All About Ketamine Therapy Centers
Ketamine infusion clinics and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy centers are growing in popularity. What are the differences between them, and what is the right choice for you?
If you have been curious about psychedelic therapy or ketamine therapy, you have likely noticed ketamine centers in your area. They differ by mode of administration of ketamine, level of dosage, licensing and credentials, as (most importantly) the level of support and therapy they provide. Here’s a helpful rundown of ketamine centers.
Ketamine Infusion Centers
Ketamine infusion centers are medical clinics that offer ketamine in one of two ways: intravascular (IV - aka a needle with a drip line attached) or intramuscular (IM - aka a shot into your arm or leg). This is usually administered by a nurse, while the ketamine itself is prescribed by a doctor at the clinic.
Dosages for IV and IM ketamine is usually higher than taking an oral dose of ketamine. The dosage is determined by your body weight. The ketamine begins to take effect in 10-20 minutes and the experience lasts for about 40 minutes.
At a ketamine infusion clinic, you will likely be in a medical office sitting or lying in a reclining chair. If you have IV ketamine, the drip will be attached to your arm for the duration of the treatment. The nurse administering the ketamine may or may not check on you during your session (this varies by location). They will likely check in with you after your treatment and make sure you have a safe way to travel home (via rideshare or a ride by a friend/family member).
Most ketamine infusion centers do not include or offer therapy as a part of your ketamine treatment. This can be a challenge for some people; they have a psychedelic experience with no one to talk to, and no professional to help them integrate and capitalize on the ketamine treatment.
However, the benefits of ketamine infusion centers include:
Possible insurance coverage for your treatment
A higher dose of ketamine than with oral routes of administration
The drawbacks of ketamine infusion centers may include:
Higher price (average in the Boulder area is $700-$1200 per session)
No licensed mental health professional to assist you in your treatment
You will likely be alone during your ketamine infusion; this can be anxiety-producing for some people
You will likely be tended to after your session by a nurse, not a trained mental health professional
No therapy sessions offered
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Centers and Practices
Therapists that want to offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy will often, after training in the modality, will open a private practice or counseling center. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapists differ from infusion centers and take-at-home ketamine programs.
A KAP practice offers ketamine at lower doses normally lower than infusion centers. That doesn’t mean that clients working with a KAP therapist won’t have a psychedelic experience, they often do. However, the ketamine taken with a KAP therapist in their office is an oral dose (a lozenge that goes under the tongue) rather than an IV or IM dose. This means no needles, but lower bioavailability than an infusion.
At a KAP counseling practice, therapy comes along with your ketamine treatments. Your therapist meets with you before starting ketamine, to make sure it’s right for you. They work with you for preparation; understanding ketamine and its effects, letting you know what to expect and how they will troubleshoot with you around dosage, timing and integration.
After a ketamine session, you will meet with your therapist (without ketamine) for talk therapy; many practitioners believe that this is where the real work begins. With your therapist, you can discuss what comes up during your ketamine sessions, process through past obstacles, and lay the groundwork for more ease, joy, and connection in your life moving forward.
In summary, the benefits of working with a ketamine-assisted psychotherapist is:
Therapy comes with the ketamine
No needles
With your therapist during ketamine session
Lower cost than infusion centers (under $600 for ketamine 3-hour treatments)
Being supported and guided by a trained mental health professional
Drawbacks of a KAP counseling center are:
Higher price than some at-home ketamine companies
Lower dose of ketamine offered
At-Home Ketamine Treatment Programs
At-Home ketamine options have become popular. They offer a virtual intake with a ketamine prescriber, as well as coaching and “content.” Some companies have an online coach who will video conference before you take your ketamine dose.
Like working with a licensed therapist and KAP, the ketamine is an oral under-the-tongue lozenge of moderate dosage. You take your dose at home and journal on your own about your experience.
At-home ketamine companies can be affordable. They usually sell their services as a package and 6 ketamine doses cost $1,000 - $3,000.
The benefits of an at-home ketamine program are:
Lowest-cost option
Can be at home during ketamine session (although some KAP providers like us also can arrange in-home ketamine sessions with telehealth support throughout)
No needles
Drawbacks of At-Home programs include:
No therapy included with your treatment with a professional therapist
Varying levels of psychological support (ranging from self-guided “content” to text messaging with “guides” and coaches)
What Approach to Ketamine Therapy Suits You?
All the approaches to ketamine therapy have their benefits. You might consider:
How much can I invest in this treatment?
How important is it to me to work with a licensed therapist?
How good is my support system to lean on while I do this intensive treatment?
How to Get Started
If you’re drawn to the ketamine-assisted psychotherapy model, with a mental health professional with you the whole way, contact us today to get started.