Ketamine Treatment Options
Different approaches to working with Ketamine
Generic ketamine is not yet FDA approved to treat mental health conditions, and is used off label in treating resistant depression, bipolar depression, and suicidal ideation. There is also evidence that ketamine may help treat anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use. At Voyage Healing, we offer two different approaches to working with ketamine outlined below
Approach #1
Ketamine as an Antidepressant Medicine
The first approach offers a series of six ketamine treatments for depression. This model is similar to how chemotherapy may be offered to a cancer patient. In this model, the medicine itself is the healing agent, and there is less emphasis on talk therapy. This model may work best for patients experiencing severe, resistant depression and suicidal ideation. Following the initial six ketamine sessions, many patients require ongoing monthly boosters to sustain the antidepressant effects.
Approach #2
Combining Ketamine with Talk Therapy
The second approach emphasizes supportive care and talk therapy in addition to the ketamine treatments. Exploring the patient’s narrative, life stressors, and ingrained patterns of thinking contribute to a deeper understanding of the patient as a person. This approach views ketamine as a tool to help the client understand and overcome potential psychological hurdles in addition to ketamine’s purely chemical mechanism of action. By going to the roots of the problem, we are hoping for a stronger and more sustained antidepressant response.
Routes of Administration
We also offer talk therapy to help sustain the antidepressant effects of IM and IV ketamine
Have more questions? Feel free to consult our FAQs page or contact us with your questions.
Which Approach is Right for Me?
One size does not fit all. We will work with you to develop a treatment program that best suits your needs.
