Ketamine Treatments For Mental Health

Now offering a 3 night 2 day Ketamine Retreat in mountains of Virginia. Please click on button below for more details and to inquire if you may be eligible. Medical intake and clearance included.

Have you been grappling with persistent mental health challenges for a while now, finding that conventional psychiatry or psychotherapy has yielded less than ideal outcomes, ranging from inconsistent to entirely ineffective? Regrettably, you're not alone in this struggle

Tranquil Healthcare is happy to offer Ketamine Therapies For treatment Resistant Depression, Post traumatic stress syndrome and some anxiety disorders.

WHAT IS KETAMINE ?

Ketamine is a schedule III controlled substance prescriptive medication approved by the FDA since the 1960s as an anesthetic medication. After many decades of  ketamine use as an anesthetic, clinicians began to link a profound clinical effect. They began to notice that patients who received ketamine for anesthesia also received a very rapid anti depressant effect that often lasted much longer than traditional psychiatric medications. This unexpected property allowed clinicians to use ketamine as an off label medication to treat conditions such as TRD (treatment resistance depression), PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions as an off label use (meaning able to treat medically as a valid use of the medication and clinical condition, just not what the FDA originally intended its use for) . 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In simple terms, Ketamine disrupts our regular thinking patterns and often times this is where we get STUCK. Ketamine allows us to process negative emotions or thoughts that are too difficult to access, helping us see things through a softer lens where we are able to create lasting change in your daily life. Ketamine’s main mechanism of action in our central nervous system is as a NMDA receptor antagonist that works with the glutamate pathways allowing increased levels of glutamate. This transaction directly creates a sequela of increased neural activity and neuroplasticity in our brain cells. Neuroplasticity is important when healing because it allows our mind to see and feel things in a more therapeutic way when viewing our stressors and triggers. This neuroplasticity creates and allows space and distance from the stressor where one is now able to move through the difficult trauma or thought and is now more equipped to process and heal and make the forward movements . It may allow one to move from a fixed mindset to more of an open and curious mindset.

WHY KETAMINE ?

Ketamine has gained a lot of attention in the recent years for treating a slew of mental health disorders, most notably, treatment resistant depression (TRD) and PTSD.

• Ketamine has been found to work as a fast acting antidepressant that can subside symptoms within hour and days while traditional antidepressants can take several weeks to see any signs of effectiveness.

• Ketamine is often considered when other conventional antidepressant treatments have failed to provide relief, such as the case in TRD. It has shown promising results in individuals who have not responded to other treatments, making it an alternative option for those with treatment-resistant depression.

• Suicidal ideation reduction: Ketamine has shown promise in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts and ideation in individuals with depression. This is crucial, as it provides an opportunity to address acute risk and create a window for further treatment and therapy.

Ketamine is considered a psychedelic as it can have dissociative effects, or induce non ordinary state of consciousness. During this time where the mind is out of its ordinary state, this is thought to be when the brain is creating new chemical networks for healing vs. our normal waking state of consciousness.

During the effects of ketamine, patients experiences are different from person to person, but have included visions, sensations, colors, feelings of oneness and euphoria. The medication physical effects are short duration usually about 45 minutes, but effects can last a few days, to weeks, or months. depending on the dose and treatment plan.

Many of patients start with an induction period of 4-6 sessions in a 4-6 week period to achieve the most sustainable results. Many clients continue for a period of time with maintenance of 1-2 sessions approximately every 6 weeks.

WHAT IS KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (KAP) ?

At Tranquil Healthcare, KAP is conducted by myself, a Nurse practitioner trained in KAP in the form of lozenges, IM, or IV, as well as in collaboration and partnership with trained therapists at Del Ray Psych and Wellnsss who conduct KAP in the form of lozenges.

Ketamine-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach combining medication and therapy typically involving a series of sessions where a trained healthcare professional administers a controlled dose of ketamine to the patient. The drug can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, intra-nasally, as well as orally.

Research has recently shown that in addition to the Ketamine medication alone, its effects are more sustainable, effective, and longer lasting if the patient also participates in KAP with a trained KAP therapist .

