Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is, above all, an intensive psychotherapy that helps clients to access their core feelings and to rewire emotional memories. Retro Therapeutics is not an infusion clinic. Ketamine is administered via lozenge or by IM injection and is accompanied by psychological support to help lower anxiety and help clients to bypass defenses, giving them access to their deepest feelings. At one time the protection of defenses and anxiety were needed, but today they are activated automatically, without client's awareness. This pattern can cause clients to remain "stuck". Once the feelings are more deeply understood and are soothed, a natural healing orientation is released.

Ketamine therapy can potentially benefit a variety of individuals, particularly those dealing with certain mental health and medical conditions. Some of the groups that may find ketamine therapy beneficial include:

1. Depression: Individuals with major depressive disorder, especially those who have not responded to traditional antidepressant treatments.

2. Anxiety Disorders: People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorders may benefit.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ketamine has shown promise in reducing symptoms of PTSD.

4. Bipolar Disorder: Some patients with bipolar depression may find relief with ketamine therapy during depressive episodes.

5. Chronic Pain: Individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain might experience pain relief from ketamine infusions.

6. Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine can provide rapid relief from suicidal thoughts, making it an urgent treatment option for individuals in crisis.

7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Some studies suggest that ketamine can help reduce the severity of OCD symptoms.

8. Substance Use Disorders: Emerging research indicates that ketamine may assist in the treatment of addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

As with any treatment, it’s essential for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for their specific condition and circumstances.

The time it takes to see effects from ketamine treatments can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Generally, some clients may notice improvements in symptoms within a few hours after their first treatment, particularly for depression or anxiety. 

In many cases, the effects can be felt shortly after the session, with some patients reporting a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety within 24 hours. However, for others, it might take several sessions to achieve noticeable results. The treatment regimen often involves multiple episodes of medication administration over the course of several weeks. 

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand what to expect based on your specific situation and treatment plan. 

There is no single average total duration because people who respond may continue maintenance “booster” treatments every few weeks or months. The schedule depends on the condition, treatment route, response, side effects, and clinician’s plan. 

Psychotherapy may add value to ketamine treatment by helping you:

• Prepare for the experience: understand what may happen, set realistic intentions, learn coping strategies, and establish a safety plan.

• Process difficult material: discuss thoughts, memories, or feelings that arise during or after a session in a structured setting.

• Turn insights into action: translate the experience into practical changes in thinking, behavior, relationships, and daily routines.

• Address underlying patterns: ketamine may ease symptoms quickly, while therapy can work on triggers, beliefs, avoidance, trauma-related patterns, or interpersonal difficulties.

• Support longer-lasting improvement: early research suggests psychotherapy may improve treatment engagement, symptom reduction, or durability for some people, but the evidence is still developing and does not yet prove that it consistently works better than ketamine alone.  

Psychotherapy is therefore potentially helpful, but not automatically necessary for everyone. The best choice depends on your diagnosis, goals, response to previous therapy, and our treatment model. clinician.