• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is gaining popularity as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and for personal growth and creativity.
• Therapists emphasize the importance of integrating psychotherapy with ketamine treatment for optimal results, focusing on preparation and integration.
• Ketamine works rapidly by fostering neuroplasticity and allowing different parts of the brain to communicate, although multiple treatments are typically required.

Ketamine, a legally classified Schedule III drug in Colorado and approved for medical use since 1970, is increasingly being utilized in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to address treatment-resistant mental health conditions and facilitate personal growth. Clinics like The NeuroSpa, Satori Integrative Medicine, and Liminal Medicine offer KAP, integrating psychotherapy with ketamine administration. The therapy is praised for its rapid effects on neuroplasticity, allowing for quicker access to the psyche and undefended parts of the mind.

• What: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) involves using ketamine, often administered via intramuscular injection, in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions and promote personal growth.
• Who: Key individuals include Dr. Tamara Stoner (Satori Integrative Medicine), Dr. Brooke Allen (The NeuroSpa), Dr. Suegee Tamar-Mattis and Moksha Donahue, MFT (Liminal Medicine), and patients seeking relief from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, grief, and substance abuse. Rachel Engstrom is highlighted as a patient.
• When: Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and approved for use in the United States in 1970. Ketamine clinics have proliferated in recent years. Treatment typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks, with potential booster treatments months or years later.
• Where: KAP is offered at clinics like The NeuroSpa (Aspen and Basalt, Colorado), Satori Integrative Medicine Clinic (Glenwood Springs, Colorado), and Liminal Medicine (Sebastopol, California).

The rise of ketamine-assisted therapy signals a shift in mental health treatment, offering a potential alternative for those who haven't found relief through traditional methods. While ketamine offers fast-acting benefits like neuroplasticity and relief from anxiety and depression, its effectiveness is amplified when combined with comprehensive psychotherapy. The integration of therapy addresses the underlying issues, supports mindset shifts, and helps patients process their experiences. Clinics emphasize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, highlighting the potential risks associated with unsupervised or unsafe psychedelic experiences.

The way I describe it to people is that they get their lives back. It lets you be who you are, recover from whatever it is that you’re trying to recover from.

Allow what’s happening to happen.

Ketamine offers quicker access to the psyche, the undefended part of you that is actually working behind the scenes at all times...And I think the ketamine really offers you a metaphorical glimpse into your psyche, like your psyche is kicking up all these metaphors to help you kind of see what your dilemmas are on a different level.

Ketamine-assisted therapy is emerging as a promising option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. The emphasis on integrating therapy with ketamine administration is crucial for long-term success. As research continues and more clinics offer KAP, it's important to consider both the potential benefits and risks, seeking treatment from qualified professionals in a safe and supportive environment.