What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. In higher doses it puts people to sleep for surgery, and in lower doses (which are used for mental health purposes) it creates out of body and psychedelic-like experiences. There has been growing evidence that ketamine is an effective treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and a variety of other mental health conditions, chronic pain syndromes and inflammatory conditions.

How does it work?

Ketamine modulates Glutamate at the NMDA receptor, which triggers a cascade of changes that can rapidly increase neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form, strengthen, and reorganize connections between brain cells. Reduced connectivity and atrophy in areas of the brain involved in mood, cognition, and emotional regulation are observed in people with under chronic stress or with mental health conditions. Ketamine has been found to increase connections in these pathways, even with just a single treatment. When given in a series of ketamine treatments, the strengthening of these pathways builds on the previous treatment, and can lead to longer lasting results without continued regular treatments. In simple terms, ketamine can help the brain become more flexible and create new pathways, making it easier to move away from deeply ingrained patterns of negative thought, emotion, and behavior.

How is ketamine administered?

Ketamine can be administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), intranasally and orally. IV and IM administration are found to have significantly higher efficacy than intranasal or oral, and are therefore what is offered at Harmonia. When done IV or IM, the ketamine experience lasts around 45 to 60 minutes.

How quickly does it work and how many treatments are required?

How one’s symptoms respond to ketamine therapy varies greatly from person to person. An early responder might notice benefit after their first treatment, a late responder may not start noticing benefit until the 5th or 6th, and average would be somewhere in the middle. It is always recommended to start with a series of 6 treatments over a period of 3 to 6 weeks. Once someone’s symptoms have stabilized we start spacing treatments out, until they are in a period of monthly maintenance. The number of maintenance treatments needed also varies between people, and can range from none to indefinite.

What is the ketamine experience like, and how will I be supported during it at Harmonia?

Ketamine causes an altered state of consciousness, meaning it will likely be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. It can cause feelings of being disconnected from one’s body, sensory perceptual changes and distortions in space and time. People often describe profound feelings of love, peace and connection, however difficult feelings and emotions can be experienced as well. During treatment you will be continuously monitored and supported by one of our therapists or guides, who are skilled in grounding patients and helping address anxiety that may arise during a treatment session. Your provider will stay on site and will be available to provide additional support if needed.

Due to an increase in brain plasticity during ketamine therapy, preparation and integration is an essential piece to achieving lasting results. Prior to starting you will meet with your designated guide or therapist for a one hour introductory session to discuss your goals and intentions. There also will be time allotted with your guide to discuss your intentions and get into a good mindset going in to the session. Every ketamine treatment is paired with a post ketamine integration session with your guide or therapist, included in the price of treatment and to be completed within 1 to 3 days of treatment.

Who is a candidate for ketamine therapy?

While ketamine has the most extensive research for treating depression and PTSD, it has potential to be beneficial for any mood related mental health condition. There is also evidence to suggest it can be helpful for a variety of inflammatory conditions, chronic pain conditions and addictions. Ketamine is contraindicated for patients pregnant or breastfeeding; with acute mania or schizophrenia; uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease; interstitial cystitis, severe liver, kidney or thyroid disease. Please be sure to disclose all medical and psychiatric history to your provider.