Ketamine Services

General Overview of Ketamine Treatment:

Growing research support in the medical community is finding Ketamine to be effective in helping clients with treatment-resistant depression/anxiety and PTSD. The most likely mechanism of action for Ketamine Treatment is activity on a receptor in the brain called NMDA and its impact on a neurotransmitter called glutamate. This is a different pathway than most other psychiatric drugs including anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, and mood stabilizing medicines. In addition, Ketamine has additional effects in the brain including the facilitation of “neuroplasticity” (expanding neural pathways). Ketamine was first tested in humans in 1964 and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970 as an anesthetic agent. In 2019, Esketamine (nasal form of ketamine–brand name Spravato) was approved by the FDA for treatment resistant depression. Ketamine has been used safely and repeatedly in research studies involving both healthy volunteers, individuals with psychiatric disorders as well as treatment for chronic pain conditions.

Over the past decade, Ketamine has been studied and used in the treatment of major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric conditions that have not responded to common medication for symptom management. 

Medical Consultation & Informed Consent Prior to Treatment:

Determination of appropriateness for Ketamine treatment is of paramount concern for Attento & Clarity Integrative Psychiatry

All potential Attento Ketamine treatment clients are required to complete an assessment/interview to determine “Medical Necessity and Appropriateness” for treatment. Following protocol guidelines, Attento KAP intervention is considered an “Adjunct Treatment” designed to support clients with the goal of long-term symptom management. The use of Ketamine is considered off-label use of medication (other than Spravato) defined as a psychiatric medication used without formal FDA approval. Off-label use of psychiatric meds. is a common practice for diagnosed conditions in the treatment of presenting systems (Ketamine intervention has a growing body of supportive research supporting its use for symptom reduction). At Attento, a counselor will complete a preliminary diagnostic evaluation as a first step to prepare a client for referral to our Partner Psychiatrist for medical appropriateness for treatment. The Partner Psychiatrist will facilitate a formal medical review and determination of appropriateness/suitability for Ketamine Treatment. Upon determination, clients will be requested to review and sign an Informed Consent for treatment and receive additional information about treatment protocols as they prepare for their 1st KAP appointment.

Ketamine Treatment Combined with KAP Counseling Services:

Attento is committed to providing a cost effective and supportive model of Ketamine Treatment under a KAP model that includes:

• Client Education and New Intake Support: Provision of psycho-education materials and direct staff Q&A assistance to ensure client understanding of the Ketamine Treatment Model and protocols of KAP intervention/support.
• Supportive Ketamine self-administered tablet treatment that involves during session clinical counseling care, supportive intention setting & KAP support, and experience integration (all staff intensively trained in KAP procedures).
• A comfortable & supportive care environment that focuses on client comfort/safety during their self-administration treatment experience.
• Support of qualified medical specialists during self-administration as needed/desired.
• Post-treatment availability of the KAP team to support treatment recovery and exploration of change in symptoms.
• Flexible and convenient scheduling of KAP appointments and continuity of care from members of the KAP team.

The goal of KAP supported intervention is to provide a unique, deeper level THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE to assist clients in their “inter-personal transformational work” to reduce presenting psychiatric symptoms (treatment-resistant depression/anxiety) while nurturing readiness for lifestyle and self-change through inner healing.

For more information, resources, and assistance with scheduling, please visit https://www.attentoketamine.com/  or call (678) 216-8167

REFERENCE NOTE: transformationalpsychotherapy.org (Dr. Phil Wolfson, MD)

Treatment Cost for Services:

Ketamine Service is provided as a private pay service and involves the client receiving a medical evaluation, prescription, and ongoing Ketamine Treatment/KAP Session Support.