, we’ll address the most common questions we receive about ketamine therapy and how it can help you or your loved ones achieve lasting relief and healing.
Ketamine therapy involves the use of ketamine, a medication that has been safely used for decades as an anesthetic, but which has more recently gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating mood disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks or months to work, ketamine works rapidly to provide symptom relief—often within hours of treatment.
Ketamine therapy is typically delivered via intravenous (IV) infusion, intramuscular (IM) injection, or lozenges, and is often used in combination with psychotherapy to potentially enhance its therapeutic effects. The therapy aims to create a sense of dissociation, which can help individuals process emotions, memories, and traumas from a different perspective, making breakthroughs more accessible.
Ketamine works primarily by interacting with glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain. It activates NMDA receptors, which help facilitate new neural connections—a process known as synaptogenesis. This ability to rebuild and repair neural pathways is one of the reasons ketamine may be effective in addressing conditions like depression and PTSD, which are often marked by disrupted communication between different parts of the brain.
The ketamine therapy experience may also produce a state of dissociation, which can allow patients to detach from their usual patterns of thought and explore new perspectives. In the context of guided psychotherapy, this can help individuals access and process painful or repressed emotions more easily.
The potential benefits of ketamine therapy are numerous, particularly for individuals who have not found success with conventional treatments. Some of the most notable benefits include:
Ketamine therapy can be highly beneficial for those who:
It is important to note that ketamine therapy is not suitable for everyone. A thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine whether ketamine therapy is a safe and appropriate option.
At Better U, ketamine therapy is offered as an at-home program, with the requirement of peer support to ensure safety and well-being throughout the treatment process. Here’s what you can expect during a typical session:
Ketamine is often well-tolerated when administered in a medical setting, but some individuals may experience side effects, including:
It is crucial to have ketamine administered under medical supervision to minimize risks and ensure a safe experience.
One notable aspect of ketamine therapy is the potentially rapid onset of its effects. Many individuals report significant reductions in symptoms of depression or anxiety within just hours of their first treatment. However, the full benefit is typically realized after a series of sessions, often administered over several weeks. The number of sessions needed will depend on your individual treatment plan and therapeutic goals.
The duration of ketamine’s effects can vary depending on the individual. Some patients experience relief for several weeks after just one or two sessions, while others require ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain the benefits. Research suggests that combining ketamine with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help extend the duration of its positive effects.
When used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, ketamine therapy is considered safe. However, it is not intended as a standalone long-term solution. Instead, it is typically used as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and other treatments as needed. The goal is to leverage the rapid relief provided by ketamine while building long-term resilience through ongoing support and therapy.
If you are interested in exploring ketamine therapy, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Better U. Our team will assess your health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to determine if ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and effective treatment experience that aligns with your unique needs.
Ketamine therapy may transform lives by potentially providing rapid relief and renewed hope to those struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Whether you are dealing with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may offer the breakthrough you need to move forward. At Better U, we believe in a holistic approach to healing—one that helps you understand, integrate, and grow from your experiences.
Ready to learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you reclaim your well-being? Connect with Better U today and take the first step towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
