Ketamine Assisted Therapy: A Guide to its Role in Evolving Mental Health Practice
Psychedelic-assisted healing for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant conditions
When Traditional Treatment Isn't Enough
If you've tried multiple antidepressants, engaged in therapy, and still struggle with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, you're not alone. For many people, traditional treatments provide only partial relief—or don't work at all.
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) offers a different path. It's an evidence-based approach that combines the rapid neurological benefits of ketamine with intentional psychotherapy to support deep, lasting healing
At Embodied Psychiatry, ketamine-assisted therapy is offered by LaVeta Jarrett, PMHNP-BC, who is PSIP-certified and trained in esketamine and ketamine treatment. We offer KAT as part of our trauma-informed, whole-person approach to psychiatric care.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic and has been used safely in medical settings for decades. In recent years, research has shown that ketamine—when used at lower doses in a therapeutic setting—can rapidly relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.
Unlike typical antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine often produces relief within hours or days. This rapid response makes it particularly valuable for people whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
Conditions Ketamine Therapy Can Help:
Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety disorders
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Chronic mood dysregulation
Obsessive or ruminative thinking
How Ketamine Works in the Brain
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. While medications like SSRIs focus on serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, ketamine targets the brain's glutamate system—creating rapid shifts that can break entrenched patterns of depression and anxiety.
Four Key Mechanisms:
1. Resetting Mood Pathways Ketamine binds to NMDA receptors, modulating glutamate—a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This can reset pathways linked to negative mood patterns, offering rapid relief where other treatments have failed.
2. Reducing Brain Inflammation Ketamine reduces inflammatory compounds (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, MCP-1) that have been linked to depression and mood disorders. By calming inflammation, ketamine addresses one of the biological roots of emotional distress.
3. Breaking Negative Thought Loops Depression often involves overactivity in the brain's default mode network, trapping people in repetitive, self-critical thinking. Ketamine temporarily disrupts this pattern, creating space for new, healthier cognitive patterns—especially when combined with guided therapy.
4. Enhancing Neuroplasticity Ketamine increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth of neurons and synapses. This "neuroplasticity" helps the brain rewire negative circuits, fostering long-term healing when integrated with psychotherapy.
Ketamine Alone vs. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine Treatment Alone
When ketamine is administered alone in a clinical setting, it can quickly reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. This short-term relief can be life-changing—but without intentional preparation and integration, the benefits may not last.
Ketamine-only treatments are valuable for rapid symptom relief, but they often require repeat sessions over time.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): A Deeper Approach
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) goes beyond symptom relief. It's a combined therapeutic experience where ketamine provides biochemical shifts while psychotherapy offers the context, intention, and integration needed for lasting change.
With KAP, the goal is not just to feel better—it's to:
Explore emotional patterns and core beliefs
Process difficult experiences with new perspective
Build sustainable coping strategies
Transform insights into real-world behavior change
This integration helps clients move beyond symptom management toward sustainable well-being.
How Ketamine Is Administered
Ketamine can be delivered in several ways, each with its own advantages. At Embodied Psychiatry, we'll work with you to determine the best method based on your clinical needs, medical history, and treatment goals.
Common Administration Methods:
Intramuscular (IM) injection — Reliable absorption, predictable effects
Intravenous (IV) infusion — Precise dosing, faster onset
Your provider will discuss which option is right for you.
Our Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Process
At Embodied Psychiatry, we take a thoughtful, structured approach to ensure safety, effectiveness, and lasting transformation.
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Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation that includes:
Medical history and psychiatric screening
Assessment with a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
Discussion of your symptoms, treatment history, and goals
Determination of whether ketamine therapy is appropriate and which approach (ketamine alone or KAP) is best
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Preparation is essential for maximizing the benefits of ketamine therapy. In these sessions, we help you:
Develop mindset readiness and clear intentions
Understand what to expect during the ketamine experience
Create aftercare and integration plans
Address any concerns or questions
Preparation sets the foundation for deeper, more meaningful work.
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During the ketamine session, you'll be in a safe, comfortable environment with trained clinical support present throughout. Clients often experience:
Deep relaxation and a sense of calm
Emotional insights and expanded awareness
Altered consciousness (dissociation) that allows new perspectives
Processing of complex internal material in a supportive container
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and are carefully monitored for safety.
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Integration is where the real transformation happens. In follow-up therapy sessions, we help you:
Make sense of insights from your ketamine experience
Translate emotional breakthroughs into behavior change
Build skills for maintaining progress
Prevent relapse and sustain long-term wellness
Recommended Protocol: Most clients benefit from a series of 6 ketamine sessions paired with ongoing integration therapy for deeper, more durable results.
Safety & What to Expect
Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years. When administered by trained clinicians with proper monitoring, side effects are generally manageable and temporary.
Common Side Effects (during sessions):
Dissociation or altered consciousness (this is part of the therapeutic effect)
Temporary elevated blood pressure or heart rate
Mild nausea or dizziness
Vivid internal experiences
Our Safety Measures:
Comfortable, private treatment space
Trained clinician present throughout the session
Medical screening to rule out contraindications
Post-session monitoring and aftercare support
Who Should Not Use Ketamine: Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. It may not be recommended if you have:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart conditions
History of psychosis or schizophrenia
Active substance use disorder (without clinical support)
Certain pregnancy considerations
Your provider will carefully assess whether ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate for you.
Integrating Ketamine with Your Current Treatment
Ketamine therapy is most effective when integrated with your existing care. Many clients continue their current therapy or medication regimen while adding ketamine as a complementary treatment.
KAT works well alongside:
Individual psychotherapy (CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy, etc.)
Psychiatric medication management
Trauma-informed care
Holistic wellness practices
We coordinate with your other providers to ensure cohesive, collaborative care
Insurance & Cost
Insurance Coverage: Coverage for ketamine therapy varies widely by plan and provider.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider before beginning treatment to understand:
Coverage for ketamine administration
Coverage for psychotherapy/integration sessions
Out-of-pocket costs and deductibles
Private Pay Options: For clients whose insurance doesn't cover ketamine therapy—or who prefer private pay—we offer transparent pricing and can provide detailed superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Link to Insurance & Payment page for full details
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine therapy may be a good fit if you:
Have tried multiple antidepressants without adequate relief
Experience treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD
Are looking for rapid symptom relief alongside deeper therapeutic work
Want an integrative approach that honors mind and body
Are committed to the full preparation-exploration-integration process
Not sure if KAT is right for you? Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
The Science Behind Ketamine
Numerous studies from leading institutions support ketamine's effectiveness for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Research shows that ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects, reduce suicidal ideation, and support long-term healing when combined with psychotherapy.
Key Research Findings:
Rapid relief of depressive symptoms (often within hours)
Reduced suicidal thoughts in acute settings
Improved outcomes for PTSD and anxiety disorders
Enhanced neuroplasticity that supports lasting change
Effectiveness for people who haven't responded to other treatments
Ketamine therapy represents a significant advancement in psychiatric care—offering new hope where traditional treatments may have fallen short.
Ready to Explore Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Wichita, KS?
At Embodied Psychiatry, ketamine therapy is delivered with clinical expertise, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for your healing journey.
Next Steps:
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether KAT is right for you
Complete a comprehensive intake and medical screening
Begin your preparation-exploration-integration journey
Contact us to learn more or schedule your consultation: