What Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine has been medically used since the 60s, and research for it’s positive effects on depression began in 2000. Recently, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) has emerged in popularity as a promising treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. But what exactly is KAP—and how does it work?
If you're curious about this innovative approach to mental health, you're not alone. This article breaks down what ketamine-assisted therapy is, how it’s administered, why people choose it, and what the research says.
What Is KAP?
Ketamine-assisted therapy combines the use of ketamine, a fast-acting anesthetic and dissociative agent, with structured psychotherapy. While ketamine has been used in medical settings since the 1960s, its use in mental health is relatively new—and gaining momentum due to its rapid antidepressant effects.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work (if at all), ketamine often brings relief within hours or days. In a therapeutic context, it’s used to help people access parts of the psyche that may be difficult or impossible to reach through talk therapy alone. I have joked that if you’re emotionally constipated, ketamine can offer you relief to get all those blocked memories and feelings out.
KAP is not just about the medication. The process typically includes preparation sessions, the ketamine experience itself (guided or supported by a therapist), and integration sessions to process what came up during the journey. It’s essential to understand that the preparation, support and integration are all critical aspects of this method.
Different Ways Ketamine Is Administered in Therapy
Ketamine can be taken in several forms, each with slightly different effects and logistics. Here's a quick breakdown:
Intramuscular (IM) Injection
A precise dose is administered into the muscle, usually in the arm. This method provides a rapid onset (within minutes) and a deeper dissociative state. Often used in therapeutic settings where a guide is present.
Intravenous (IV) Infusion
Delivered through a vein, IV ketamine is common in clinical or hospital-like environments. While highly effective for some, it’s less common in psychotherapy settings due to the medical monitoring.
Ketamine Lozenges (Sublingual or Oral)
Ketamine lozenges dissolve under the tongue or are swallowed. They offer a gentler experience and are often used in at-home or lower-dose therapeutic models.
Ketamine Nasal Spray
Ketamine can also be prepared in a nasal spray. The dosage can be easily adjusted, allowing us to start with gentle low-dose experiences, and also to ease into more powerful experiences and benefits at higher doses. In the right circumstances, it can be prescribed for at-home use.
Each method varies in duration, intensity, and how quickly the effects begin. The best route depends on the individual’s needs, mental health history, and the setting in which the therapy takes place.
Why People Try Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
KAP isn’t a silver bullet—but for many, it offers a lifeline when traditional treatments haven’t worked. Here are some reasons people explore ketamine-assisted therapy:
Treatment-resistant depression: Many people turn to KAP after trying multiple medications and therapies without success.
Rapid relief during a crisis: Ketamine’s fast-acting nature can be life-changing for someone in acute distress.
Facilitating deeper emotional work: The dissociative state can allow individuals to explore trauma, grief, or patterns with less emotional reactivity.
Enhanced neuroplasticity: Ketamine temporarily increases neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to form new connections—which can support therapeutic breakthroughs.
Alternative to long-term medication: Some use KAP to reduce or eventually taper off antidepressants, under professional supervision.
What Does the Research Say?
The science behind ketamine-assisted therapy is growing—and promising.
A 2021 meta-analysis in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms, often within 24 hours.
A 2019 study published in Nature Neuropsychopharmacology suggested that ketamine may reset dysfunctional brain networks associated with depression and PTSD.
Ongoing studies are also exploring ketamine's potential to reduce suicidal ideation and chronic anxiety, with early results showing efficacy that outpaces traditional treatments.
That said, ketamine is not without risks. It should only be used under the guidance of trained professionals, especially in the context of mental health therapy. Misuse outside clinical settings can lead to dependency or other health concerns.
What to Expect If You’re Considering KAP
A typical KAP journey includes:
Screening and Preparation – Your provider will assess your medical and psychological history to determine if KAP is appropriate.
Guided Sessions – You’ll take ketamine in a safe environment, usually with a therapist or guide present or on call. Some people listen to music or wear eye masks to focus on the internal experience.
Integration Therapy – This is where the magic happens. You’ll talk through your experience, connect insights to your everyday life, and work toward lasting change.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right for You?
Like any therapeutic modality, KAP isn’t for everyone. But if you're feeling stuck, facing treatment-resistant depression, or simply want to explore your inner world in a new way, it might be worth exploring.
Consult with a licensed provider who specializes in ketamine therapy—not just someone who administers the drug but one who integrates it thoughtfully into a broader healing process.
Final Thoughts
Ketamine-assisted therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that blends neuroscience with deep psychological work. While still evolving, it offers hope for those seeking rapid relief, deeper insight, or an alternative to conventional mental health treatments. Personally, I have seen incredible breakthroughs for patients, which is why I am such an advocate for this path.
If you're curious about how KAP might fit into your healing journey, start with research, talk to professionals, and listen to your intuition. Healing doesn’t always follow a straight path—and sometimes, new tools open old doors.
Ready to Explore What’s Possible?
If you’re curious about whether ketamine-assisted therapy could support your mental health journey, we invite you to connect with us. At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move through stuck places and into new terrain.
Schedule a free introductory call to learn more about our approach, ask questions, and see if ketamine-assisted therapy is a good fit for you.
Your path doesn’t have to stay where it is. Let’s take the next step together.
