Virtual Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is a dissociative medication which can be effective for a variety of mental health conditions and pain disorders.Although it is most well-known as anesthetic administered before and after the surgery, recently it has become popular for off-label uses including treatment for depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, chronic pain, and migraines, among others.

In March 2019, Esketamine Spravato, a Ketamine-based nasal spray, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for depression treatment in adults. Ketamine may also be administered through IV, IM, IN, PO, and may be combined with psychotherapy, a practise known as Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP). Ketamine clinics have recently started to spread across the country, with some of them offering virtual Ketamine therapy.

Virtual Ketamine therapy typically starts at the clinic setting, where a psychiatrist, therapist, and/ or registered nurse assesses the patient and then discusses their goals, concerns, and intentions for the treatment. Any further sessions may be virtual if the patient meets the physical and mental criteria for treatment.

To apply for virtual Ketamine therapy, a patient should first fill out the online candidate assessment form on the clinics website, which usually checks their anxiety or depression symptoms over the last 7 days, as well as their current list of medications or supplements.

Ketamine clinics may differ in their approach for virtual Ketamine therapy, however, the recommended course consists of 3 to 6 sessions which may last several weeks or a month. Some clinics also serve as on-demand treatment facilities, so the patient chooses when and how many sessions they plan to undergo.

How does Virtual ketamine therapy work?

Virtual Ketamine therapy does not differ much from therapy in a clinical setting, with the main differences being the space where a patient is undergoing the treatment and the fact that they are not physically monitored. A tablet of Ketamine is usually provided by the clinic and should be administered under the tongue. This dissolves within 10 minutes, and the patient may cover the eyes and relax into the experience. A clinic may provide meditations or relaxing music can further enhance the experience. During the session, a clinician monitors the patient’s condition virtually to ensure the therapy is progressing well with no side effects or fear/anxiety attacks.

One of the most reliable virtual Ketamine therapy providers is Mindbloom. Therapy with them is divided into steps based on proven practices and optimized to help patients get rid of mental health hurdles which deprive them of living their best life. The steps are as follows: ”

“Preparing to Embark”

A patient takes the assessment via the online candidate assessment form on depression and anxiety. They answer on the symptoms they have experienced over the last 7 days and mention the medications they currently take. The form consists of a total of 7 questions that will determine the primary eligibility for virtual Ketamine therapy. If suitable, a patient may schedule a free introductory call to learn more about the journey.
A patient pays the deposit of $250 and schedules a video conference with a clinician for secondary evaluation of their mental health condition.
A clinician discusses goals, concerns, and sets intentions for the treatment together with the patient.

“Your First Experience”

A clinician assesses the patient physically and mentally ensuring their eligibility for the session, and guides them through the experience.
The session starts with the intake of the Ketamine tablet under the tongue. It dissolves within 10 minutes. A patient covers the eyes and relaxes into a 1-hour journey monitored by the clinician. Mindbloom provides meditations and relaxing music which may help the efficacy.
After the session, the patient records their experience in a notebook.

“Completing the Journey”

A patient learns to integrate fresh insights and new feelings.
Mindbloom offers to incorporate a growth-oriented program into the treatment protocol for more structured progress.
After completing 4 sessions, a patient knows how to get the most out of virtual Ketamine therapy through inner exploration, and integration.

“Going Further and Deeper”

A patient may continue using the Mindbloom’s platform for 1 to 1 integration therapy which helps to integrate acquired knowledge and insights into everyday life.
A patient may go deeper with advanced programs, and IM injections.
If a patient has close friends or family members who are Mindbloom’s clients, they may join for group therapy.

Virtual Ketamine therapy may differ from clinic to clinic. Contact one of the clinics to learn their treatment protocol for at-home administration of the anesthetic.

What conditions is ketamine used for?

While Ketamine is FDA-approved for depression treatment in adults, it can be prescribed off-label for anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and expansion of consciousness among others.