Online Ketamine therapy is the intake of Ketamine tablets orally at home, whilst connected to a psychiatrist and/or a therapist virtually, through an online platform. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first sessions (which previously were required to be conducted face-to-face in a clinic) may now be done remotely. A patient can only be considered eligible for online Ketamine therapy after filling out the platform’s online candidate assessment form and after a virtual consultation with a clinician from a selected clinic.

The approach used in online Ketamine therapy may differ between clinics, however, a patient may need to undergo 4 to 6 sessions which may take several weeks. Some ketamine clinics are “on-demand”, so patients can choose when and how many sessions they would like to have.

One tablet of Ketamine is usually provided by the clinic and administered under the tongue. The therapy starts within 10 minutes when the tablet dissolves. A patient covers or closes their eyes and relaxes. A patient may listen to relaxing music or meditations which are sometimes provided by the clinics. During each session, the patient is remotely monitored by a psychiatrist, and/or a therapist who ensures there are no side effects or no fear or anxiety attacks.

How does Online ketamine therapy work?

Online Ketamine therapy usually starts with guidance from the clinic. A clinician or therapist talks the patient through the steps involved in the therapy, and then discusses expectations of the effects. Patients write down their experience during each session, and these notes are used to discuss the results at the end of the therapy.

Mindbloom is one of the online platforms which provide online Ketamine therapy. Therapy with them typically follows the following steps:

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Preparation to Embark

A patient fills in the online candidate assessment form on eligibility for Ketamine treatment. The form includes full name, depression and anxiety symptoms over the last 7 days, medications or health supplements they take for these mental health conditions, and a few other questions. The patient may schedule a free introductory call to learn more.
After paying a deposit of $250, the patient can schedule a video conference with a clinician for psychiatric evaluation.
The patient can then set goals and intentions for the treatment.

Exploration — First Session

The patient is mentally and physically checked and then prepared for the first session.
The patient takes a tablet of Ketamine under the tongue which dissolves within 10 minutes.
The online Ketamine therapy lasts 1 hour. The patient may cover the eyes and listen to guided meditations or relaxing music to enhance the experience.
During the 1-hour session, the patient is monitored by a clinician who ensures that the therapy is progressing well.
After the session, a patient usually writes down their experiences.

A therapist may prescribe 4 online Ketamine therapy sessions every 1 or 2 weeks.

Integration – Completing the Ketamine Journey

The patient discusses with the clinician any new feelings and fresh insights they acquired during the treatment.
While virtually connected to the clinician, the patient sets new goals and proceeds with the growth-oriented program.
After completing at least 4 sessions, the patient typically knows how to get the most out of online Ketamine therapy through inner exploration, and integration.

Evolution — Going Further and Deeper

The patient may continue using the Mindbloom platform to get help in interpreting their experiences and acquired knowledge into their daily life.
After experiencing the basics of Ketamine therapy online, the patient may progress to IM injections and new programs in face-to-face clinics.
The patient may invite their families or close friends for group therapy using Mindbloom.

Online Ketamine therapy approaches differ between clinics. Refer to one of the clinics that provide this therapy to learn all steps involved in the treatment.

What conditions is ketamine used for?

The conditions Ketamine is used for off-label are depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, chronic pain conditions among others. Beyond that, Ketamine is most well-know as an anesthetic used for surgery. Starting from March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved s-Ketamine spray Spravato to treat depression.

This anesthetic can be administered through IV, IM infusions, tablets alongside a nasal spray Spravato depending on the patient’s medical history and treatment protocol.