Looking for a treatment to help relieve your anxiety? Feeling stuck in negative thought patterns? If you have tried therapy to heal from a traumatic event, painful childhood experiences, or heal from a break-up, but still feel stuck, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be the right treatment for you. If you have spent time learning coping tools, practicing mindfulness, and talking through your depression, anxiety, or trauma experiences, but your nervous system remains in a state of panic or dissociation, ketamine therapy in our Los Angeles location is worth exploring.

How Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Los Angeles CA is helping People heal from trauma, depression and anxiety

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has gained considerable attention in recent years as a breakthrough treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Los Angeles, where innovative mental health practices flourish, both intramuscular (IM) and oral administration methods of ketamine therapy are available. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between IM and oral ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Los Angeles, exploring their unique benefits and considerations to help folx make informed decisions about their treatment journey.

IM Vs Oral Administration Process of Ketamine Assisted-Psychotherapy

The primary distinction between IM and oral ketamine therapy lies in their administration methods. IM ketamine is delivered through an injection directly into the muscle, providing a rapid and efficient absorption into the bloodstream. On the other hand, oral ketamine is ingested in the form of lozenges or capsules, which takes longer to be metabolized and absorbed. While IM administration offers a faster onset of effects, oral ketamine can provide a smoother and more gradual experience, which may be preferred by some individuals.

Treatment Duration and Bioavailability of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

IM ketamine therapy provides a more rapid onset compared to oral ketamine. The rapid absorption of ketamine through IM administration can also lead to more intense effects in a shorter period. This may allow for a deeper experience to occur without having to extend the overall session time. Conversely, oral ketamine may require a longer session duration to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. The treatment duration is an essential factor to consider when scheduling sessions and planning for post-treatment recovery. 

Furthermore,  the route of administration impacts the predictability of the effects; meaning how much medicine is needed to achieve a desired treatment effect can vary between oral and IM ketamine-assisted therapy.  This is related to the systems in the body which process medicine. Oral ketamine produces less predictable effects from person to person when compared to intramuscular administration.

 Oral ketamine is administered as a lozenge that is held in the mouth for 12+ minutes as it dissolves. If swallowed it can create delayed-onset side effects due to what’s known as the “second pass” metabolism with oral dosing. IM ketamine is administered as an injection in which the medication takes effect within 1-3 minutes. 

Additionally, with differing routes of administration, come different bioavailabilities.

Bioavailability is the amount of a medicine that is absorbed into your bloodstream. The bioavailability of oral ketamine is approximately 15-25%. The bioavailability of intramuscular ketamine is over 90%,  providing significantly more predictable results. This is helpful in providing the most efficient and smooth process during Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. With intramuscular ketamine administration, individualized dosing can be used to elicit specific therapeutic benefits based on treatment goals.

IV ketamine administration has similar bioavailability, however, the process is more invasive. During an IV infusion, the client must have an IV in place for the duration of the ketamine session which can be uncomfortable & anxiety-provoking for some people. IV administration involves a higher risk of infection as compared to intramuscular injection. Overall, the choice to use oral, IM, or IV administration is personal and based on individualized treatment needs. If you are uncertain about which type of ketamine administration is right for you during your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatment, you can work with your treatment team to collaborate on an approach tailored to your needs.

Intensity of Experience: IM vs Oral Ketamine Administration

Due to its rapid absorption, IM ketamine can induce a more intense and immersive psychedelic experience compared to oral ketamine. Some individuals may find this intensity beneficial for diving deep into their subconscious and processing trauma or emotions. On the other hand, oral ketamine tends to offer a milder and more manageable experience, making it a suitable choice for individuals who may be sensitive to intense psychedelic effects or prefer a gentler approach.

At Flourish Mindset, we offer split dosing in which two doses are given during an IM ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session. In order to reduce the initial intensity of the IM experience while still capturing the benefits of the IM experience (reliable bioavailability and deeper experience), we provide half of the dose at the start of the session and a trained medical professional will deliver the second injection approximately 20 min later in order to provide a smoother transition into the psychedelic experience.

Post-Treatment Recovery Process for Ketamine-Assisted Therapy 

Following an IM or oral ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session, individuals will experience a transition period, as the effects wear off. It is important to prepare for post-treatment activities and integration activities which will support the transition. We recommend having an open schedule to relax, reflect, and engage in gentle activities that feel rejuvenating like stretching, napping, journaling, art, and spending time in nature.

You may enjoy taking a walk in the beautiful gardens at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens, the UCLA Mildred E Mathias Botanical Garden, or the beautiful artwork and grounds of the Getty Center.  It is important to allow yourself time and space to begin to process your experience and integrate your takeaways. You will also need to schedule an integration therapy session within 24 - 48 hours of your medicine session to gain optimal results from your treatment. Planning for post-treatment recovery is crucial, especially when considering factors like transportation, work commitments, or personal responsibilities.

Personal Preference and Comfort

Ultimately, the choice between IM and oral ketamine-assisted psychotherapy comes down to personal preference and comfort. Some individuals may find the intensity of IM ketamine beneficial for their healing journey, while others may prefer the gradual and gentler effects of oral ketamine. It's essential to discuss these preferences with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach for individual needs and therapeutic goals.

Overall Benefits of IM & Oral Ketamine Administration

Both IM and oral ketamine-assisted psychotherapy have proven to be valuable tools in the treatment of mental health conditions, particularly depression and trauma, in Los Angeles. The differences between these two administration methods lie in the onset of effects, treatment duration, intensity of experience, and post-treatment recovery. As the field of ketamine therapy continues to evolve, ongoing research and individualized treatment plans will ensure that individuals can access the most suitable and effective treatment modality for their unique needs, ultimately promoting healing, growth, and improved mental well-being.

Ready to Learn more about Ketamine Assisted-Therapy in los Angeles, ca?

If you are interested in learning more about our ketamine-assisted therapy in Los Angeles for depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma, you can ask us a question here or you can book a free video consultation with one of our trained Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy trained therapists. Our team would be happy to offer support from our Los Angeles, CA-based practice. Take the next steps by following these simple steps:

• Get to know our THERAPISTS HERE

• BOOK A FREE 20 MINUTE CONSULTATION

• Begin your new and exciting journey to healing

Other Services Offered with Flourish Mindset

KETAMINE THERAPY isn’t the only service offered at Flourish Mindset. Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. These include in-person therapy options in Los Angeles and ONLINE THERAPY options across California. Other services offered include COUPLES THERAPY, EMDR THERAPY, and CHILD AND TEEN THERAPY. We also offer ANXIETY THERAPY, DEPRESSION THERAPY, and THERAPY FOR SEXUAL TRAUMA.