KAP

Avenues Unlimited is excited to announce our partnership with Skylight Psychedelics to offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as a treatment option for clients suffering from treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.

Ketamine, which was once mainly used as an anesthetic, is now gaining ground as a promising treatment for major depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide. Recent estimates show that 16 million adults in the US had an episode of major depression in the past year, and suicide rates have increased by over 30% in 25 states. ketamine has the potential to rapidly reduce suicidality and relieve other serious symptoms of depression. It may work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter glutamate and activating connections in the AMPA receptor, a process known as synaptogenesis. ketamine may also have anti-inflammatory and brain-communication effects.

If you are interested in ketamine assisted psychotherapy at Avenues Unlimited, please speak with your current therapist. If you are deemed a good candidate, you will be referred to Eric Baker, a trained psychedelic assisted psychotherapist who completed a year-long, 200-hour program through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. Qualifying patients will then meet with a Skylight Psychiatrist via telehealth to discuss safety and health issues and receive a prescription for sublingual ketamine lozenges.

KAP treatment sessions at Avenues Unlimited are held in a comfortable and relaxed setting with Eric. Each session typically lasts two hours and involves about one hour of the psychedelic effect of ketamine, with time before and after for preparation and integration. It is important to note that you will need to arrange transportation home after your session, as driving is not allowed while under the influence of ketamine.

During the ketamine experience, you may have a sense of detachment from your body and may experience unusual physical sensations, emotions, visual effects, and mystical experiences. Music may be played during the session to facilitate movement of energy, thoughts, and emotions. You will be provided with eyeshades, which you may choose to wear or not. If you feel any unpleasant effects, Eric will be there to support you.

If you have any further questions or are interested in starting ketamine assisted psychotherapy at Avenues Unlimited, please contact Eric Baker. We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards healing and wellness.