Personalized Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the administration of ketamine with guided therapy sessions to help treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It involves a trained therapist working with you before, during, and after the ketamine sessions to maximize therapeutic benefits.

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• During a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session, you can expect a transformative and supportive experience. The effects of ketamine usually start within minutes, and you may experience a dreamlike state, heightened introspection, and a sense of detachment from everyday concerns. Your therapist will be present throughout the session to support and guide you, helping you navigate and make sense of your inner experiences.
• The benefits of KAP can be profound. Many clients report significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as enhanced emotional resilience. The dreamlike state induced by ketamine can unlock new perspectives, allowing you to process past traumas and gain clarity on personal issues. This can lead to lasting positive changes in your mental and emotional well-being. Overall, you can expect a session filled with compassion, insight, and the potential for deep, lasting healing!

Many clients report significant relief from symptoms within hours to days after a ketamine session. However, the full therapeutic benefits may unfold over time and through the integration work done afterward with your therapist.

• We always recommend a full KAP treatment which includes the pre-therapy session, the ketamine treatment itself, and then a post-therapy session.
• Each individual’s healing journey is distinct, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for the number of treatments or therapy sessions needed. The complexity of traumas and varying individual responses necessitate personalized care. Our team will provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs, but you ultimately have the control. We are here to support and guide you in achieving your mental health goals, prioritizing your well-being, and helping you find the right balance of treatments and therapies for your healing and growth.

Yes, ketamine is safe when administered in a controlled clinical setting by trained professionals. It has a long history of medical use as an anesthetic and, more recently, has been found effective for treating mental health issues such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. The doses used in ketamine-assisted therapy are much lower than those used in anesthesia, and the treatment is closely monitored by our medical doctor to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.

When used in a controlled therapeutic setting and under the supervision of trained professionals, the risk of ketamine addiction is very low. The doses used in ketamine-assisted therapy are carefully managed to minimize any potential for abuse. Unlike recreational use, which can lead to dependency, therapeutic use is structured and monitored to ensure safety and efficacy. Our clinicians follow strict protocols to prevent misuse and to help you achieve the best therapeutic outcomes without the risk of addiction.

While most people are qualified candidates for KAP, a few medical conditions require special consideration:

• Serious heart conditions
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• History of Bipolar Mania, severe dissociative disorders, and hallucinations due to schizophrenia.

These conditions don't rule you out for KAP. You'll be able to discuss this with our doctor. Clients who use anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines or sleeping aids should consult with their physician on how they can stop using these medications for at least 24-48 hours before their KAP session. 

These medications could reduce the healing effects and interfere with the Ketamine experience. Most drugs don't negatively interact with this therapy, but you still need to let the doctor know all the medications you are currently on.

• Some clients may experience mild side effects such as nausea or dizziness. We can provide Zofran to virtually eliminate all side effects associated with dizziness or nausea. 
• The major side effects of Ketamine come from excessive or chronic use. This can be a dangerous medicine when used as a recreational drug as the dosage is not carefully measured and may be mixed with other harmful drugs.
• Our clinicians create a safe ketamine treatment dosing schedule based on a profound analysis of your medical, psychological, and social history. We aim to make you feel 100% comfortable with your Ketamine dosage and support your decision if you want to begin at the lowest dose.
• There is an exceptionally small part of the population in which Ketamine is ineffective.

Your therapist or doctor will provide specific instructions but you should avoid eating for 8 hours before and drinking 2 hours before the session. Come with an open mind. Wear comfortable clothing and ensure you have a ride home arranged.

No, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after a ketamine session. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home or use a ride-sharing service. You should also not return to work or make any important decisions. Take the time you need to reflect and process your experience in a calming and relaxing atmosphere free from as little environmental stressors as possible.

Ketamine-assisted therapy combines the biochemical effects of ketamine with therapeutic guidance, potentially leading to faster and deeper breakthroughs than traditional therapy alone. It is particularly effective for treatment-resistant conditions.

Our team is here to help. Feel free to call us or schedule a consultation to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about ketamine-assisted therapy.