Assessment is conducted to ensure the safety and appropriateness of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for the individual. This assessment is crucial for identifying any potential risks, contraindications, and to tailor the therapy to the specific needs and conditions of the client. Medical assessments are completed by medical providers that work in partnership with Restoring Clarity Counseling.

Medical Assessment:

Comprehensive Medical History:

The medical assessment begins with a detailed review of the client’s medical history. This includes past and current medical conditions, surgeries, and any history of substance use or abuse. Particular attention is paid to cardiovascular health, as ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart disease are carefully evaluated.

Medication Review:

A thorough review of all medications the client is currently taking is conducted to check for potential interactions with ketamine. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Certain medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before starting KAP.

Assessment of Allergies:

The client’s history of allergies, especially to medications, is reviewed to ensure there is no risk of an allergic reaction to ketamine.

Substance Use Evaluation:

The assessment includes questions about current and past substance use, including alcohol, recreational drugs, and prescription medications. The goal is to identify any potential substance use disorders or risks related to ketamine administration.
Clients with a history of substance use disorders may require additional evaluation to determine the appropriateness of KAP.

Psychological Assessment:

Mental Health History:

The psychological assessment begins with a comprehensive review of the client’s mental health history, including any diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations, and past experiences with therapy.
The clinician explores the client’s history of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and other mental health conditions to understand the scope and severity of their current symptoms.

Current Mental State Evaluation:

The therapist assesses the client’s current mental state, including mood, thought patterns, and behavior. This involves evaluating symptoms such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and any other psychological distress.
The assessment may include standardized screening tools or questionnaires to quantify the severity of symptoms and establish a baseline for tracking progress.

Suicide Risk Assessment:

Given that ketamine is often used to treat treatment-resistant depression, which may include clients with suicidal ideation, a detailed suicide risk assessment is conducted. This includes exploring current thoughts of self-harm, past suicide attempts, and the presence of a safety plan.

Clients at high risk of suicide require careful monitoring, and KAP may be considered only in a controlled and supportive environment.

Assessment of Psychosis Risk:

Ketamine is not recommended for individuals with a history of psychotic disorders or those at risk of psychosis. The assessment includes questions about any past experiences of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking.
Family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder is also explored, as these conditions may increase the risk of an adverse reaction to ketamine.

Trauma History:

The client’s history of trauma is explored to understand how it might impact their experience with KAP. This includes any history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as any PTSD symptoms. Understanding the trauma history helps the therapist prepare for potential challenges during the ketamine experience and tailor the therapeutic approach accordingly.

Personality Assessment:

The therapist may assess personality traits and coping mechanisms to better understand how the client may respond to the altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine. This can help in predicting the client’s reactions and guiding the therapeutic process.
Certain personality traits, such as high levels of neuroticism or a tendency toward dissociation, might influence the course of therapy and are taken into account.

Assessment of Motivation and Expectations:

The client’s motivation for seeking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is explored, including their expectations for the treatment. Understanding the client’s goals helps in setting realistic expectations and ensuring that KAP is aligned with their therapeutic needs.
The therapist discusses potential outcomes, both positive and negative, to help the client make an informed decision about proceeding with treatment.

Support System and Post-Treatment Planning:

The assessment includes a discussion of the client’s support system, including relationships with family, friends, and other mental health professionals. A strong support system is important for integration and ongoing healing. Post-treatment planning is also discussed, including how the client will integrate their experiences and what follow-up care will be provided.

The medical and psychological assessments are designed to ensure that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is safe and appropriate for the individual. By thoroughly evaluating the client’s physical health, mental state, and overall readiness for treatment, the clinician can tailor the therapy to meet the client’s needs, minimize risks, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.