Forum Health: Your Trusted Provider for Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Demystifying Ketamine Treatment

According to the World Health Organization, depression ranks third among the global disease burden (GBD). As mental health awareness and crises have increased post-pandemic (in adolescents and adults), ketamine for depression is having a mainstream moment that is hopefully here to stay. While other forms of psychedelic therapies (psilocybin, MDMA, LSD) are reemerging with new research and supporting media studies, ketamine has one big advantage—it’s currently the only legal psychedelic medicine available to mental health providers for the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional suffering. Ketamine’s proven safety over decades of use makes it ideal for in-office visits. It has garnered a lot of attention for being able to significantly reduce symptoms of addiction, anxiety, PTSD, depressive episodes, panic attacks, and more. It has largely lost its stigma and provided a beam of light for people with serious treatment-resistant depression that has not improved via other therapies, including those experiencing acute suicidal thoughts. There is hope for the future, optimized mental health, and full-body healing—and the experts at Forum Health are here to help.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment

Initially used as an anesthetic, Ketamine is known as a “dissociative anesthetic” because it alters sensory perception and makes patients feel detached from their pain and environment. Some scientists believe that depression may be due to a connection issue between nerve cells in areas of the brain that regulate mood—research suggests that people with long-term depression or mood disorders (major depression disorder, for example) may have fewer of these synapses that allow for communication between nerve cells.

How does ketamine work in the brain?
Ultimately, ketamine infusion treatments free your subconscious; it reactivates existing connections between nerve cells and grows new ones, which helps the brain heal physiologically. Glutamate (an amino acid in the body) is blocked, and (ketamine) allows the cut or disconnected synapses to reform, which allows their brain to no longer protect themselves from their trauma – and instead, address it – and can help patients to make progress to address and heal any kind of trauma, and shift out of depression.

Forum Health Ketamine Infusion Details & Components

At Forum Health, we believe that underlying issues cannot be resolved from within the same mindset that created them. Under the supervision of one of our trained specialists, we give a Ketamine IV Infusion at the time of a therapy session—we never just give ketamine on its own.

Forum Health: Your Trusted Provider for Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

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Here is what to expect in ketamine-assisted therapy treatments at Forum Health:

Nuanced Dosing

We are not a one-size-fits-all clinic and believe in a more personal approach to long-term healing. We consider your age, health history, metabolism, lifestyle habits, and current medications to find the appropriate dose for your session.

Ensured Comfort

Experienced medical professionals supervise the infusion in its entirety so that you can reap the benefits of your session in a relaxed and safe environment.

Expert Guides

Trauma-informed guides are always with you in the room, physically or virtually, to lead you through the session and integrate the traumas and information that may arise. We believe the long-term benefits come from the ability to apply new insights to your life

Integrative Approach

We take an integrative approach to get to the root causes of issues to heal the mind-body connection and promote full-body healing.

Forum Health’s Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Discover how ketamine treatment can change your life. Contact Forum Health now for more information about this life-transforming therapy.

Who is Ketamine Assisted Therapy for?

We believe in treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. When people have trauma, and their brain has changed as a result of that trauma, ketamine may help them find relief. Trauma may include but is not limited to childhood trauma, abuse, PTSD, the loss of a loved one, etc. Any trauma can be addressed and healed with the help of ketamine-assisted therapy.

For patients with chronic pain – it allows people (e.g., addicts, pain patients) to change their pain pathways. However, depression is the area where most of the research is happening right now. Patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, mood disorders, OCD, etc., can also benefit from ketamine infusions.

Ultimately, we believe that everyone or anyone—adults 18 and above, looking to optimize their whole health, and mental health can benefit from ketamine infusion treatments.

Discover how Ketamine treatment can change your life. Contact us now for life-transforming therapy!

Who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy?

Though ketamine therapy can be extremely transformative, that doesn’t mean it comes without risk. Every individual is unique and requires evaluation—if you’re curious whether or not ketamine-assisted therapy is right for you, consult with a Forum Health medical professional before receiving treatment. Below are a few types of people that should not take ketamine:

- Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)—ketamine can increase blood pressure, and if your blood pressure is already high, there is a risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Those with unstable heart disease (arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc.)—ketamine can increase heart rate and cardiac output, which could result in worsening certain heart conditions.
- Those with untreated thyroid diseases (especially hyperthyroidism)—the concern is related to blood pressure and unstable heart issues; if the thyroid issue isn’t properly addressed, there is a risk of an increase in blood pressure and overworking the heart.
- Those with active addictions or substance abuse—infusions are typically administered when a person is off of the drugs they’re addicted to; when ketamine is mixed with other drugs, the results may be unpredictable or life-threatening.
- Those in an active manic phase of bipolar disorder or anyone experiencing delusions or hallucinations—if a person is already in an active manic state, there is a risk of worsening or enhancing their concerning emotional state, delusions, or hallucinations.
- Those who’ve had a poor reaction to ketamine treatment in the past.
- Children or Teens

It’s imperative to be honest about your current physical and emotional state with your medical practitioner and undergo a comprehensive medical history review, as it will ensure a better and safer outcome. If you find yourself in one of the categories above, know that all is not lost—improvement or stabilization of your current condition could open you up for ketamine-assisted therapy treatments in the future.