During the KAP session, ketamine is administered in a calm, supportive, and therapeutic environment where soft music is played, lights are soft, and an eye mask may be used. This environment offers a safe, contained space for the client to embrace their journey and dive into their own inner healer. During the session, the patient may experience dissociation, altered perception of time and space, and other psychedelic effects. The therapist or healthcare professional guides the patient through the experience, offering support and helping them explore their thoughts and emotions. The therapeutic techniques that may be incorporated during the session are those such as breath work, mindfulness, embodied inquiry, somatic feedback, and other therapeutic approaches tailored to the client's needs.

The Ketamine assisted therapy treatment plan incorporates an intentional, collaborative approach including a 3 step process in each session:

PREP MEDICATION INEGRATION

PREPARATION PHASE

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The prep phase starts at your first intake session. The intake session is where you will meet with your licensed medical provider where you will discuss your medical and psychiatric history and eligibility for this treatment, your goals and expectations, review potential benefits and risks of ketamine, and create a treatment plan that works with you and your goals, Your medical provider will then explain the process and answer any questions you may have before you begin.

During the prep phase, you are also exploring expectations and intentions: Your individual expectations and intentions for the ketamine-assisted sessions will be discussed and explore what you hope to experience, gain insights into, or resolve during the sessions.

It is also important to talk about “set and setting” during the prep phase. " Set and setting" refers to the mindset and physical environment in which the session takes place. The concept of set and setting is important because it can significantly influence the outcome and experience of the session. Both the set and setting are considered integral to the overall experience and outcomes of KAP. A positive set, where the participant is mentally prepared and motivated, combined with a supportive and nurturing setting, can contribute to a more profound therapeutic experience, facilitating emotional breakthroughs, and promoting personal growth.

MEDICATION PHASE

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This phase is also the experience phase where the medication of ketamine will be administered. Ketamine may be administered in the form of lozenges, intramuscular injection, or IV infusion depending on your medical needs. Ketamine treatments will vary from patient to patient. During your intake, you and your provider will discuss your personalized treatment plan consisting of dose, route, and length of treatment. Your ketamine session will take place in a comfortable, safe space, with soft music and dim lights. Your medication journey phase will typically last 45-60 minutes. Experiences are different from person to person, but have included visions, sensations, colors, feelings of oneness and euphoria. During this time our compassionate providers will ensure your safety as we offer supervision during the ketamine session as well as monitoring vital signs.

INTEGRATION PHASE

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A very important component of the treatment is Integration. Depending on your treatment plan, you may participate in an integration session with a trained clinician after the medication session. Here you are able to go deeper into your experience and process what you just experienced with your trained clinician. The integration period assists so that one is able to cognitively and emotionally process and fully absorb what came up for you and apply to daily life. These insights are key as you are able to continue to reflect and process these new ideals, concepts, and perspectives as they are facilitating your healing. Therapy with a trained Ketamine therapist greatly supports the effectiveness and longevity of the ketamine treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 Tranquil Healthcare Ketamine Disclaimer :

General :

Our Ketamine services provide tailored integrative care employing ketamine therapy for specific medical conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), OCD, and anxiety. Our team comprises qualified medical professionals skilled in administering ketamine treatments and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. However, each individual's situation is unique, and it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions concerning your treatment.

Ketamine isn't a cure or the primary option for addressing depression, mood, trauma, and/or anxiety conditions. It is an additional modality of treatment, potentially effective after other methods have been ineffective. It's not intended to supplement existing or future therapies like medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS), or counseling from qualified mental health professionals. While it may alleviate suicidal thoughts, individuals actively considering suicide should immediately reach out to emergency mental health services. If there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, we're obligated to involve appropriate external agencies to ensure safety for all participants.

Potential Risk & Side Effects: Ketamine therapy carries potential risks and side effects, including short and long term potential side effects. Short term potential side effects are but not limited to dizziness, a feeling of dissociation from reality, headache, nausea, and transient changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Individual responses to ketamine can vary, and not everyone may benefit from or tolerate the treatment. The dissociation can cause extreme anxiety to a minority of people, sometimes requiring termination of therapy. However, most people find these issues to be mild, transient, and tolerable. The long-term side effects of ketamine are less certain due to insufficient data. Potential complications of chronic use include gallbladder issues, urinary bladder dysfunction, memory impairment, difficulty thinking, ketamine craving and dependency, and signs of schizophrenia. Such problems have usually been reported in people taking large doses appropriate for surgical anesthesia or recreational use where there is less control for quantity and quality of the drug. Whether such problems will appear in patients given ketamine in the doses used for mood and chronic pain disorders ( much lower) remains to be seen. The long term safety of ketamine is seen in a recent survey of 6,630 patients receiving IV ketamine for depression in 36 different treatment centers. Only 0.1% of patients developed bladder problems, 0.03% thinking problems, and 0.03% schizophrenia-like symptoms. 0.7% developed had to discontinue their treatment due to complications, the most common cause of which was anxiety. No cases of addiction from IV ketamine were reported. Our clinic ensures that qualified medical professionals closely monitor patients during treatment sessions to minimize risks and provide immediate assistance in case of any adverse reactions. However, it is essential to understand that risks can still exist, and our clinic cannot guarantee specific outcomes or predict individual responses to treatment.

