Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Avesta Ketamine and Wellness

Anesthesiology & Ketamine Infusion Clinic located in McLean, VA, Bethesda, MD & Washington, DC

It is important to have a mental health provider to help you navigate the different insights and experiences you have during your ketamine infusion therapy sessions.  Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is an option for patients who want to go into their Ketamine sessions with a therapist present. We provide this service with your own therapist, or one of our trusted providers in our offices in McLean VA, Bethesda MD and Washington DC.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Q & A

What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a new and specialized form of therapy that takes place during ketamine infusions.  It involves psychotherapists who have experience with and knowledge about ketamine and its effects on the brain.  While the patient is hooked to the IV, a licensed practitioner sits with them and conducts a therapy session. 

It is important to find a specialist that you feel safe with and can agree on a treatment plan with prior to your first session.  We are able to schedule a time with a therapist on site that can provide real time ketamine assisted therapy.

What conditions improve with ketamine assisted psychotherapy?

The team at Avesta Ketamine and Wellness provides ketamine-assisted therapy to address several mental health conditions, including:

Depression

Anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Migraines

Research reveals new potential uses for ketamine all the time.  While ketamine isn't a first-line approach for mental health conditions, it's becoming a more common treatment because of its rapid results and limited side effects.  Going to your sessions with a licensed practitioner can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. 

What happens during ketamine assisted psychotherapy?

While you sit in one of our treatment rooms with your ketamine therapist, your provider at Avesta Ketamine and Wellness prepares your infusion and inserts your IV.  Once you start to feel dissociative effects, the therapist begins the session. 

Your mental health provider stays with you throughout your entire treatment, while one of our medical practitioners comes in to check your vital signs and ensures your comfort and safety.

How do I know if ketamine assisted psychotherapy is right for me?

At Avesta we are able to recommend local ketamine integrative therapists who we work with for those who are interested, and can provide the service at either of our two conveniently located clinics.  When deciding which form of therapy you want to proceed with during your ketamine treatments, it is important to fully understand your options.  Contact us for a free phone consultation with one of our clinicians where we can answer questions you have about our process.