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Ketamine Assisted Therapy: The New Treatment for Mental Health

by | Oct 29, 2024

In recent years, the landscape of mental health treatment has witnessed a big shift with the emergence of alternative therapies. One groundbreaking approach gaining traction is ketamine infusion therapy. While traditionally known as an anesthetic and even a party drug, ketamine has been reevaluated and repurposed as a tool to give people the relief they need from their mental battles.

Ketamine is shown to be a very promising treatment, especially for those who have previously been treatment-resistant. Keep reading to learn more about ketamine and the growing research on its potential.

What we’ll cover:

  1. Ketamine Assisted Therapy
  2. Ketamine and Mental Health
  3. Ketamine and Pain Management

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Click here to learn more about all the psychedelic-assisted therapy options we offer in our Las Vegas location.

Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine, first synthesized in 1962, is an aesthetic drug with some hallucinogenic properties. It works by altering parts of brain and can promote elasticity. It is also believed to be able to create new connections between neurons. Pretty cool, right?

Treating a persons mind isn’t always simple- it can be a daunting process for many. For those that have been resistant to treatments, cutting edge treatments like ketamine can be life changing.

With ketamine assisted therapy, the setting is crucial. It’s important to find a licensed professional who can adequately take you on this healing journey. Once the patient has taken the prescribed dose of ketamine, the provider will be there with them to talk through whatever emotions arise. Your provider will also be closely monitoring you to make sure no unwanted side effects pop up.

The effects of ketamine can help the patient open up and recall memories that they perhaps were not comfortable confronting previously. Being able to talk through past events and emotions is so important! After the effects have worn off, there will continue to be discussions about the patient’s experience. Therapists provide support, guide patients through emotional exploration, and help them make sense of their thoughts and experiences.

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Ketamine assisted therapy is a not a one size fits all, and the process will look a little different for everyone. It typically involves multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks.

Talk with a professional to see if ketamine might be for your unique set of trials.

Ketamine and Mental Health

Many clinical trials have shown the benefits that ketamine assisted therapy has on various mental health disorders.

Those who suffer from depression know that it can be debilitating! And for some, traditional talk therapy and antidepressants just aren’t enough.

The good news is, ketamine has shown to help. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, more than half of the participants with depression saw improvement in their symptoms within 24 hours. Another study showed that many patients found relief in just mere hours! How amazing would it be if people could find safe, guided relief from debilitating depressive episodes that quickly?

A 2017 study showed that patients given ketamine for their anxiety also showed a significant decrease in their anxiety symptoms.

While the research is still ongoing, ketamine has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with more studies being conducted to learn more about the benefits for other disorders such as OCD and PTSD.

Click here to learn more about all the psychedelic-assisted therapy options we offer in our Las Vegas location.

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Ketamine and Pain Management

Beyond its psychological benefits, ketamine is also being studied in regards to main management. As the opioid epidemic rages on, ketamine is showing to be a possible alternative. It’s been shown to be beneficial for treating chronic and acute pain. Those who suffer from chronic pain are often not strangers to depression. Ketamine assisted therapy can be life changing in multiple ways, targeting many difficult aspects of a persons lives.

Recap of Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine assisted therapy represents a groundbreaking frontier in mental health treatment. It’s supported by an ever growing body of research and real-world data. It’s rapid onset of therapeutic effects and efficacy in treating mental health conditions make it a highly promising tool!

Ketamine has shown to be effective at managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. As more and more studies continue, it’s likely that we will see ketamine assisted therapy to continue to rise in popularity.

It’s important to note that ketamine is not without risks. It is crucial to only take this drug with a licensed professional who can properly dose and monitor you. While nothing is guaranteed, ketamine assisted therapy has opened the door to help so many people suffering from mental health conditions.

Click here to learn more about all the psychedelic-assisted therapy options we offer in our Las Vegas location.

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Work With a Las Vegas Psychedelics Therapist

Ready to take the next step towards healing? Let’s schedule a free consultation with a therapist in the Las Vegas area.

We partner with a board-certified anesthesiologist for medicine administration and then, later, conduct the therapeutic integration for maximum results and effectiveness.

About the Author

Christine Lawler LMFT

Hello, I'm Christine Lawler. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and I’ve been practicing therapy for almost 13 years. I'd love to help you on your mental health journey! Contact me today!

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