In recent years, mental health has taken center stage in discussions about well-being. With an ever-growing awareness of the importance of emotional health, alternative approaches to treatment are gaining traction, one of which is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). This therapy is not just a buzzword—it’s a transformative modality that is changing lives. Recently, this topic was explored in depth on the The Sapien Podcast with Dr. Gary and therapist Berenice Rosillo , LMFT of The Art Being Psychotherapy , where they shared their insights and groundbreaking experiences working together at Evolve Healthcare.
A Mental Health Epidemic: Searching for Solutions
The statistics on mental health are alarming. Depression affects millions globally, with many struggling to find relief through conventional treatments. Antidepressants, often the first line of defense, work for some but fail for others. Between 30-70% of patients on these medications see little to no improvement, and many face side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotional numbness.
What does this mean for those battling treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, PTSD, or suicidal ideation? They need a new solution. This is where ketamine steps in.
The Science of Ketamine: Not Just an Anesthetic
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 as an anesthetic, widely used during the Vietnam War for its safety profile. But over time, clinicians began noticing something unexpected, ketamine’s profound antidepressant effects. Fast forward to the 2000s, and research confirmed that this “side effect” could be revolutionary. Studies found that a single infusion of ketamine could bring significant relief within hours, lasting up to weeks in some cases.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which focus on serotonin, ketamine works differently. It influences glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, promoting rapid neuroplasticity ,the brain’s ability to create new connections and heal itself. This effect is vital for those whose mental health struggles have disrupted their cognitive and emotional processing.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: More Than Just a Drug
The most profound results emerge when ketamine is paired with psychotherapy. During a ketamine session, patients enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness. This dissociative experience allows individuals to explore their emotions and memories without the usual defenses that may hinder progress in traditional therapy. It’s often described as “five years of therapy in five hours”
At Evolve Healthcare, the approach to KAP is holistic. Patients are guided through the entire process, starting with intention-setting and preparation, followed by the session itself, and concluding with integration therapy. Integration is where the magic happens patients take the insights gained during their ketamine experience and work with their therapist to apply them in real life.
On The Sapien Podcast, Dr. Gary and Berenice Rosillo highlighted the transformative power of this therapy. Patients have reported feeling lighter, more hopeful, and reconnected with themselves after just a few sessions. One story shared during the episode described a patient who entered therapy burdened with years of trauma and left standing taller, smiling, and hopeful about their future.
Who Can Benefit from KAP?
While ketamine is not for everyone, it has shown remarkable efficacy for those with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar depression
- Suicidal ideation.
However, it is not recommended for individuals with a history of psychotic disorders or uncontrolled hypertension. A qualified health professional must assess every case individually.
Breaking the Stigma Around Psychedelic Medicine
The stigma surrounding psychedelics has historically hindered their acceptance in medicine. However, as noted in the podcast, ketamine differs significantly from substances like LSD or psilocybin. It offers a safe, controlled way to alter consciousness without the risks often associated with recreational drug use.
The key difference? The therapeutic setting. At Evolve Healthcare, sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive environment, ensuring patients feel comfortable and cared for. This is worlds apart from recreational use, where risks are amplified, and therapeutic benefits are nonexistent.
The Future of Mental Health Care
As we continue to grapple with a global mental health crisis, innovative treatments like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offer hope. For those feeling trapped by their mental health struggles, KAP can be a lifeline, helping them reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
If you’re interested in learning more about this transformative therapy, resources like Evolve Healthcare are an excellent starting point. And for those seeking more in-depth discussions, tuning into episodes of The Sapien Podcast offers invaluable insights.
Mental health is complex, but solutions like ketamine therapy remind us that healing is possible. With research, collaboration, and compassion, we are entering a new era of mental health care one where hope is not just a possibility but a promise.
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Gain deeper insights from the conversation between Dr. Gary Shlifer and Berenice Rosillo on the potential of ketamine therapy in modern healthcare.
- Audio (Spotify): Listen Here
- Video (YouTube): Watch Here
Learn More About Berenice Rosillo
- Bio: Berenice Rosillo
- Berenice’s Company: The Art of Being Psychotherapy
