Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) is an emerging mental health treatment that has been shown to be highly effective in many cases of treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic pain, among other diagnoses and conditions. 1, 2, 3

KAT lives under the umbrella of “Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,” which uses a broad range of compounds to aid and support the healing process. Many of these compounds, like psilocybin and MDMA, remain illegal under federal law. But ketamine has been approved for off-label use in therapeutic settings. It is one of the WHO’s “essential medications,” and is often used in pediatric settings due to its proven safety in nearly all healthy people.

I use ketamine with patients in extended therapy sessions, usually lasting three to four hours. The experience can produce many dramatic shifts in thinking patterns, emotional reactions, and bodily sensations. It often provides a novel perspective on one’s maladaptive thoughts and behaviors - an incredibly valuable experience when the goal is to find a healthier way to relate to oneself.

If you are looking to engage with ketamine, or any psychedelic, choosing the right facilitator is paramount to having a positive and productive experience. Here is a useful guide you can use during your research and exploratory phase as you get in touch with potential therapists and facilitators.