How is Ketamine Administered?

At Forum Health, ketamine infusions are provided intravenously under the supervision of a licensed medical technician and paired with talk therapy. In this state, patients can soften their egos and access deeper levels of awareness and healing in a safe and comfortable environment.

How long does ketamine take to start working?

Typically, the number of ketamine treatments needed will depend on the individual and the issues they’re dealing with. In some cases, 4-6 treatments can feel transformative, though some patients have experienced relief in less. According to University Hospitals, a study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine showed that ketamine therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms within four hours, with effects lasting up to three days or more.

More about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Ketamine for Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that the prevalence of major depressive disorder is most potent in 6.4% of the US adult population. In addition, The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression Study found that response rates to new compounds after a lack of response to first-round antidepressants are low. The delay in onset is a drawback to most traditional antidepressant therapies, and there is a crucial need for the development of faster-acting antidepressants and treatments, especially for patients at risk of suicide.

That’s where ketamine comes into play. Medical professionals began researching ketamine as a possible treatment for depression in the early 2000s. It would take several more years and substantial amounts of evidence from multiple research groups before it gained any traction in the middle community as an effective antidepressant. By 2010 – and many preliminary studies later, physicians were thrilled with the results they were noticing and began to adopt ketamine into their clinical practices.

Since then, ketamine has continued to loosen its stigma and garner more attention from researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients alike. And it makes sense, be it that the treatment is special in more ways than one. While traditional antidepressants may take weeks to kick in, even the sickest patients may begin to respond to ketamine as early as a few hours after administration. Recently, researchers have also speculated it could help build a more resilient brain in the long term.

There are a wide variety of possibilities for ketamine treatment for depression currently being explored in many different scientific trials. The benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy have been seen in treatment for severe and refractory (treatment-resistant) depression, bipolar depression, ruminative suicidal ideation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), pain with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders or addictions (cocaine, opioids, alcohol), anxiety associated with death or the loss of a loved one, anorexia, and chronic relational problems (personality disorders).

What are the Benefits of Ketamine?

In a study from the National Library of Medicine, 25 males with severe depression were given ketamine intravenously, with assessments performed an hour after the first dose. Over the following two weeks, six doses were given, and assessments were repeated. The results showed a significant improvement in depression, anxiety, and the severity of illness after two weeks and one month after the last dose. All to say, the benefits of ketamine can be incredibly significant and swift—and may include the following:

A reduction in chronic pain or neuropathic pain
A reactivation of existing neural connections and growing new ones
Helping the brain “shake loose” negative thoughts and shift out of depressive episodes
Relief of treatment-resistant depression
Faster relief

Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Safe?

At Forum Health, we believe it’s possible to experience lasting, full-body healing with Ketamine-assisted therapy under the supervision of a medical professional, with the caveat that all medication carries some form of risk. Ketamine itself is a safe, legal medication originally used as a dissociative anesthetic. As a dissociative, it alters sensory perception (physical senses like sight and sound) to create feelings of being in an observing viewpoint of yourself and your environment. As an anesthetic, it temporarily dulls sensations, including pain, by softening nervous system responses. When used in a therapeutic setting under the care of medical professionals, ketamine-assisted therapy creates an altered state of consciousness that promotes a sense of calm, openness, and vulnerability – that temporarily softens the ego – to allow for deeper, more transformational healing to occur.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?

The effects of ketamine may be felt within minutes of use—there are some possible side effects of ketamine, though they are considered quite uncommon.

Dissociative feelings or a feeling of detachment of the mind from the body and surroundings or environment; a feeling of being separated or an “out of body” feeling
Floaty feelings
Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, though a light meal before treatment, may help avoid this.
Disorientation, confusion, or loss of motor coordination
Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or body temperature
Changes in sensory perceptions, including visual or auditory hallucinations
Headache
Bruising at the point of injection
Anxiety at the moment the ketamine flows into your system. Once the ketamine combines with enzymes in your body, it breaks down into substances, and anxiety may decrease spontaneously.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment, Recovery and Outlook

What is the treatment like?

