Finding an adequate treatment for symptom relief is not an easy task, especially for complex conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). There are new and innovative treatments such as Ketamine Therapy, which is already being practiced, and Methylone-assisted therapy, which is still being studied. Here’s how they can help.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a groundbreaking treatment option for various mental health conditions. It’s administered in a safe, clinical setting by compassionate medical professionals. Ketamine Therapy is suitable for those who haven’t experienced relief from traditional antidepressants.
A typical ketamine therapy session involves three main phases, including:
- Preparation Phase: A compassionate Guide is there to prepare the participant before the session by setting intentions, doing breathwork, and meditation.
- Medicine Phase: Ketamine isadministered by an IM injection into the large muscle of the shoulder by a medical professional, or by an infusion. The participant is medically monitored during and after this phase to ensure safety and efficacy of the session. Most participants recall the experience as being in a dream-like state.
- Integration Phase: During this phase, the participant receives guided integration in the form of grounding support, journaling, art therapy, and meditation. This can help the participants reflect on newly obtained insights for long-term recovery.
During the session, the participant can wear an eye mask and headphones to feel more relaxed and comfortable.
How Ketamine Affects the Body
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug known for its dissociative properties. It works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, causing a surge of glutamate. This causes several key changes, such as better mood regulation, increasing neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), and reducing negative thought loops that are persistent in various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Traditional antidepressants target serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine and can take several weeks to start working, compared to Ketamine, which has rapid, antidepressant-like effects.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Kadelyx Health offers personalized treatment plans that take into consideration the medical and mental history of the participant, as well as their personal preferences. There are several services available with specific methods of administration and guidance levels, including:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A one-on-one ketamine session with a compassionate Guide of choice. The preparation and integration phases are extensive, and ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: Consists of limited preparation and guidance led by a trusted professional who monitors the rest of the session outside the room. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements as Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: For couples who have shared or individual mental health problems, looking to rebuild their relationship and heal together. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking group healing with up to 6 people. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Spravato Treatment (Esketamine): An FDA-approved nasal spray, self-administered under clinical supervision. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, with each spray spaced 5 minutes apart.
Methylone
There are ongoing studies on therapies involving psychotherapy and psychedelic substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine, when treating symptoms of various mental health conditions. Methylone is also under clinical trials for its potential therapeutic and antidepressant-like activity, especially for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methylone or 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone is a similar substance to MDMA, acting as a stimulant and empathogen, but it offers a much milder experience. So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved Methylone as a treatment option. Still, due to its potential therapeutic effects and rapid-acting antidepressant properties, it’s considered a breakthrough treatment of PTSD.
Ketamine Therapy vs Methylone: A Comparative Overview
| Type of Therapy | Ketamine | Methylone |
| Method of Administration | IM, IV, Nasal (Spravato) | Oral |
| Clinical Supervision | Yes | Yes |
| Dosage | Precise dose | Precise dose |
| Duration of Session | Two to three hours | Four hours |
| Duration of Treatment | Typically six sessions (two to six weeks) with booster sessions if needed | Typically, once a week for four weeks with follow-ups |
| Regulatory Consideration | Off-label (ketamine) FDA-approved (esketamine) | Not FDA-approved |
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
- Suitable for treatment-resistant conditions
- Rapid symptom relief compared to traditional treatments
- Personalized treatment plans
- Guidance and preparation by compassionate professionals
Ketamine Therapy Cost
The cost of Ketamine Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona, depends on the service and session type. Spravato is covered by BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), UHC, Aetna, and Cigna insurance.
Mental health treatments are constantly improving, so that everyone who is struggling can find a treatment that works for them. While some are still under clinical studies, others, like Ketamine Therapy, are being successfully practiced. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health and learn more about the transformative effects of ketamine.
