Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy – Is It Safe?
Ketamine has been getting a lot of attention lately, and not always for the right reasons. Many people still view it solely as a “party drug”, which can make the idea of using ketamine in therapy feel confusing or even intimidating. But the truth is, ketamine has a long, well-documented history in medicine, and when it’s used thoughtfully and supervised by professionals, it can be a powerful tool for healing.
At CRS, our focus is safe, intentional, medically guided Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Here’s what that really means in practice.
A Medication With Medical Roots
Although ketamine has been misused recreationally, that’s not how it started. Developed in the 1960s, ketamine was initially used as an alternative to phencyclidine (PCP) and was approved by the FDA in 1970. It was even used on the battlefields of the Vietnam War as it allowed medics to perform emergency surgeries quickly and safely.
Fast forward to present day, and research shows that ketamine can be effective for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When it’s used in a controlled, clinical environment, the risks are low, and addiction is rare.
How We Prioritize Safety
Every KAP journey at CRS begins with a detailed medical review. Before anyone starts treatment, we connect them with our prescribing partners at Trend Mental Health, who take time to understand their health history and identify any possible risks.
There are some conditions that make ketamine unsafe, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Psychosis
- Mania
- A history of substance abuse
If the preliminary steps determine that ketamine is not a safe fit for the client, we will not move forward in the process. If it is deemed to be safe, the client will then move through our KAP intake process with a clear plan and a dedicated team.
The KAP Intake Process & Preparation for Treatment
Once the client is cleared with Trend Mental Health, they will consult with our KAP Director, who will help to determine which of our certified KAP therapists would be the best therapeutic fit for that client.
Before any ketamine is administered, clients complete a formal intake assessment and several preparation sessions. These sessions help the client to clarify their goals, understand what to expect, and build trust with their therapist. Together, they decide when to move forward with the client’s first dosing session.
What Does a Dosing Session Look Like?
To start, the client takes their blood pressure. From there, one of three things happens:
- If blood pressure is in range, the dosing session can begin.
- If blood pressure is high, the therapist guides grounding or breathing exercises to help regulate the body. If blood pressure is then within the safe range, they will proceed with the dosing session.
- If blood pressure is not within range after three tries, the session is rescheduled to keep the client safe.
If the client is safe to move forward with the dosing session, the client will self-administer the medication, usually a lozenge or troche that dissolves in the mouth over 10–15 minutes.
Afterward, the client settles in with an eye mask, headphones with instrumental music, and whatever helps them feel most comfortable.
Throughout the entire session, the therapist monitors both physical and emotional wellbeing and provides support if any discomfort should arise. Some clients may experience temporary effects like lightheadedness, nausea, or shifts in perception, but these typically fade quickly.
When the session ends, the client takes their blood pressure one more time. If anything concerning arises, medically or emotionally, we address it immediately. Safety always comes first.
Post-Dosing Integration Sessions
Within a few days of each dosing session, the client will meet with their therapist to begin integration, which is where they make sense of the dosing experience and connect it to their therapeutic goals.
Most clients complete 8–12 dosing sessions paired with 8–12 integration sessions, meeting weekly or every other week. Throughout the entire program, the client’s therapist and medical prescriber stay in communication to monitor wellness, progress, and safety.
A Safe and Supportive Path Toward Healing
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy isn’t a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. But for many people, it opens doors that traditional treatments haven’t been able to unlock.
At CRS, we’re committed to offering ketamine therapy in a way that is safe, ethical, and deeply supportive. If you’re curious about whether KAP might be a good fit for you or someone you know, we’re here to help you explore it safely and thoughtfully.