Ketamine and Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

By Nicole Houck

The FDA first approved Ketamine for use in the 1970s. Originally, ketamine was used as an anesthetic–a drug to reduce pain for soldiers and surgical patients. However, a few decades later, research began to focus on ketamine’s impact on the mind. Specifically, how might ketamine be used to treat various mental conditions? Now, many clinicians offer ketamine-assisted therapy. Let’s go over some frequently asked questions on this topic and learn more!

What really is ketamine?

According to a drug fact sheet from the Department of Justice, ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic. It is commonly found in the form of ketamine hydrochloride, but there are various forms and street-names for the drug, especially when used illegally. 

Ketamine is used recreationally, but the recreational experience is often quite different, and less safe, than the monitored, FDA-approved usage. For example, ketamine-assisted therapy takes place under much safer conditions, with professionals present for dosing, administration, and monitoring. When used in unregulated and often illegal settings, it can be difficult to control the dosage and regulate if the substance has been laced with other things. 

How does ketamine help?

To understand how ketamine helps certain mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, or PTSD, we first need to talk about glutamate. According to the Cleveland Clinic, glutamate is one of many chemicals found in the brain. It plays a role in mood, memory, and decision-making, and too much glutamate can negatively impact these things. When ketamine is introduced, it works by blocking some glutamate signals to create new, healthier brain connections and improve mood. If you’d like to read more about how ketamine works, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic’s site here. 

What does ketamine therapy entail?

For therapeutic purposes, ketamine is most often delivered via IV, nasal spray, or lozenges. The Cleveland Clinic’s page does a great job at outlining what ketamine therapy might look like. Let’s go over the steps here.

1. Getting approved for therapy

2. You might have to try various other treatments first, pass drug screenings, and have meetings with your therapist/psychiatrist to get approved for treatment.

3. You may have to fast for a few hours before treatment

4. Check-in for treatment

5. You will likely fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms.

6. Treatment preparation (IV inserted or nasal spray prepared)

7. Active treatment

8. You will be monitored by your provider during and after your treatment

9. Post-treatment checks before you head home

How do I know if ketamine therapy is right for me?

There is not one right candidate for ketamine therapy. This decision is usually made collaboratively with yourself and your counselor, psychiatrist, and/or other medical provider. 

According to Allied Psychiatry, the following conditions may suggest eligibility for ketamine-assisted therapy:

• Previous unsuccessful treatment attempts for your condition with other medications or therapies

• Not pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• Good cardiovascular health

• No history of psychosis

• No history of substance abuse

Does Authentic offer ketamine-assisted therapy?

Yes! Authentic is partnered with Journey Clinical and has access to lozenges for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. We offer in-office or virtual (telehealth) treatment sessions and support. Visit our site to learn more today!