Over two decades ago, when I first started in the industry working in adolescent substance abuse treatment, Ketamine was only a street-drug to me.  A substance used in the medical field, that addicts would find illegally – often stealing in it from physicians and hospitals – and they would use it to get high.

Medically, Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.  If you have ever had surgery, it’s quite possibly that you’ve been administered Ketamine.

Imagine my surprise when Ketamine started showing up in the research literature as a treatment for “TRD” – Treatment Resistant Depression.

According to my records, it was at least 5-6 years ago, maybe closer to a ten, when a client on my caseload started to receive Ketamine treatment.  She was in a very difficult state of long-lasting depression that traditional talk therapy and anti-depressant medications were not able to help very well.  This was well before Ketamine was acceptable nationwide – it was still in experimental phases.  Fortunately, her desperate mother had a friend in Oklahoma – a psychiatrist – who was involved in the trails.  This young lady and her mother traveled cross-country on several occasions for Ketamine infusions.  And it worked!!  She felt markedly better in a short amount of time, and the results were quite obvious.  It felt like some kind of miracle!

Fast forward to more recent time, just about 2 years ago; and there is another young lady on my caseload, similar in age to when the previously mentioned client started receiving Ketamine treatment, and she is struggling with some very difficult depressive symptoms.  After about a year of talk therapy and traditional medication, I recommend Ketamine.  She is able to get infusions locally, on a regular basis, as prescribed in the treatment protocol, AND can go for maintanence doses, which are administered nasally.  Again, after just a short while another miracle of psychopharmacology!!

Today, Ketamine is being used for more than just clinically diagnosed Treatment Resistant Depression.  We are finding it is extremely helpful in working through the existential malaise – that vacuum of existence – the “mid-life crisis” of our modern times.  You don’t have to have a diagnosis of “TRD” for it to be beneficial.  And, for many people, these “noetic journeys” are proving to be healing and life-changing.

Are you ready to try Ketamine?  I am.  As part of my training in “Psychedelic Assisted Therapy” with the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, I will be attending a Ketamine Practicum in which I will engage in further intense study, and then I will be administered an intramuscular dose; and I will also therapeutically sit with another student, or students, on a different day.  I’m looking forward to telling you all about it.

If this experience is what I expect it to be for me – a relatively healthy, “worried well” individual – not clinically diagnosable, but certainly prone to my struggles with modern living – if it is the restorative and enlightening treatment I have studied it to be; I will be offering it in therapeutic group retreat format starting in the spring of 2025.  I’ve already formed my team of medical professionals to assist in the work, and will possibly bring on another therapist, either trainined in my program or as a student.  I’m excited to be bringing this revolutionary treatment to the world of Logotherapy, Meaning, Purpose and Resilience.  I can’t wait to see the results it might produce for the rest of us “worried well”.

But you don’t have to take just my word for it.  If you want to read further, here are some statements from different sources on the interwebs:

“Imagine finding relief from depression, anxiety, and chronic pain within hours rather than weeks or months. Ketamine, once primarily known as an anesthetic, is now emerging as a breakthrough treatment for mental health conditions that have been resistant to traditional therapies. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, ketamine works rapidly, often bringing relief after just one session. This fast-acting nature makes it an invaluable option for those struggling with severe depression, suicidal ideation, or other urgent mental health crises.

Ketamine’s unique mechanism sets it apart from other treatments. It acts on the brain’s glutamate system, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This means ketamine doesn’t just mask symptoms; it helps your brain heal and adapt, leading to lasting improvements in mood and cognitive function. Many patients report feeling a profound sense of clarity and emotional release after ketamine therapy, allowing them to break free from negative thought patterns and regain control over their lives.

In addition to its benefits for depression, ketamine has shown promise in treating a variety of other mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and even chronic pain. By disrupting the habitual ways in which the brain processes pain and emotional distress, ketamine offers a new pathway to relief for those who have exhausted other options. It’s particularly effective in cases where traditional treatments have failed, offering hope to individuals who have struggled for years without finding a solution.

Moreover, ketamine therapy is typically administered in a controlled, clinical setting under the supervision of medical professionals, ensuring both safety and efficacy. This structured environment allows for personalized treatment plans, tailored to each individual’s needs and monitored closely to maximize benefits and minimize risks. As the stigma around mental health treatments continues to diminish, ketamine is gaining recognition as a legitimate, science-backed option for those seeking rapid and effective relief from their symptoms.

In summary, ketamine offers a fast-acting, innovative approach to mental health treatment, particularly for those who have not found success with traditional methods. Its ability to promote neuroplasticity and provide rapid symptom relief makes it a powerful tool in the fight against depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. If you’re searching for a treatment that goes beyond conventional options and offers real, lasting change, ketamine therapy could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.”

From another source:

“Ketamine has gained attention in recent years for its potential mental health benefits, particularly for those with conditions that have been resistant to traditional treatments. Here are some of the key mental health benefits associated with ketamine:

1. Rapid Relief from Depression: One of the most significant benefits of ketamine is its ability to provide rapid relief from depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to become effective, ketamine often works within hours. This makes it a crucial option for individuals dealing with severe depression, particularly those who are at risk of suicide. Ketamine’s fast-acting nature can provide immediate relief, offering a critical lifeline during mental health crises.
2. Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Ketamine has shown remarkable efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression, where other medications and therapies have failed. Many patients who have not responded to conventional antidepressants experience significant improvements in their symptoms after ketamine therapy, making it a powerful option for those who have exhausted other avenues.
3. Reduction in Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine is particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts, often within hours of administration. This makes it a valuable treatment in emergency situations where immediate intervention is needed to prevent self-harm. The ability to quickly alleviate suicidal ideation can be life-saving and provides a critical window for further therapeutic intervention.
4. Alleviation of Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms: Ketamine has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By modulating the brain’s glutamate system and promoting neuroplasticity, ketamine helps to disrupt the entrenched patterns of fear and anxiety that are common in these conditions. Patients often report a reduction in symptoms and an increased sense of emotional resilience after treatment.
5. Potential Benefits for Chronic Pain: Beyond its mental health benefits, ketamine is also used to treat chronic pain, particularly in conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). By altering the way the brain processes pain signals, ketamine can provide significant relief for those who suffer from chronic pain, which often coexists with depression and anxiety.
6. Promotion of Neuroplasticity: Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This not only helps in reducing symptoms of mental health conditions but also supports long-term recovery by helping the brain to heal and adapt. This can lead to more lasting improvements in mood and cognitive function, making it easier for patients to engage in other forms of therapy and make positive lifestyle changes.

These mental health benefits underscore ketamine’s potential as a transformative treatment, particularly for individuals who have not found success with more traditional approaches. Its rapid action, effectiveness in treatment-resistant cases, and ability to reduce suicidal thoughts make it a valuable tool in modern mental health care.”

Finally, if you want to keep reading, this site has some great info as well:  Ketamine Treatment Guide for Mental Health