Off Label Use- Racemic Ketamine, unlike its FDA approved intranasal counterpart esketamine (brand name Spravato), is not currently approved by the FDA for treating mood and chronic pain disorders. Its application for these conditions is technically considered "off label." However, the off label use of a medication doesn't inherently imply increased risk or reduced effectiveness. To illustrate, a significant portion of drugs we currently use for “on label" FDA approved use are used off label. For example Propranolol is on label as anti hypertensive, but is used off label for performclinicance anxiety. Gabapentin is a medication approved for treatment of neuropathic pain, and is used off label for a variety conditions ncluding anxiety, and migraines. Existing data actually indicates that IV ketamine is superior to intranasal esketamine, thus validating its preferred use in our clinic .

Assessment of Suitability: Ketamine therapy may not be appropriate for all individuals including individuals with certain medical conditions, a history of substance abuse, psychosis or schizophrenia, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to disclose relevant medical information to the healthcare team before participating. Various factors, including medical history, current medications, allergies, and individual circumstances, must be carefully considered prior to commencing treatment. Our clinic will perform a thorough medical and psychological clearance and maintain the right to decline treatment for any individual if it is determined to be medically unsuitable or potentially detrimental to their well-being. Participants are expected to use ketamine responsibly and to adhere to all guidelines provided by the healthcare team. We reserve the authority to discontinue treatment in the event of misuse, as outlined in our agreement regarding ketamine treatment policies and procedures.

Informed Consent: Participants must provide informed consent before undergoing ketamine therapy. This includes understanding the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives, as well as any personal or medical factors that may affect the treatment's suitability.

Privacy Protection: All personal and medical information disclosed during the retreat will be kept confidential in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional standards. Our clinic upholds the utmost confidentiality and privacy standards for our patients. We strictly adhere to all relevant laws and regulations concerning the safeguarding of personal health data. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that electronic communication methods, such as email or other online platforms, may entail inherent security vulnerabilities. While we endeavor to uphold the privacy of your information, the transmission of data through such channels may not be entirely secure. By interacting with our clinic and disclosing any personal details, you acknowledge and assume these associated risks.

Benefits of group ketamine sessions and retreats: - Utilizing ketamine in group setting for treatment can offer several potential benefits :

Community Support: Group therapy provides a sense of community and support among participants who may be undergoing similar experiences. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others undergoing ketamine treatment can foster a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Reduced Stigma: Group settings can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and ketamine therapy. Being part of a group where individuals openly discuss their treatment experiences can normalize the process and encourage others to seek help without fear of judgment.

Enhanced Learning: Participants in group therapy sessions can learn from each other's experiences, coping strategies, and insights. Hearing different perspectives and approaches to managing symptoms can broaden one's understanding and provide valuable insights into their own treatment journey.

Increased Motivation: Group dynamics can boost motivation and accountability. Seeing others make progress or overcome challenges can inspire participants to stay committed to their treatment plan and goals.

Skill Building: Group therapy can provide opportunities for skill-building exercises, such as communication skills, coping mechanisms, and stress management techniques, which can be beneficial in managing symptoms both during and after ketamine treatment.

Peer Support: Participants can offer each other emotional support, validation, and encouragement throughout the treatment process. Peer support can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with mental health conditions.

Group ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and individual needs and preferences are always taken into consideration when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

By participating with ketamine treatment in office, group sessions, or retreat settings, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms of this disclaimer. You also acknowledge that participation in ketamine therapy and ketamine assisted psychotherapy is voluntary.

Tranquil Healthcare and its employees do not advocate for recreational use of ketamine or any schedule I medicine for mental health purposes. Any decision regarding the use of ketamine as a treatment option should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess risks, benefits, and suitability based on your unique circumstances.