Ketamine assisted psychotherapy

Dr Lani Roy provides psychological support under her Australian Association of Social Work insurance during the preparation, dose and integration phases of ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) in Australia in partnership with GPs, psychiatrists and anesthetists.

(KAT) involves the use of ketamine or esketamine for therapeutic purposes. Ketamine facilitates a dissociation from the body that can allow an individual to potentially process feelings of sadness, hurt, pain, longing, grief, panic, fear, shame or guilt.

Ketamine can lower psychological defences and bodily reactions to memories, allowing an individual to explore their states of consciousness without feedback from the body signalling distress or ‘blocks’ from the mind which can prevent processing of emotions and memories. 

The use of psychological therapy alongside ketamine can help to integrate these experiences after the ketamine has subsided. In addition to the newly available esketamine which is available in the form of a nasal spray, psychiatrists  are able to prescribe ketamine intravenously or intramuscularly for certain conditions. 

Ketamine treatment is not covered by private health insurance or under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) under Medicare. If your therapist is an NDIS provider, the time for the psychological support and non-hospital room hire may be covered as a part of your NDIS plan.

Disclaimer: this information is not aimed at promoting use of ketamine. This is not intended to be used as medical advice or a substitute for your own practitioners advice.