Ketamine Therapy based in Denver, Colorado

Takeaway: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a relatively new, yet safe and effective, form of therapy. With this treatment, you can find relief from the burden of depression anxiety, gain insight into the deeper parts of yourself, and reconnect to your meaning and purpose. Reach out today to see if ketamine therapy in Colorado is right for you.

What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Ketamine therapy is a breakthrough mental health treatment. Medical professionals have prescribed ketamine for years as an important surgical drug. In fact, it's included on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.

In recent years, however, studies have unlocked ketamine's potential as an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. It's now an FDA-approved drug for treatment-resistant depression.

During ketamine-assisted therapy, you'll consult with both a medical provider and a mental health professional to determine whether this form of treatment is right for you. You'll review your mental health history, medical history and vital signs, and your goals for treatment.

If you decide to proceed, you'll get a prescription for ketamine, which is a psychedelic substance. This means that it can alter your consciousness, or how you think and feel. This is one reason why it's such a powerful tool in a therapy setting.

Ketamine works by creating a dissociative experience, which helps people observe their thoughts and feelings in a mindful way. Research also shows that it helps form new neural pathways that have been damaged by chronic stress or even chronic pain. Forming these new connections can help you come to new understandings of yourself and change how you view the world.

In a ketamine session, your therapist will be present to guide you through the experience. Some people describe feeling outside of their body, while others simply feel relaxed and peaceful. Other people may even have spiritual experiences during ketamine therapy.

No matter what comes up for you, your therapist will be there to process it with you. Having a trusted partner in your therapy journey can help you feel safe, come to new insights, and get the most out of your treatment.

What is ketamine treatment used for?

While ketamine has traditionally been used for anesthesia and pain management, there are several studies that show it has many other important uses. Here are just a few of the conditions that can benefit from ketamine treatments.

Treatment-resistant depression

Depression can range from mild to totally debilitating, and traditional treatments don't work for everyone. Thankfully, several studies have shown that ketamine is a highly effective treatment for depression. In fact, many people experience immediate relief. When combined with the support of a therapeutic relationship, you can also reap the benefits of deep processing and understanding.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Like depression, PTSD can come with intense symptoms that impact a person's ability to function in their day-to-day life. However, research shows that psychedelic-assisted therapy can help. While most studies have focused on the use of MDMA, there is some evidence to suggest that ketamine therapy can be useful for chronic PTSD symptoms.

Other mental health conditions

Since ketamine-assisted therapy is relatively new compared to other forms of mental health treatment, more research is needed to determine which conditions are best suited for it. With that being said, there are clinical trials exploring the effects of ketamine therapy on anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, and more.

FAQs about ketamine psychotherapy in Denver

Many people are new to ketamine treatment, so having questions is expected. Here are a few of the most common questions I received as a ketamine-assisted therapy provider in Colorado. However, we encourage you to reach out to us directly if you have additional questions.

  • Since ketamine-assisted therapy is still relatively new, finding mental health professionals who offer this treatment can be difficult at times. Since ketamine recently gained FDA approval for mental health treatment, it is currently available nationwide. However, access to care can still vary depending on the area in which you live.

    Currently, there's no singular way to find ketamine-assisted psychotherapy near you. You can try using search engines, asking mental health or medical professionals for a referral, or using a director like Psychedelic Support Network. If you feel comfortable discussing treatment with people in your personal life, you can also ask around for a recommendation.

  • In ketamine infusion therapy, ketamine is administered via intramuscular injection by a medical professional. Oftentimes, this form of treatment is focused on receiving the substance alone without any kind of additional support.

    While ketamine infusions can certainly provide relief, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can further maximize the benefit you receive from the medication. In this form of treatment, ketamine is usually self-administered in the form of a lozenge. From here, you'll process your experience with the support of a trusted mental health professional so you can get the most out of your experience.

  • Each person has a different experience with ketamine-assisted therapy. While there is no way to guarantee a certain outcome or feeling during your treatment, many people describe common experiences. Here are some examples of how you might feel.

    • Euphoric

    • Relaxed

    • Floating pleasantly outside your body

    • Relief from feelings like anxiety and depression

    • Heightened sensations

    This is not an exhaustive list of what to expect during your ketamine treatment. If you have more questions about what to expect and if ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you, we encourage you to get in touch.