Sublingual Method
Sublingual ketamine is administered via a lozenge which dissolves under the tongue. The liquid solution is then swished for 10 to 15 minutes and then spit out. This route of treatment method often takes approximately 20-25 minutes for the medication’s effects to be felt with a slow and gentle onset.
Sublingual ketamine has a bioavailability of 18 to 35% and its effects are milder than IV or IM methods for most people.
Sublingual sessions can be held both in office under the guidance of a therapist or clinician, or self directed for home therapy when deemed appropriate.
IV (Intravenous) Method
The IV (intravenous) method involves a nurse placing an IV catheter and then providing a dose of ketamine over a 60 minute infusion interval. At The Center for New Growth, you may choose to receive only infusion care with a nurse or Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with the nurse, a psychotherapist or clinician present.
We encourage patients who have established relationships with a therapist to consider inviting their therapist to attend their IV session as well.
Much of the research on ketamine has been performed using the IV method to study the medication’s effectiveness. IV provides the best predictability of the three methods for controlling how deep your experience is. This method is also the shortest in duration.
IV sessions take place in office, and require a driver to and from appointments.
IM (Intramuscular) Method
The IM (intramuscular) method involves an injection of ketamine into your upper arm. This method produces a rapid change of consciousness and the dissociative effects are often felt within 3-5 minutes. IM sessions last 2.5-3 hours and are designed to include psychotherapy throughout the experience.
IM sessions take place in the office, and require a driver to and from appointments.
Where does ketamine therapy take place?
In office ketamine therapy sessions take place in treatment rooms designed to signal comfort, ease, and peace to you during your experience. Headphones, eyeshades, and blankets are provided, and you are encouraged to bring items of significance and comfort with you during your session. The length of a ketamine session depends on the treatment method used, lasting between 90 minutes to 3 hours. A driver is required once your session is over.
What is KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy) and how does it differ from other forms of ketamine therapy?
The psychotherapy element is a significant difference between KAP therapy and other forms of ketamine therapy. During a KAP session, a therapist is present for the duration of your ketamine experience. During the last half of your session, when you begin to come out of the ketamine state, your therapist begins to guide you into processing and integrating your experience.
Non-KAP sessions include self directed sublingual ketamine therapy, and in office IV sessions without a therapist present.
Note that sessions with and without KAP are available.
