Physician’s Guide to Ketamine-Assisted Therapy 

Discover how to support your patients’ mental health journey with safe, evidence-based ketamine-assisted therapy options.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, from clinical insights and patient eligibility to streamlined referral processes and ongoing support for both you and your patients.

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Clinical Evidence and Safety of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Ketamine-assisted therapy is an emerging, evidence-based treatment shown to offer relief for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. Clinical research demonstrates that, when used responsibly and with professional guidance, ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms and foster meaningful therapeutic breakthroughs for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Safety Protocols

At Qi Integrated Health, patient safety is our highest priority. Our protocols are designed to provide a controlled, compassionate environment for healing:

  • Rigorous Screening
    Every patient undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure ketamine is suitable and safe for their unique health profile.

  • Medical Supervision
    Ketamine treatments are administered by licensed nurses trained in psychedelic therapy and emergency care, ensuring safety throughout the experience.

  • Supportive Integration
    After each session, patients work with our team of registered clinical counselors to process and integrate their experiences, enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness and sustaining long-term healing.

Treatment Process Overview

Our Ketamine-Assisted Therapy program is designed with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to ensure patient safety, comfort, and the best therapeutic outcomes. Here’s what your patients can expect:

  • The process begins with a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with a member of our Psychedelic Therapy team. During this call, patients can ask questions about ketamine therapy and learn more about our programs to determine if they may be a fit.

  • Following the discovery call, patients receive a detailed intake questionnaire covering their medical history, current medications, and personal mental health background. This questionnaire helps our licensed therapists assess each patient’s suitability for ketamine-assisted therapy.

  • Once the intake questionnaire is reviewed and approved, patients meet with a therapist for a 60-minute consultation, either virtually via Zoom or in-person at Qi Integrated Health. This session provides an opportunity to discuss the patient’s mental health needs and prepare for the therapeutic journey.

  • After the therapeutic consultation, patients meet with our prescriber for a medical evaluation. During this 30-minute session, the prescriber assesses the appropriate dosage and discusses program options, which include:

    • Small Group Ketatation: A group setting for shared experiences and collective support.

    • Individual Program: One-on-one therapy tailored to individual needs.

    • Comprehensive Program: A more intensive option for patients requiring additional support and integration.

  • Once the medical evaluation is complete, a prescription is placed on file, and patients can then schedule their first treatment session. Each treatment is conducted under the careful supervision of our licensed and trained professionals, with a strong emphasis on a safe, supportive environment.

Throughout each stage, we prioritize patient comfort and confidentiality, ensuring that each participant receives the support they need to fully benefit from ketamine-assisted therapy.

Patient Eligibility and Screening Criteria

Ketamine-assisted therapy can offer profound benefits for individuals struggling with certain mental health conditions, but it's essential that each patient meets specific criteria to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective. Here’s an overview of the eligibility and screening criteria for participating in our program:

Eligibility Criteria

Patients who may benefit from ketamine-assisted therapy generally meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments for depression, PTSD, or chronic pain.

  • Chronic Mental Health Conditions: Patients experiencing persistent mental health symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

  • Interest in Alternative Therapy: Those open to exploring integrative approaches to mental health treatment, including psychedelic-assisted therapy in a controlled, therapeutic setting.

Screening Process

Each patient undergoes a thorough screening process to ensure ketamine therapy is suitable for their individual needs:

  • Initial Intake Questionnaire: After an initial discovery call, patients complete a comprehensive intake questionnaire detailing their mental health history, current medications, and any previous experiences with mental health treatments.

  • Therapist Review and Assessment: One of our licensed therapists carefully reviews the intake questionnaire to determine if ketamine-assisted therapy aligns with the patient’s health goals and safety requirements.

  • Medical Evaluation: Patients meet with our prescriber for a detailed medical evaluation, where any potential health concerns, medication interactions, or contraindications are addressed.

Contraindications

For safety reasons, ketamine-assisted therapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, including:

  • Active substance abuse disorders

  • Severe heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension

  • A history of adverse reactions to ketamine

  • Certain psychiatric conditions that may require alternative treatment approaches

This thorough eligibility and screening process ensures that ketamine-assisted therapy is only offered to individuals who will most benefit, providing a safe and supportive experience tailored to each patient’s needs.

Benefits of Referring Your Patients to Qi Integrated Health

Referring patients to Qi Integrated Health for ketamine-assisted therapy offers a safe, evidence-based option for individuals who may benefit from alternative mental health treatments. 

  • Our approach combines ketamine-assisted therapy with integrative mental health practices, enhancing treatment efficacy through holistic support. Each patient benefits from a team of experienced therapists, licensed medical professionals, and skilled facilitators who ensure that every session is conducted in a structured, therapeutic environment.

  • Safety is at the core of our program. Each session is supervised by licensed practitioners trained to manage both therapeutic and medical aspects of ketamine-assisted therapy, giving patients a secure, compassionate space to explore treatment.

  • We offer flexible program options, including small group sessions, one-on-one treatment, and comprehensive care pathways. This variety allows for a more personalized approach, accommodating different levels of support and patient comfort.

  • At Qi Integrated Health, we value collaboration with referring physicians to ensure a cohesive treatment experience. Our team provides regular updates on patient progress, and we remain available to discuss any insights or adjustments needed to support the patient’s ongoing health.

  • Through ketamine-assisted therapy and careful integration practices, many patients experience faster symptom relief and lasting therapeutic benefits. Our program is especially effective for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments, giving them a renewed sense of hope and potential for healing.

Referring patients to Qi Integrated Health allows you to offer a supportive, high-quality treatment option that complements your own commitment to their well-being. We’re here to work alongside you, providing safe, effective care for your patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ketamine has been used as a powerful anesthetic since the 1960s. In sub-anesthetic doses, it has proven to be an effective treatment for mood disorders, including Depression, OCD, PTSD, and Anxiety, as well as Chronic Pain Syndromes.

  • Our team at Qi Integrated Health handles the full screening process. It begins with a nurse’s review of the initial referral for any immediate exclusions. Then, a therapist reviews the detailed intake form and conducts a 60-minute consultation with the patient. Finally, the patient meets with Dr. Pam Kryskow, our medical director, ensuring a thorough four-step screening process for client safety.

    Meet the Team

  • Yes. If a patient would benefit from meeting with a psychiatrist, our patient services team can arrange a consultation with our in-house psychiatrist.

  • We primarily use intramuscular administration, as it allows for a highly precise dosage tailored to each patient’s needs.

  • Yes. After the medical evaluation is complete, our medical director will write the prescription.

  • No, the medication is securely stored on-site at Qi Integrated Health. Only our nursing staff have access to it, ensuring safe and controlled handling.

  • Yes. Through the Special Access Program, we can also provide MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy to eligible patients.