Due to the complexities of mental health conditions, not everyone can see results from traditional treatments. That’s why Ketamine Therapy, which is already being practiced, and Ibogaine Therapy, an emerging treatment, have a different approach to helping with symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a treatment for reducing symptoms of various mental health conditions by using precise doses of ketamine in a controlled, clinical setting. Ketamine Therapy can help with conditions such as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s also a suitable treatment for those struggling with substance use disorders and withdrawal symptoms.
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. 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, meditation, journaling, and art therapy. 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 a dissociative anesthetic given by injection or infusion. Traditional treatments like antidepressants target dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, but ketamine targets the glutamate system. It works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, causing a surge in glutamate. Ketamine can boost neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), improve mood regulation, and reduce negative thought patterns that can be persistent with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The reduction of symptoms is rapid compared to regular antidepressants, which can take several weeks to start working.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Each participant is unique and requires a specific approach that caters to their mental and medical history, as well as their personal preferences. Kadelyx Health offers personalized treatment plans and services that have specific administration methods 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) into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: Consists of limited preparation and guidance with a trusted professional monitoring 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) 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) 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.
Ibogaine Therapy
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance, typically derived from the plant Tabernanthe iboga, which is native to Central Africa. For decades, Tabernanthe iboga has been used by tribes during healing ceremonies and rituals.
When taken in small doses, ibogaine acts as a mild stimulant, while substantial doses can cause a psychedelic experience and hallucinations. Currently, ibogaine is considered a Schedule I substance due to its moderate potential for abuse and addiction. Psychedelic therapies such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine are under research for their potential effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Ibogaine treatment is under clinical trials and has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How Ibogaine Affects the Body
Ibogaine can potentially help by targeting specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (similarly to traditional antidepressants), sigma-1 receptors, and opioid receptors. On the other hand, ibogaine is known to cause a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia known as Torsades de Pointes in roughly 1% of patients. Screening tools such as an EKG can help reduce the risk, but no test can fully prevent the possibility of clinically significant cardiac rhythm changes.
Ketamine vs Ibogaine: A Comparative Overview
Distinct mechanisms of action are not the only differences between ketamine and ibogaine, as they differ in various ways, including:
| Type of Therapy | Ketamine | Ibogaine |
| Method of Administration | IM, IV, Nasal | Oral |
| Clinical Supervision | Yes | Yes |
| Dosage | Precise dose | Varies (depending on the study) |
| Duration of Session | Two to three hours | 12-36 hours |
| Duration of Treatment | Typically six sessions (two to six weeks) with booster sessions if needed | Inconclusive |
| Regulatory Consideration | Off-label (ketamine) FDA-approved (esketamine) | Not FDA-approved |
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.
While ketamine treatments are already an established practice, ibogaine is still considered an emerging treatment option, still under clinical research. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health and learn more about the transformative effects of ketamine and how it can help transform your life.