At Forum Health, ketamine is typically administered intravenously by a medical professional, very slowly over the course of 30-45 minutes (depending on the site and clinician)—and paired with therapy. You may not notice significant effects at the start of the infusion, but as it progresses, you may feel “light” or “floaty,” which can feel as if a “weight has been lifted.” Most patients also describe gentle dissociative symptoms that are usually well-tolerated. You’ll be monitored by one of our Forum Health expert specialists for the duration of the infusion to ensure comfort, ease, and the reduction of any unpleasant side effects. Our post-infusion practice takes around 30 minutes—this allows the ketamine to wear off and creates space for you to review your experience with your provider. Expect to discuss what came up for you (e.g., what you saw and said) during the infusion, and your provider will help integrate that information into your life. The entire experience is about 75-90 minutes. We ask that you arrange a ride or someone to pick you up and be with you for the rest of the day. Within 15-20 minutes post-infusion, you’ll start to regain your senses. Plane travel after an infusion is also not recommended.

What is recovery like?

Ketamine-assisted therapy sessions can be incredibly profound and impactful, allowing us to unearth forgotten parts of ourselves and uncover new perspectives and ways of being. Ketamine infusions paired with therapy also allow patients to process difficult emotions or trauma—to reframe (trauma), find peace, and relieve depressive symptoms. Post-session integration is an imperative step in the process – as the real work doesn’t end when your session does.

It’s possible to experience a renewed sense of wellbeing with our expert ketamine treatments—schedule your consultation with a Forum Health ketamine clinic today.

Ketamine FAQ & Additional Details

What type of drug is ketamine?

Ketamine itself is a safe, legal medication originally used as a dissociative anesthetic. As a dissociative, it alters sensory perception (physical senses like sight and sound) to create feelings of being in an observing viewpoint of yourself and your environment. As an anesthetic, it temporarily dulls sensations, including pain, by softening nervous system responses.

What does ketamine-assisted therapy do?

When used in a therapeutic setting under the care of medical professionals, ketamine-assisted therapy creates an altered state of consciousness that promotes a sense of calm, openness, and vulnerability - that temporarily softens the ego - to allow for deeper, more transformational healing.

What does a ketamine infusion feel like?

First, it’s important to receive ketamine infusions under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure your utmost safety and comfort. According to the Washington Post, patients have said that ketamine-assisted therapy can feel like “floating outside of one’s body, pleasantly leaving your physical self behind.” Some patients also gain a heightened sensory awareness and may experience or see vivid, bright colors.

What is ketamine prescribed for?

The benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy have been seen in treatment for: severe and refractory (treatment-resistant) depression, bipolar depression, ruminative suicidal ideation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), pain with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders or addictions (cocaine, opioids, alcohol), anxiety associated with death or the loss of a loved one, anorexia, and chronic relational problems (personality disorders).

Does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy really work?

According to research studies, infusions of Ketamine to treat depression can be effective for 60-80 % of individuals.

How long does ketamine stay in your system?

The effects of Ketamine are typically relatively immediate and can last for several weeks, though some people may remain depression free for months.

When should I call my doctor?

Check in with your Forum Health doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Bloody, cloudy urine or painful, frequent urination; bluish lips or skin; chest pain, discomfort, or tightness; confusion as to time, place, or person; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; skin rash or itching; dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position; or trouble breathing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention; these side effects may also dissipate during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. It’s important to talk to your doctor ahead of time to learn how to reduce side effects prior to receiving treatment.

How much does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy cost?

The cost of individual ketamine infusion treatments will depend on several factors, including your geographic location, how many infusions your doctor recommends, the administering facility or type of clinic/specialists providing the care, the safety protocols needed during each therapy session, etc. If you’re considering ketamine-assisted therapy, it’s important to understand the cost and know what may or may not be covered by insurance.

Prioritize your health and transform your life with ketamine-assisted therapy at Forum Health. Don't wait. Contact Forum Health to discuss options today.

Where can I find ketamine treatment near me?

Find ketamine-assisted therapy nearby.

Why is ketamine paired with therapy the best way to do ketamine?

According to Dr. Gerard Sancora, a psychiatrist at Yale Medicine who has been heavily involved in many of the ketamine studies—it is very unlikely that single or multiple doses of ketamine alone will cure treatment-resistant depression. Since ketamine appears to help facilitate the creation of new neural pathways that can help patients develop resiliency and protect them against the return of depression - he believes that ketamine infusions are most effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy that helps patients focus on and learn more productive attitudes and behaviors.

Is Ketamine FDA-approved?

Most recently (in 2019), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a nasal spray option called Spravato. It uses esketamine, a cousin of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. Esketamine is said to be a more potent form of ketamine, which allows doctors to prescribe it at lower doses with similar effects.

Does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Cause Nausea?

Ketamine-assisted therapy may cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, though a light meal before treatment may help avoid this. Contact your doctor for further instructions if/when you’re experiencing any side effects from treatment.