Ketamine infusion therapy continues to prove itself as a viable treatment for depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders. For new patients starting their journey, however, misunderstandings of definition and wrongful association with ketamine assisted psychotherapy have bloomed in response. Some clinics have taken to performing these treatments—psychotherapy and a ketamine infusion—in the same facility or even during the same session, which can be helpful for some patients and also hinder progress for others, especially when not done correctly. The two techniques, ketamine infusion and psychotherapy, can bring great healing when coordinated correctly. In most cases, they are done separately in coordination, not together at the same exact time in tandem.
At Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, we believe that creating a safe and comfortable environment for our patients must take priority. We first take the time to understand your needs, by consulting with you and your other providers for free. We work to understand your unique needs and learn from those who know your history so we can personalize your treatment plan. Most patients already have a therapeutic relationship with a clinician, and we wish to respect this relationship. It takes time to build trust and establish a history for psychotherapy, so ketamine assisted psychotherapy is not ideal for a new relationship with a treatment center. We build on the rapport and relationship that exists and add ketamine treatment to the program which is what we specialize in and allow the therapist to do what they do best in their ongoing relationship with you.
Guided Psychedelic Therapy
The encompassing term of guided psychedelic therapy can invoke multiple meanings in the context of ketamine infusion therapy. Specifically, the environment in which it is provided can vary greatly, which plays a huge role in its overall effectiveness. Guided psychedelic therapy can be done in a professional, accredited facility like the center at KCLA, but is often performed in a less safe, comfortable, or regulated environment. This in itself can leave patients unsafe and unsure whether or not the treatment they received was properly administered, and can further jeopardize the role of licensed clinicians who may not be credentialed to utilize controlled substances.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy at KCLA
One of the most important aspects of mental health care we advocate for at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles is the utilization of treatments alongside psychotherapy. We are focused on using ketamine therapy for depression, ketamine for PTSD, and the dissociative state induced by the medication for the highest degree of therapeutic benefit. Our patients are provided a safe, compassionate environment that allows them to peacefully process their experience with insight and introspection, and can later be called upon during sessions with a therapist or other mental health professional. Separating the infusion experience from engaging in talk therapy allows for both treatments to be much more effective than either are as a standalone.
Attaching these two experiences to one another can often be overwhelming, excessively time consuming, and pose additional complications for patients for a number of reasons with adding sufficient additional benefit. For these reasons, we advise keeping them apart in most cases. To promote this cause, the involvement of clinicians is coordinated with care for each patient from KCLA, so we can understand your exact needs and personalize your treatment plan accordingly.
The Long-Term Goal of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
The goal at KCLA is to provide all patients with the right treatment for their needs so they can see long-term benefits toward their mental health recovery. Since there are no long-term ketamine infusion side effects, we see it as a valuable tool to jump-start a therapeutic process, encouraging patients to participate in therapy, optimize their lifestyle, and ultimately return for ketamine infusions as needed, but less often over time. By providing quality care and assistance, with insight into each patient’s unique situation, we can work alongside other clinicians and professionals to provide collaborative care in the safest, most effective way for optimal treatment results.
Meet the Leading Professional at KCLA
As an accredited anesthesiologist who also holds a masters degree in psychology, Dr. Steven L. Mandel has remained at the forefront of ketamine treatments including both guided psychedelic therapy as well as ketamine assisted psychotherapy. With an extensive background on both sides of the spectrum, Dr. Mandel is both knowledgeable in the administration of ketamine as an anesthesiologist, while also understanding the role that different clinicians play in the process from a psychologists perspective.
For information on screenings, frequently asked questions, or how to schedule a free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to see how we can help you receive the treatment you need.
