Collaborating with a Ketamine Provider: Essential Questions for Mental Health Professionals

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is gaining recognition as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. As a mental health provider, you may be considering whether to refer clients or collaborate with a ketamine provider. This decision can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to the world of KAP. Asking the right questions is key to ensuring your clients receive safe, ethical, and effective care—and that your professional values align with those of the ketamine provider.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Ketamine protocols, training backgrounds, and therapeutic approaches can vary widely among providers and clinics. By asking thoughtful questions, you can clarify expectations, ensure safety, and foster a collaborative relationship that supports your clients’ healing journeys (Dore et al., 2019; Wilkinson et al., 2017).

Key Questions to Ask a Ketamine Provider

1. What is your protocol for dosing and administration?

Understanding the provider’s approach to dosing is crucial. Ask whether they use IV, IM, oral, or intranasal ketamine, how they determine the right dose, and how they monitor for side effects or adjust dosing over time (Wilkinson et al., 2017).

2. Where did you receive your training in ketamine therapy?

Inquire about the provider’s credentials, certifications, and specific training in ketamine administration and integration. This helps ensure they are following best practices and up-to-date safety standards (Dore et al., 2019).

3. What safety measures and emergency protocols do you have in place?

Safety should always be a top priority. Ask about medical screening, monitoring during sessions, and how emergencies are handled. Find out if medical staff are present and what equipment is available for emergencies (Sanacora et al., 2017).

4. Do you help clients with intention setting and integration?

Ketamine experiences can be profound and sometimes disorienting. Ask if the provider supports clients in setting intentions before sessions and offers integration support afterward, either directly or in collaboration with referring therapists (Dore et al., 2019).

5. How do you collaborate with outside therapists?

Clarify how the ketamine provider communicates with referring therapists and whether they are open to ongoing collaboration. This ensures continuity of care and supports the client’s therapeutic goals (Dore et al., 2019).

6. How do you determine if a client is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?

Ask about their screening process, including psychiatric and medical evaluations, to ensure clients are appropriate for ketamine treatment (Sanacora et al., 2017).

7. What is the structure of a typical ketamine session?

Inquire about session length, setting, whether clients are accompanied, and what kind of support is provided during and after the session (Wilkinson et al., 2017).

8. What are your policies regarding follow-up and aftercare?

Ask how the provider monitors clients after sessions and what resources are available for ongoing support or in case of delayed side effects (Sanacora et al., 2017).

Building a Collaborative Relationship

Choosing the right ketamine provider is about more than just credentials—it’s about shared values, open communication, and a commitment to client-centered care. By asking these questions, you can build a strong, collaborative relationship that supports your clients’ healing journeys and ensures the highest standards of safety and efficacy (Dore et al., 2019).

If you’re ready to explore ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for your clients, start by reaching out to potential providers and having an open, informed conversation. Your advocacy and diligence can make all the difference in your clients’ experiences and outcomes.

Learn more about best practices in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and collaborative care at our upcoming training.  https://rewired360.ce-go.com/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy 

References

Dore, J., Turnipseed, B., Dwyer, S., Turnipseed, A., Andries, J., Ascani, G., ... & Wolfson, P. (2019). Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP): Patient demographics, clinical data and outcomes in three large practices administering ketamine with psychotherapy. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(2), 189-198.

Sanacora, G., Frye, M. A., McDonald, W., Mathew, S. J., Turner, M. S., Schatzberg, A. F., ... & American Psychiatric Association (2017). A consensus statement on the use of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 399-405.

Wilkinson, S. T., Toprak, M., Turner, M. S., Levine, S. P., Katz, R. B., & Sanacora, G. (2017). A survey of the clinical, off-label use of ketamine as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(7), 695-696.