The primary difference between ketamine infusion therapy and ketamine assisted therapy is the dose and the presence of a therapist. In ketamine infusion therapy, the dose is typically higher with the goal to get you dissociated from your body. On the other hand, in ketamine assisted therapy, the dose is typically much milder and the goal is to have therapy similar to regular talk therapy, but with the added influence of ketamine.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
As stated above, the goal with ketamine infusion therapy is to get you to the dissociated, out-of-body experience. With these doses, ketamine works similarly to serotonergic psychedelics, and you may experience psychedelic-like experiences. Some have reported seeing kaleidoscopes, tunnels or portals, and space/galaxy.
During these types of sessions, patients typically have the room to themselves and the MA’s and providers will monitor vitals. We try to disturb the patients as least as possible as to not pull them out of their dissociated state.
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
During ketamine assisted therapy sessions, the patient is typically a lot more coherent due to their low dose. The therapist is also in the room with them to guide them through their session. Some patients report visual disturbances as this low dose, but the disturbances are usually very subtle such as colors getting brighter.
During these sessions, patients will also be monitored by the MA’s and providers and disturbances will be kept to a minimum.
Currently, Cedar Health and Wellness Group does not have a therapist to aid in Ketamine Assisted Therapy, however, if you have your own or know of a therapist, we are able to work with that.
Deciding which type of ketamine treatment is right for you is a very personal choice with lots of factors. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation to see which type of ketamine treatment is right for you!