What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy? 

Ketamine assisted therapy, also known as Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of treatment that uses ketamine, a dissociative medicine in conjunction with psychotherapy to help manage various mental health conditions. It has been traditionally used as an anesthetic in medical settings but has gained popularity for its off-label use in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
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How Does Ketamine/KAP Work? 

A patient is administered ketamine either intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The psychoactive properties of ketamine can induce a trance-like state that allows for exploration of thoughts, emotions, and memories more deeply. The combination of ketamine and psychotherapy helps facilitate breakthroughs in processing of underlying issues which contribute to mental health symptoms.
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What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy

* Initial Evaluation by therapist and physician:
Before beginning ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
* Preparatory Sessions:
this involves several components that ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment, and prepare the patient mentally and emotionally for the experience.
* Treatment Sessions:
Patients receive a dose of ketamine by injection or oral form. I administer ketamine through an IM injection or lozenge depending on patient tolerability and desired outcome. The effect usually lasts around 60-90 minutes, during which patients may experience altered states of consciousness such as dissociation or hallucinations. During the session, a therapist and/or physician hold space for safety and help patients navigate their experience and emotions which may surface.
* Integration:
After each treatment session, patients participate in integration sessions with their therapist to reflect on their ketamine experiences, explore insights gained, and develop coping strategies for managing once they're back in their life routine.

The number of sessions a patient will require varies by practitioner and by patient outcome. Generally we do 4-6 sessions total, spaced out over few weeks, though treatment can be more condensed or spaced out depending on individual needs and patient progress.
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Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Therapy 

Research shows promising results in rapidly alleviating treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show effects, ketamine produces rapid relief within hours or days. Some patients experience profound insights, increased emotional resilience, and enhanced self-awareness.
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Considerations and Risks 

While KAP can be effective for many, there are potential risks and side effects which may include dissociation, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, nausea, and potential for substance abuse. There are risks if it is used in high doses for an extended time such as toxicity to the liver and bladder in certain cases. It is crucial for individuals to undergo thorough assessment by a qualified clinician to ensure its appropriateness and safety. As research continues to explore its efficacy and safety, this treatment modality holds promise for individuals seeking alternative solutions for managing their mental well-being.

HOW TO BECOME A PATIENT IN MY PRACTICE

In order to receive KAP under my care, there are several factors that must be met before I can see you as a patient.

1. You must currently be or have previously been under the care of a licensed mental health professional with a specific diagnosis (i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD).
2. You must either be undergoing active treatment currently or have had some form of therapy in the past. This can include psychotherapy, ECT, and/or pharmacologic therapy (i.e. prescription antidepressants).
3. If you decide to work with me, you will be receiving therapy specific to Ketamine, by a collaborating therapist with whom I work (see below under 'current work collaborations'). This form of therapy is specialized, and all mental health professionals who work with Ketamine receive specialized training. When doing KAP, I only work with therapists who are trained in KAP. However, the therapists with whom I work, will work closely with your regular therapist.
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I work in collaboration with therapists and as such, I get my patient referrals by therapists who have first seen each person and have determined that Ketamine therapy may be appropriate. They are then referred to me for evaluation and treatment. Anyone who may find me first, will be directed to one of the therapists with who I work for further evaluation. I follow each patient at each step along their journey to different degrees, depending on each collaborative practice.
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Ketamine is a powerful medicine with great therapeutic potential as an adjunct. It does however carry some risks and not all patients will qualify, as there are some contra-indications against its use. I do not prescribe Ketamine for in-home use unless you qualify for in-home palliative Ketamine therapy for which I will be present.
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Please find my current work collaborations under the Professional Collaborations tab.

*** Due to limited availability of compounding pharmacies supplying Ketamine losenges for mental health indications, my current practice is mostly focused on Injectable Ketamine. For the losenge prescriptions, I am limited to using a pharmacy in Kingston, NY. Patients who are given an oral Ketamine prescription are responsible for picking up their own medications or having them delivered to their home. You will not need a prescription for injectable Ketamine.