Ketamine treatment for adolescents

At Reunion, we are dedicated to offering innovative, evidence-based treatments to support the mental health and well-being of adolescents and their families.

Ketamine therapy

 

Ketamine therapy has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of various mental health conditions, particularly in individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments. Our approach combines ketamine treatment with robust psychotherapy support, ensuring that adolescents and their families receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been safely used in clinical settings for decades, primarily as an anesthetic. In recent years, researchers have discovered that, at lower doses, ketamine can have rapid and profound effects on certain mental health conditions. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to show effects, ketamine often provides relief within hours or days.

Does it work?

Studies show that 70-80% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement after ketamine treatment. Adolescents often respond similarly, with many experiencing reduced symptoms after just one or two sessions.

Is ketamine safe for adolescents? 

Research indicates that, when administered in a controlled, clinical environment by trained professionals, ketamine is both safe and effective. Side effects are generally mild and transient, including temporary feelings of dissociation or dizziness. Our clinic follows strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of every adolescent we treat.

Conditions Ketamine can treat

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

For adolescents struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, ketamine may offer a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Adolescents suffering from chronic anxiety and excessive worry may experience relief through ketamine treatment, helping them regain a sense of calm and control.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Traumatic experiences during childhood or adolescence can significantly impact mental health. Ketamine has demonstrated promise in reducing the intensity of PTSD symptoms, allowing young people to process trauma more effectively.

Suicidality

Ketamine is particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For adolescents experiencing acute suicidal ideation, ketamine therapy can provide rapid relief, offering a crucial window of time to implement longer-term therapeutic interventions.

Our integrated approach: Ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy

We believe that ketamine therapy is most effective when combined with psychotherapy. While ketamine can help “unlock” the mind and provide quick relief from symptoms, it is not a standalone solution. That’s why our clinic emphasizes using ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Our team of skilled therapists collaborates closely with adolescents and their families to provide comprehensive support through:

 
 

Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions to help adolescents process their experiences, explore their emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Group Therapy

Peer support groups where adolescents can share their experiences in a safe, supportive environment, reducing feelings of isolation and providing opportunity for vicarious learning.  

Family Therapy

Sessions that include parents and siblings to improve family communication, understanding, and cohesion, fostering a supportive home environment.

What to expect from Ketamine Therapy

Initial medical screen & psychiatric consultation

We begin with a thorough evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for your adolescent.  Our medical director, Dr Leicht will meet with you and your child to determine if ketamine treatment is appropriate.

1

Personalized treatment plan

If ketamine is recommended, our team will develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of your adolescent, including frequency and duration of therapy sessions.

2

Therapeutic preparation and integration

Administration occurs in a safe, controlled environment. A medical professional will monitor you during dosing sessions.

3

Take the first step

If your adolescent is struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal thoughts, and other treatments have not been effective, ketamine therapy may offer new hope. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the journey, providing the support your family needs to heal.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ketamine therapy can help your adolescent find relief and regain their sense of joy and purpose.

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Referrals

Patients must have a referral from their most responsible physician, nurse practitioner, or other regulated health professional with a PRACID before our intake and screening process.

Have questions?

We are here to help. For more information or inquiries, contact us.

 FAQs

  • Ketamine can be safely administered in four ways: intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), intranasal, or orally.

    At our clinic, we offer ketamine intramuscularly.

    When appropriate, we also offer psycholytic ketamine. Psycholytic therapy involves taking ketamine at low doses orally in a lozenge form. Psycholytic doses are taken more frequently than psychedelic doses.

    Ketamine dosing sessions occur at our safe, comfortable, home-like clinic and are monitored by a medical professional.

  • The most common experience from ketamine is short-term dissociation. This medication often distorts your perception of sight and sound while producing experiences of detachment from your environment or yourself, allowing you to gain new perspectives. During treatment, you may also temporarily experience the following:

    • feeling separate from your thoughts and feelings

    • visual hallucinations

    • alterations in perception of time and space

    • intense emotional states

    • headaches

    • nausea

    • dizziness

    • blurred vision

    • drowsiness

    • elevated mood

    • anxiety

    • elevations in blood pressure and heart rate

    A licensed provider and compassionate witness will be with you during your dosing sessions to assist and support you through any physical, emotional, or psychological challenges you may experience.

  • Step 1: Before we start the intake process, we require a referral from your most responsible physician, nurse practitioner, or other regulated health professional with a PRACID.

    Step 2: After receiving a referral, a medical screening is scheduled with a Registered Nurse to review your medical history to ensure KaP safety and eligibility.

    Step 3: You will meet with our in-house Medical Director and Psychiatrist to ensure psychiatric suitability and safety for KaP.

    Step 4: You will have an initial meeting with your KaP psychologist. During this session, your psychologist will explore your mental health history, discuss motivations for treatment, and help you set post-treatment goals. Your psychologist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan suitable for your needs.

  • Dosing sessions are typically 2.5 - 3 hours.

  • Costs will vary depending on your personalized treatment plan. Please refer to our Fees page to learn about cost of each service per session.

  • Some services may be eligible for partial coverage by your private health insurance/employee benefits plan. If applicable, you are responsible for contacting your insurance company directly for questions regarding coverage of these services, to learn details of your coverage, verify that services will be covered by your policy, and any conditions of this coverage. 

“Psychedelics don’t show you something different; they show you more of what’s already there within you.”
— Stanislav Grof

We’re here to help.

Give us a call or text if you’d like to inquire about our services: