Ketamine-Assisted Therapy vs. Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine-assisted therapy and ketamine infusion therapy are two distinct forms of ketamine therapy that are commonly confused. Before going into ketamine treatment, you should know the difference so that you can get the best support tailored to your therapeutic goals.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
During a ketamine-assisted therapy session in our office, you will receive a subanesthetic dose of ketamine administered sublingually. Ketamine elevates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which has been linked to enhanced neuroplasticity, facilitating the brain’s flexibility in reshaping entrenched cognitive and behavioral patterns. Brain plasticity like this correlates with the antidepressant properties of ketamine. Studies indicate that the “neuroplastic window” post-ketamine administration begins immediately and lasts for days or even longer. In our office, we use therapy in addition to ketamine to enhance and sustain this window for lasting change and trauma healing. We find that there are a few specific therapeutic modalities that are most effective in pairing with ketamine, including somatic therapy, EMDR, and IFS/parts work.
Most importantly, we believe that it’s the fact that clients can tap into their “inner healer” during a ketamine session that makes the biggest difference. During the session, we are here to support you in staying connected with this inner healing wisdom so that it can become more embodied and a part of daily life. We will also prepare you for ketamine sessions by teaching you skills that will be helpful during the journey and post-session for integration.
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
In contrast, ketamine infusion clinics prioritize the neuropharmacological advantages of ketamine. In these medical facilities, ketamine is commonly administered intravenously (IV), overseen by healthcare professionals. As the ketamine is being delivered through IV, vital signs are continuously monitored. It's customary for clients to find themselves unaccompanied in these environments, often discharged shortly after the infusion despite lingering psychoactive effects.
Ketamine infusion clinics typically market their services as a stand-alone treatment for mental health challenges. Clients visiting these clinics typically undergo a series of IV infusions multiple times per week, with little to no therapy. While ketamine infusion clinics can be life-saving for those experiencing suicidality, they do not offer integration or therapeutic support.
The Differences Between Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Research
The majority of the research on the benefits of ketamine for mental health has centered around the ketamine infusion model. For this reason, the bulk of research we have is on infusion therapy to treat treatment-resistant depression, acute suicidality, and other complex conditions. While further investigation is warranted to substantiate the advantages of integrating therapy into ketamine treatment, mental health professionals involved in this work seem to unanimously agree that including effective therapeutic modalities in the work is critical for achieving long-lasting results (and we feel the same!). By creating a safe and comfortable set and setting, a strong therapeutic relationship, and weaving in modalities that complement ketamine use, we find that ketamine’s magic lasts longer.
Integration and Neuroplasticity
Ketamine infusion therapy emphasizes the pharmacological advantages of ketamine, particularly its antidepressant properties, as the primary avenue for healing. This can be a crucial intervention for individuals grappling with acute depression or contemplating suicide (and this is how we often see it used in hospitals). However, the therapy in ketamine-assisted therapy potentiates the neuroplastic benefits of ketamine by harnessing the brain’s readiness to rewire and make new connections.
Preparation and integration sessions are key for creating more intentionality around ketamine use and making sure new neural pathways are forming advantageously. We treat ketamine-assisted therapy holistically, using a combination of EMDR and somatic therapies to deepen the trauma healing work while we fortify the nascent synaptic connections with ketamine.Set and Setting
A fundamental difference between ketamine-assisted therapy and ketamine infusion therapies has to do with “set and setting.” Set has to do with the intentions or “mindset” one has upon entering the experience, while setting refers to the physical space where the session is held. Ketamine sessions are held in our office where the clients take the medicine sublingually. We collaborate with prescribers who will prescribe the prescription for you.
We create an intentional setting that is meant to feel safe, calm, and relaxing by dimming the lighting, offering an eye mask, playing appropriate music, and offering comfortable blankets, cushions, and furniture to rest on. In our office, we may begin with a simple ritual to open up the space, such as lighting a candle, reading a poem, stating an intention, or pulling a card.
In contrast, since ketamine infusion clinics administer ketamine intravenously, they must maintain strict medical standards, including a sterile environment and close medical supervision. Infusion clinics often forego amenities like music and eyeshades and may feature bustling treatment rooms accommodating multiple individuals receiving ketamine, which may feel impersonal and even disruptive or overwhelming.
Trauma-Informed Care
Another notable contrast between the two methodologies lies in their approach to addressing the client’s trauma history. Infusion clinics typically place less emphasis on trauma-informed care, as their primary focus revolves around alleviating symptoms rather than facilitating psychological exploration or integration.
In our office, the point of ketamine-assisted therapy is to treat trauma and trauma-related symptoms (e.g. depression, anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders), which means that we are actively pairing trauma-focused modalities, such as EMDR and somatic therapy, with the ketamine so that we can begin to excavate and heal the underlying cause of the symptoms our clients experience. Ketamine journeys may unearth deeply held memories or past traumatic events, posing potential destabilization for clients with trauma histories if not carefully addressed. Our team of therapists is trained and experienced in working with PTSD, C-PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about how ketamine-assisted therapy can serve you, please reach out to schedule a consultation phone call. You may also check the blog for additional resources. We look forward to helping you get started on your ketamine-assisted therapy journey.