Compassionate, expert care for those seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and more
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is emerging as a powerful treatment option for individuals living with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. At Dr. Jeff Caster & Associates, we understand that exploring a new therapy—especially one that involves the use of ketamine—can bring up questions and concerns. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect, from your first consultation through your treatment sessions.
Step 1: A Thoughtful and Personalized Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Jeff Caster, a licensed psychologist. During this appointment, we’ll discuss your mental health history, current symptoms, and past experiences with antidepressant medications, therapy, or other treatment options. This step ensures that ketamine treatment is appropriate for your needs and that you’re a good candidate for KAP.
Ketamine may be helpful for individuals experiencing:
- Major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Suicidal thoughts or emotional numbness
- Other psychiatric disorders
Some conditions—like psychosis or schizophrenia—may not be compatible with ketamine treatment. As your care provider, we’ll always prioritize safety and transparency when discussing eligibility.
Step 2: Preparing for the Session
Unlike traditional IV ketamine or ketamine infusion clinics, we use ketamine lozenges rather than injections or nasal spray (Spravato, the brand name for esketamine). These lozenges are placed under the tongue and dissolve slowly, allowing for a gentle onset of effects. This method is FDA-approved for use in appropriate clinical settings and avoids the invasiveness of intravenous treatment.
Before your session, we’ll give you clear instructions about how to prepare—this may include avoiding food for a short time and arranging transportation, since ketamine can cause temporary dissociation, sedation, or blurred vision.
Step 3: During the Session
Your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session will take place in a quiet, private room where you can feel safe and comfortable. A trained clinician will be present to guide and support you throughout the session.
Here’s what to expect:
- Administration: You’ll take the ketamine lozenge orally and let it dissolve.
- Onset of effects: Within 15–30 minutes, you may begin to feel the effects of ketamine, which can include a sense of calm, dream-like states, or mild dissociation.
- Therapeutic engagement: We may incorporate talk therapy during or shortly after your experience, depending on your needs and readiness. The antidepressant effects of ketamine can make it easier to explore difficult emotional content or shift unhelpful patterns.
- Monitoring: We’ll monitor your blood pressure, comfort, and emotional response throughout the session, and adjust the doses of ketamine if necessary.
We prioritize creating a therapeutic environment that feels grounded, confidential, and supportive.
Step 4: Aftercare and Integration
Following the session, you’ll be given time to rest and reorient. Because of short-term side effects like drowsiness or sensory sensitivity, it’s important not to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
You’ll also have an opportunity to process your experience with your clinician, either later that day or in the days that follow. Integration therapy is a key part of KAP and helps you make meaning of the experience, translating insights into lasting mental health improvements.
Clinical trials and ongoing research continue to show promising benefits of ketamine in alleviating severe depression and depressive symptoms, especially in patients who haven’t responded to other forms of treatment.
Compassionate Care You Can Trust
At Dr. Jeff Caster & Associates, our approach to ketamine treatment is always rooted in care, clinical rigor, and deep respect for the individual. We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We’re here to support the whole of who you are—with compassion, professionalism, and hope.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious about whether ketamine therapy is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We are here to answer your health care and psychiatry questions and help you explore the path toward meaningful healing.
Contact us today to take the first step toward relief, clarity, and lasting change.
