When traditional antidepressant medications fall short, ketamine therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective treatment option for many struggling with mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. The limitations of the first antidepressant, including its delayed onset of action, have highlighted the need for faster-acting options like ketamine. Ketamine therapy is also considered within sequenced treatment alternatives, offering hope for individuals who have not responded to initial treatments in a stepwise approach. At Point Health Clinic, our team of compassionate professionals—including licensed physicians, nurses, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapists (KAP)—specialize in providing safe, evidence-based ketamine treatment designed to foster genuine healing and personal growth.
Understanding Ketamine and Its Therapeutic Potential
Ketamine was originally developed as a dissociative anesthetic, but in recent decades, medical research has demonstrated its remarkable ability to produce rapid antidepressant effects in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
When administered in low doses through IV ketamine or nasal spray, the drug works as an NMDA receptor antagonist, enhancing communication in the prefrontal cortex and stimulating synaptic excitation—mechanisms associated with mood regulation and emotional processing. Animal models have been used extensively in preclinical research to investigate the neurobiological effects of ketamine, including synaptogenesis, neuroplasticity, and the involvement of signaling pathways such as mTOR, GSK3, and eEF2 kinase.
Different doses of ketamine, including initial induction doses and maintenance dosing protocols, have been studied for their impact on treatment efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes. However, high doses of ketamine raise concerns about potential toxicity and unknown long-term side effects, highlighting the need for further research into the safety of repeated or large-dose regimens.
Unlike standard antidepressant medications that can take weeks to show improvement, ketamine therapy often provides noticeable effects within hours or days, giving patients renewed hope and relief. Even a single dose of ketamine has been shown in studies to produce rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects.
What Is a Ketamine Therapist?
A ketamine therapist is a licensed professional—often a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)—trained in both psychotherapy and the clinical use of ketamine administration. Their goal is to integrate the therapeutic effects of ketamine with talk therapy, creating a bridge between neurochemical changes and lasting emotional growth.
At Point Health Clinic, our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) providers are trained in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy through reputable institutions like the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). This training includes a broader understanding of psychedelic assisted therapy as a therapeutic approach for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They combine psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions during and after ketamine sessions to help patients process memories, relieve trauma, and build self-awareness.
The Science Behind Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) enhances traditional psychotherapy sessions by combining the neurobiological effects of ketamine with guided emotional exploration.
During KAP sessions, the ketamine experience produces a mild dissociative effect, allowing patients to view thoughts and emotions from a new perspective. In addition to dissociation, the psychedelic effects of ketamine—such as altered consciousness and perception—may further enhance psychotherapy by promoting emotional learning and facilitating therapeutic breakthroughs.
Clinical research and systematic narrative review evidence indicate that combining ketamine therapy with psychotherapy can lead to long-term benefits in treating major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
Choosing the Right Ketamine Therapist
When seeking a ketamine therapist, qualifications and clinical oversight are crucial. Here’s what to look for:
- Proper medical credentials in psychiatry, psychotherapy, or nursing
- Certification in KAP or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
- Experience with IV ketamine, nasal spray treatments, and ketamine infusions (including intravenous and other infusion methods)
- Access to an interdisciplinary psychiatric care team for integration and follow-up
- Transparent discussion of dosage escalation strategy, treatment plans, and potential risks
At Point Health Clinic, all ketamine sessions are supervised by board-certified physicians and supported by a dedicated clinical team. From dosing sessions to integration sessions, every step is carefully personalized to your health, history, and treatment goals.
Therapist Qualifications: What to Look For
When considering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), choosing the right therapist is essential for both safety and effectiveness. Look for a professional with a robust background in psychology, psychiatry, or a closely related field, and ensure they have specialized training in ketamine therapy and ketamine administration. A qualified therapist should be licensed and certified, with hands-on experience treating a range of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders.
It’s important that your therapist is knowledgeable about the different methods of ketamine administration, such as IV ketamine and nasal spray, and can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs. They should be transparent about the potential risks and benefits of ketamine treatment, and have a track record of working with patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. By selecting a therapist with expertise in assisted psychotherapy and a deep understanding of mental health, you can feel confident that your care is in capable hands.
The Role of Ketamine in Mental Health Treatment
Research from multiple studies and randomized controlled trials has shown that ketamine treatment can provide significant improvements in depressive symptoms, pain management, and suicidal ideation.
As a receptor antagonist targeting the NMDA receptors, ketamine enhances the release of glutamate and activates AMPA receptors, promoting synaptic plasticity—a key factor in mood stabilization and emotional resilience.
For patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine’s rapid onset offers a breakthrough that traditional antidepressants cannot match. Moreover, when integrated with psychotherapy sessions, it allows patients to build on their progress and sustain emotional regulation over time.
What to Expect During Ketamine Sessions
Your ketamine session begins with a comprehensive medical assessment and a review of your mental health conditions. Once cleared, patients receive IV ketamine, nasal spray, or oral ketamine, depending on their treatment plan.
During the treatment session, you’ll be in a comfortable environment under medical supervision. Healthcare professionals monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate to ensure safety. In some cases, ketamine therapy is provided during an inpatient stay, where treatment occurs in a structured clinical setting with integrated psychotherapy and continuous medical supervision.
Some patients experience blurred vision, mild dizziness, or a light dissociative effect—these are temporary and typically subside after the session.
Afterward, a psychotherapy session or integration session helps process emotions and insights that emerged during the ketamine experience.
