Is At-Home Ketamine Treatment Right for Me?
-by Gabriel Strauss, Noma Therapy
Clinical Review by Andrea Auxier, PhD
Ketamine treatment from home? Is this even an option?
Absolutely. And it's not just an option — it is a safe, effective, and personalized method for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What is At-Home Ketamine Treatment, and how does it work?
There is an important distinction we should make here. You’ll often see the terms ketamine therapy or ketamine treatment, and ketamine-assisted therapy (also called ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or KAP) used interchangeably —but there are a few key differences that really can impact your results.
Ketamine therapy and ketamine treatment are traditionally medication-only (i.e. ketamine without any type of psychotherapy). Ketamine can assist people with hard-to-tackle mental health challenges, like severe depression, by changing the way their brain works to help them feel better. The treatment is carefully planned and delivered by healthcare professionals to make sure it's safe and effective.
On the other hand, Ketamine-assisted therapy (ketamine treatment combined with psychotherapy) delivers better, longer-lasting outcomes than either ketamine treatment or psychotherapy alone.
Ketamine-based treatments can be delivered in a variety of ways. Traditionally it's been done in person (often through IV or nasal spray). At-home ketamine-assisted therapy, the type we use at Noma, occurs when it is taken (drum roll, please) in your home. The medication is conveniently shipped to you and is self-administered during a monitored (for safety) virtual dosing session. Nice and convenient, right?
These virtual sessions also provide an extra layer of privacy and confidentiality and allow you to engage in therapy or counseling in your own space, creating a safe and secure environment for open and honest discussions. Gone are the days of worrying about finding a clinic or hospital close to where you live. You can have virtual sessions with licensed clinicians and trained guides right where you are.
Preparing your home, as well as yourself is vital to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. You will want to create a safe, comfortable, and quiet space. In the case of Noma’s program, you’ll also want to ensure you have reliable internet, as Noma’s dosing sessions are guided and monitored through a virtual, video conference. Prior to treatment, your trained Noma guide will share instructions tailored to your individual needs for you to follow, including any dietary restrictions, medications, or equipment required. Follow these instructions, and you will set yourself up for a positive experience.
How does At-home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy from Noma stack up against other options?
Noma’s KAP treatment program was designed with you in mind. We’re a little biased about what we’re doing and how we are doing it, but when you take a look at all the positives, the choice becomes clear.
Here are just a few of the things you can expect:
Rapid Relief: Many patients experience rapid relief within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressant medications and methods that may take weeks to show results.
Longer-lasting Results: When you combine the benefits of ketamine with the power of psychotherapy, it helps to lock in your results so you can feel better for longer.
Convenience: At-home sessions offer the convenience of receiving treatment from the comfort of your own home instead of a clinic or office-style setting.
Accessibility: At-home KAP from Noma is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those who live in remote areas, eliminating the need for travel.
Whole-Person Approach: With Noma, ketamine is just one part of the treatment plan; you receive support from an interdisciplinary team of expert prescribers, therapists, and guides.
Personalization: With at-home ketamine-assisted therapy from Noma, you’ll receive personalized care from trained guides and licensed therapists and prescribers who are with you throughout the treatment process.
Safety: Safety is always a top priority! Noma follows strict safety protocols and closely monitors your progress during treatment. While ketamine may have potential side effects, they are generally mild and transient.
Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for clinic or hospital visits, at-home treatment with Noma offers a cost-effective, safe, and effective alternative for patients without compromising care quality.
Does this work, and is it safe?: The Risks and Benefits
Does it really work? Yes!
Current research and clinical evidence show promising results. Ketamine is not new; it has been used for decades as an anesthetic and has more recently gained attention for its potential in treating treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
But is it safe? Again, yes!
At Noma, we understand how important it is for you to feel safe and supported. That is why our program was designed to be hands-on and personalized, so you never feel alone. As with most treatments, you may experience some side effects, but they are typically mild and transient. The key is to work with trusted professionals and follow their instructions. By doing this, you can feel confident in the safety of at-home treatment as a safe and effective option for your mental health.
Here’s a brief roundup of the benefits and risks:
Benefits:
Privacy: Receive personal treatment in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Convenience: No travel necessary, schedule treatments around what works best for you.
Safety: When monitored by trained professionals, at-home treatment can be very safe.
Flexibility: Schedule your treatments as you need them.
Less Anxiety: Being in your own environment can reduce treatment-related anxiety.
Cost-Effective: Potentially lower costs compared to in-clinic treatments.
Personalized: Treatments are built around your individual needs and responses.
Risks:
Psychological Effects: Ketamine can cause the patient to feel separated from themselves or reality, so it is crucial that you are monitored closely by a trained professional.
Misuse and Dependence: When not administered and monitored under proper supervision, there is a risk of dependence or misuse.
Improper Dosing: The risk of incorrect dosing is higher without direct supervision.
Adverse Reactions: Adverse reactions like increased blood pressure, heart rate, nausea, or vomiting could occur and may be more difficult for patients to manage if alone at home. It’s important to have a peer in the home during dosing and work with a provider who has a rigorous emergency protocol.
Lack of Immediate Medical Support: If the patient does experience more severe side effects or an emergency, response time may be quicker in a clinical setting.
Note: Noma conducts a thorough medical evaluation before admitting patients to the program, dramatically reducing the risk of adverse events. Our guides are always there in case anything should happen.
Remember, your healthcare providers (like those at Noma) are your best advisors. They can help guide you through the decision-making process and ensure that you receive the best possible care for your mental health.
How long does it typically take to see results?
Everyone is different. So, what is the timeline for seeing results from ketamine treatment? Some people may experience positive effects after the first few treatments, while others may need additional sessions before they start seeing noticeable improvements in their symptoms. Just remember that ketamine treatment works differently for each individual. The severity of your symptoms, your unique brain chemistry, and your response to treatment can all influence the timeline for seeing results.
It's important to have realistic expectations and to work closely with your Noma guide and therapist throughout the process. Your care team will monitor your progress, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and provide support and guidance every step of the way.
How much is this going to cost?
“At-Home Ketamine Treatment” — the name alone sounds like it will cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, it doesn’t.
Noma is dedicated to making at-home ketamine therapy accessible and affordable for those who need it. Our 14-week ketamine-assisted psychotherapy program is accepted by major commercial insurance plans, including Medicaid, leaving you with minimum out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, visit our insurance and pricing page here.
Experience The Noma Difference
Noma is dedicated to offering results-driven treatment that is tailored to your specific needs, along with the best care possible at an affordable price.
We have assembled an interdisciplinary team of experts who work together to ensure better outcomes compared to traditional therapy or medication alone. Safety is of utmost importance to us, which is why we have implemented enhanced protocols and guided dosing throughout the treatment process. Our virtual sessions offer added convenience and eliminate a common barrier to high-quality treatment. In addition, our on-staff prescribers are there to help optimize your medications (including the ones you may already take) as part of your treatment plan.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, Noma's combination of at-home ketamine therapy and talk therapy may be the ideal option for lasting relief. Our dedicated clinical team, including a prescriber, therapist, and guide, will be there to support you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and helping you make the most of your treatment journey.
If you are ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, schedule a free evaluation with our care team today.
Email us at: hello@nomatherapy.com or call us at (303) 578-2702.
