Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is typically used for patients with depression who have tried other forms of therapy and haven’t found anything that works. Where traditional anti-depressants can take weeks and have disruptive side effects, patients find relief within a few sessions, sometimes even after the first treatment. It is particularly useful in treating treatment resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain.

In low-doses, ketamine produces a surge in glutamate, which encourages the growth of the brain’s synapses. With this increase in glutamate, the neural connections in the regions of the brain that are affected by depression are stimulated, strengthened, restored. The brain circuit function is improved from these strengthened neurons that have previously been stifled by depression. While some patients might experience side-effects during treatment, including floating sensations and hallucinations, these are only mild and wear off once the treatment is finished. After a ketamine treatment is the best time to meet with a therapist.

Want to learn more? Kristy Grass, AMFT is trained in ketamine assisted psychotherapy and therapy resistant depression so be sure to book a call with her :)