“Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life.”
― Marcus Aurelius
Are you looking for an innovative, medication-augmented therapy experience?
Taconic Psychiatry is excited to offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for our clients in Manchester, Vermont. This page is designed to help answer your questions about ketamine, how it is used in treatment, and how it can help. If you are interested and ready to get signed up, please contact us today.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved prescription anesthetic drug that has been used widely since the 1970s for sedation and pain reduction. The drug acts on the glutamate neurotransmitter in the brain, which is involved in memory, emotion, and the experience of pain.
Over the past few decades, ketamine has been studied for its use in treating mental health issues – and the results have been remarkable. A wealth of research has found evidence for the use of ketamine in the treatment of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Grief and loss
- Suicidality and self-harm
- Posttraumatic stress and PTSD
- Unresolved childhood issues
- And more
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a unique approach to treatment that combines the active ingredients of therapy and medicine.
While typical therapy sessions are held for 45-60 minutes, KAP sessions last for 90 minutes. The first phase of the session involves the administration of ketamine, which is given to you by a psychiatrist. While most ketamine treatments are given via intramuscular injection, Taconic Psychiatry offers a noninvasive oral (sublingual) administration. This step is carefully monitored and designed with your safety as the highest priority. Throughout your session, your vital signs are continuously monitored in real time. Dr. Pruett or Stillman is present during the entirety of your session. After 75 minutes, there is time at at the end of the appointment to wrap up on the experience and begin to synthesize material to integrate in therapy.
Why use Ketamine along with therapy?
The ketamine enhances the mind’s capacity for deeper thinking and change, which then provides opportunities for rapid progress. The ketamine does this by promoting novel firing patterns in the brain by acting on specific neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.
There might be memories or experiences that are difficult to remember or process. You may have rigid or fixed ways of thinking that keep you from making progress. Or, perhaps the solution to your struggle can be found by taking on a new perspective or looking at things from a new angle. KAP is designed to help give you the boost you need to overcome and grow.
Some people will have psychedelic experiences in sessions, such as expanded consciousness, spiritual connection, and more. These experiences are normal while under the effects of ketamine, and they can give you and the therapist a chance to do deeper work.
Are there any side effects of Ketamine?
As with any other drug, there are main effects and side effects with ketamine use. Because ketamine affects the function of neurons in the brain, most of the noticeable effects are psychological. Once it is absorbed into the body, you might experience:
- Feelings of calmness and relaxation
- Relief from pain
- Depressed mental state
- Dizziness
- Detached feeling from the body
- Slurred speech
- Slow reflexes
- Hallucinations
Please feel free to contact us to learn more about Ketamine and how it might affect you.
How do I know if Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is right for me?
KAP is a novel approach to treatment that can be useful for many people. If you are struggling with intense or chronic mental health issues, KAP can offer a chance to address the problem in a new way. KAP is also very useful for people who want to see rapid results or who are looking for a unique therapy experience.
If you aren’t sure about whether or not you’d like to try KAP, that’s okay! You can always start with traditional talk therapy and then use KAP later in treatment if appropriate and desired. Your treatment is your choice, and our job is to offer you the best possible options for your care.
How does KAP work at Taconic Psychiatry?
All of our KAP sessions are held here in our Manchester office. Our clinicians work alongside you for the full 90 minute intensive session so that you get the individual care and focus you deserve.
Our psychiatrist, Dr. Adam Pruett, administers the ketamine and monitors your status. Rather than using an intravenous route of administration, we administer the ketamine orally or intramuscularly (IM). Dr. Pruett takes the utmost safety precautions to ensure that your KAP session goes as planned. Then, either Dr. Pruett or our psychologist, Dr. Ben Stillman, work with you for individual therapy.
Therapy at Taconic Psychiatry utilizes psychodynamic therapy techniques which target both conscious and unconscious parts of the mind. You get the chance to unlock new parts of your psyche, understand yourself and others on a deeper level, and make rapid progress towards your goals.
If you feel like KAP is a good fit for you, or if you are curious and want to give it a try, don’t wait. Contact us today to get started.
Begin your wellness journey today!
In addition to our KAP services, we also provide traditional therapy, comprehensive evaluations, Integrative Psychiatry, medication management, and more. Our mission is to provide care for the whole person – body, mind, soul, and relationship.
All of our services are entirely confidential and offered in person as well as online. We work collaboratively to help you reach your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. We strive to help you feel supported, understood, and cared for as you make your wellness journey.
No matter how long you’ve struggled, no matter how hopeless things might seem, we can help. Contact us today to get started.
All of our services are entirely confidential and offered in person as well as online (except for KAP, which must happen in person). We work with teens (16+) and adults from all over Vermont: Manchester, Dorset, Bennington, Rutland, Londonderry, Winhall, Arlington, Shaftsbury, West Dover, and beyond.
We work collaboratively to help you reach your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. We strive to help you feel supported, understood, and cared for as you make your wellness journey.