Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) is a ground breaking approach to healing depression, trauma, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and anxiety. KAT is a life changing method that utilizes the power of psychedelic medicine – in this case ketamine –within a 2 to 3 hour therapy session. This combination has robust research showing that many clients are able to achieve growth, change, and healing in just a few sessions that otherwise can take months or even years to achieve. Ketamine has been dubbed a “dissociative anesthetic” due to its tendency to produce a disconnection from our usual way of feeling and experiencing. At low doses given during a therapy session, this influence produces shifts in consciousness such as expanded states of awareness, novel ways of viewing life concerns, and freedom from the worries and anxieties of our ordinary mind-states. Therapy offers real-time reflection on this experience to enhance growth and change.

Ketamine may, at times, facilitate psychedelic experiences such as expanded consciousness. It can usher in a relieving sense of less ego and defensiveness, produce an expansive sence of one's heart opening, and a deeper connection to all parts of ourselves and to others. At times it can feel like an out of body experience and a sense of deeper spiritual connection and meaning in life. These characteristics are similar to other psychedelic drugs such as MDMA and psilocybin, to name a few, that have been very successful in research to reduce pain and psychological distress. However, ketamine is currently the only legal dissociative/psychedelic for use in the professional counseling setting.

In this practice we administer Ketamine orally through a losenge that is prescribed to you by Dr. Bailie Cronin, Patrick's physician partner.

You can expect the following steps on your journey: A course of KAT typically begins with an intake session with Patrick to determine if KAT is a good fit for you, and to identify treatment goals. Schedule and attend an initial consult with Dr. Cronin, Patrick's physician partner. Dr. Cronin writes your ketamine prescription. Your ketamine journeys will be led by Patrick and are 3 hours each. While some patients may request a single KAP session, we recommend committing at least three journeys that may occur over several weeks. After several days and some time to process you will meet back with patrick for a 60min. integration session. Traditional therapy focused on support, integrating insights, and identifying and reinforcing change may also be a part of the treatment process.

Ketamine enhances healing in the brain through multiple pathways. A main action path for ketamine is on the NDMA receptor site in the brain, increasing activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This may enhance mood, decrease anxiety, and decrease the cravings found in addiction. Neurogenesis or growth of neuronal connections within the brain can occur, along with a decrease in the inflammatory response in the brain and body. Ketamine may ultimately allow for novel connections to be made across areas of the brain that allow for change and healing to take place. This may translate in to enhanced enjoyment of life, renewed sense of connections in relationships, and elevation of positive mood. Check out my podcast featuring my friend Dr. Craig Heacock to learn more.

Issues that may respond to KAT include but are not limited to: PTSD / Trauma Depression Anxiety Unresolved issues from childhood Rejoining life after a major illness Grief & Loss End of Life distress related to dying Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Difficult life transitions

Side effects are generally limited to the timespan directly after session and usually resolve quickly. These may include mild nausea, dizziness, derealization, drowsiness, or feeling a bit drunk. Our medical staff will help ease any side effects that occur.

According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, individuals may not be eligible for ketamine therapy if they: Are pregnant Have uncontrolled hypertension Have acute cardiovascular disease Had a previous negative response to ketamine therapy Have a history of psychosis, substance abuse, or increased intracranial pressure A history of traumatic brain injury with current symptoms Anyone under 19 years of age. Because ketamine therapy isn’t the right treatment for everyone, Patrick can suggest other therapies.