Outpatient Sessions: Flexibility and Convenience
Outpatient ketamine sessions offer a flexible and convenient approach to mental health care, making it easier for patients to fit treatment into their busy lives. These sessions are typically scheduled at times that work best for the patient, and the entire process—from receiving a dose of ketamine to engaging in talk therapy—can often be completed within a few hours. This structure allows patients to return home the same day, minimizing disruption to daily routines.
During outpatient ketamine sessions, patients receive a carefully monitored dose of ketamine, followed by psychotherapy sessions designed to help process emotions and insights that arise. This combination of ketamine therapy and talk therapy can be highly effective in managing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Outpatient sessions can also be integrated with other treatments, such as antidepressant medications, to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being.
Treatment Setting: Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
The environment in which ketamine-assisted psychotherapy takes place is a key factor in the overall success of treatment. A safe, supportive, and calming setting helps patients feel at ease, allowing them to fully engage in the therapeutic process. The treatment room should be quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions, with a trained therapist or medical professional present throughout the session to monitor the patient’s well-being and provide reassurance.
Building trust and rapport is central to effective ketamine therapy. Therapists often use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation to help patients settle in and focus on their experience. By fostering a sense of security and support, the therapist enables patients to explore their thoughts and emotions more deeply, maximizing the benefits of assisted psychotherapy and promoting lasting positive change.
How Point Health Clinic Personalizes Ketamine Therapy
At Point Health Clinic, we recognize that every person’s mental health journey is unique. Our approach to ketamine therapy combines medical treatment with holistic care.
Our team includes licensed professionals trained in psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and attachment-based approaches—ensuring that each ketamine session supports lasting transformation.
We specialize in helping individuals with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Substance use disorders (including cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, where ketamine therapy may offer support for recovery and abstinence)
- End-of-life distress
By combining low-dose ketamine with talk therapy, patients gain the clarity and emotional grounding needed to rewrite personal narratives and reconnect with themselves.
The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health
The therapeutic effects of ketamine extend beyond symptom management. Studies show promising results in enhancing personal growth, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
Some benefits include:
- Rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression
- Reduced suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms
- Relief from chronic pain and anxiety disorders
- Enhanced emotional resilience and self-awareness
- Improved therapy engagement through psychedelic experiences
These long-term benefits make ketamine therapy a valuable tool for patients seeking alternatives to traditional psychiatric care or those desiring deeper emotional healing.
Success Rate and Cost of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy has demonstrated impressive success rates in treating a variety of mental health conditions, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many patients experience rapid and significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours of a ketamine session. While individual results can vary, ketamine therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment option for those who have not found relief with traditional approaches.
The cost of ketamine therapy can differ based on location, provider, and the specific type of treatment administered. On average, a single ketamine session ranges from $200 to $1,000, with a typical course involving 6-8 sessions. Although the investment may seem substantial, many patients find the rapid and lasting benefits of ketamine therapy to be well worth the cost, especially when it leads to meaningful improvements in mental health, anxiety, and overall quality of life.
Safety, Risks, and Professional Oversight
While ketamine treatment is FDA-approved for anesthesia and esketamine nasal spray for depression, all off-label uses must be performed under licensed medical supervision.
At Point Health Clinic, patient safety is our highest priority. We use controlled dosing, repeated administration only when clinically indicated, and continuous monitoring to minimize adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, or temporary disorientation.
Every treatment plan follows evidence-based practices, ensuring that each patient’s ketamine use is both safe and effective.
Preparation and Aftercare: Supporting Your Healing Journey
Proper preparation and thoughtful aftercare are vital components of a successful ketamine-assisted psychotherapy experience. Before starting ketamine treatment, patients are encouraged to prepare physically and emotionally—this may include adjusting medications as advised by your provider, eating light meals, and ensuring adequate rest. Mental preparation, such as setting intentions for the session, can also enhance the therapeutic process.
After each ketamine session, it’s important to allow time for rest and reflection. Patients may experience dissociative effects or emotional shifts, so having a support system in place is beneficial. Therapists often recommend integration sessions to help process insights and emotions that arise during treatment, and may suggest self-care practices like journaling, meditation, or gentle movement to support ongoing healing. By prioritizing both preparation and aftercare, patients can maximize the benefits of ketamine therapy and foster long-term positive change on their mental health journey.
Why Choose Point Health Clinic
Point Health Clinic stands as a premier provider of ketamine therapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in Southern California, serving patients in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, Encino, Agoura Hills, and beyond.
Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, therapists, and nurses dedicated to compassionate, results-driven care. We provide combined treatments, integration support, and a commitment to helping patients achieve personal growth and long-term mental wellness.
FAQs
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP is a combination of ketamine administration and psychotherapy sessions. The goal is to use low-dose ketamineto enhance emotional openness during therapy, improving treatment outcomes.
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Yes, when performed under professional supervision. All ketamine treatments at Point Health Clinic are conducted by licensed healthcare professionals with ongoing monitoring of vital signs and patient comfort.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients undergo several dosing sessions over a few weeks, followed by integration sessions. The exact number depends on your diagnosis, response, and personal goals.
What Conditions Can Ketamine Help Treat?
Ketamine therapy is known to help with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders, among others.
Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?
Coverage varies by provider. Our team can discuss options and help determine if your plan includes partial or full coverage for ketamine treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, Point Health Clinic can help. Our team of certified ketamine therapists, medical doctors, and integration specialists are here to provide compassionate, science-based care.
📞 Call (855) 263-1487 or email [email protected] to schedule your ketamine consultation today.
Discover a path to renewed mental health, clarity, and emotional freedom—with Point Health Clinic.
