Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective dissociative medication used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Rapid antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, often noticeable within hours. It is one of the most extensively studied psychedelic medicines.

A holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical’s medical team supports you on all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes.

Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs of administration. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement. 

The effects of ketamine last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make patients feel "far from" their body, and facilitates shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Motor and verbal abilities will typically be reduced, and visuals can appear. During KAP, patients typically lie down in a comfortable position during their dosing session, wearing headphones and an eye-mask with relaxing musical tones. While it may feel hard to articulate what happens during the experience, many patients feel like the insights gained are clear.

Ketamine’s positive effects include decreasing negative thoughts, improving neuroplasticity and building new synaptic connections for a stronger and more resilient brain. When administered under supervision in a safe environment, ketamine can help patients create lasting change, break free from old thought patterns, and embrace new perspectives.

Imagine your brain as a ski slope. Over time, skiing the same trails creates deep grooves, like repetitive thought patterns. Ketamine acts like a fresh snowfall, smoothing out the slopes and giving you the chance to explore new pathways—new ways of thinking, understanding yourself, and processing emotions.