Ketamine in Draper, UT | Starting Treatment
Ketamine in Draper, UT, offers a new treatment option for people living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and other qualifying conditions. For those who have not found enough relief with traditional medications or therapy, ketamine therapy may provide another path forward. At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, every treatment plan is personalized based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and goals. Before treatment begins, every patient completes a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether ketamine therapy is the right fit. We offer both in-clinic and concierge ketamine therapy, making care more accessible for qualifying patients. With an experienced medical team and thousands of patients treated across Utah, we are committed to providing safe, evidence-based care in a supportive environment.
What You Should Know About Ketamine
Ketamine was first approved by the FDA in 1970 as an anesthetic and continues to be used safely in hospitals today. Over the past two decades, researchers have discovered that low-dose ketamine may also help people living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and other qualifying conditions. Research suggests ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants by affecting the brain’s glutamate system, which may help explain its rapid antidepressant effects for some patients.
Today, ketamine therapy is provided in carefully monitored medical settings under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. In 2019, the FDA approved Spravato® (esketamine), a ketamine-based nasal spray, for adults with treatment-resistant depression. In addition, many providers safely use intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) ketamine as evidence-based, off-label treatments for qualifying patients. Before treatment begins, every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether ketamine therapy is an appropriate option.
What Is Ketamine Used For?
Ketamine in Draper, Utah is most commonly used for the following conditions:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety and Stress
- PTSD ( Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD ( Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Bipolar Disorder ( in a depressive episode)
- ADHD ( Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Conditions
The Science Behind Ketamine Therapy
Unlike many traditional antidepressants that primarily target serotonin, ketamine works through the brain’s glutamate system. Specifically, ketamine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which leads to an increase in glutamate activity. Research suggests this process may help strengthen communication between brain cells and promote synaptic plasticity, allowing the brain to build new connections involved in learning, memory, and emotional regulation. This may help explain why some patients experience improvement more quickly than with traditional antidepressants.
In addition to its effects on the brain, ketamine may also create temporary dissociative or dream-like experiences during treatment. Some patients describe feeling detached from their surroundings or viewing their thoughts from a different perspective. For some people, this shift in awareness may help them process difficult emotions in a new way, particularly when ketamine is combined with psychotherapy. Because every experience is unique, treatment is carefully monitored by trained medical professionals in a safe clinical setting.
Ketamine Treatment Options in Draper
At Therapeutic Alternatives, we offer a variety of options to deliver the best ketamine results tailored specifically to you:
IM ( Intramuscular Ketamine)
IM medicine is delivered via the muscle. This is the fastest-known delivery method of ketamine treatment. IM ketamine injections usually take about three to four minutes to start working.
Austin Francom, APRN, FNP boosts IM treatments by stating, “IM treatments are the preferred method of delivery for the thousands of patients I have treated in my ketamine clinic in Utah. Why? It allows the patient to disassociate further by not having a slow-drip IV stuck to their arm. This can allow the patient to go deeper into their psychedelic experience.”
IV ( Ketamine Infusion)
IV Ketamine infusions in Draper are administered via IV infusion. This is a great option for those who are new to ketamine infusions and would like a controlled dosage.
KAP ( Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy)
KAP is a ketamine treatment paired with talk therapy with a therapist. This delivery method is given subcutaneously ( through the fat). It is slower than IM or IV delivery. Because it is slow-acting, the patient can still speak with the KAP therapist. Ketamine helps people feel relaxed, which can assist in making the patient feel more comfortable opening up to a therapist. When a patient opens up more in therapy, a therapist can help more.
Candace Curzon, LCSW, has been treating patients with KAP for over seven years. Additionally, she specializes in mentoring aspiring KAP therapists to provide this innovative therapy to their clients.
Ketamine in Draper, UT | What To Expect
Getting started with ketamine in Draper, UT, is simple. First, you’ll have a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our patient care coordinators. During this call, we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to help determine whether ketamine therapy may be a good fit.
Next, you’ll meet with our Medical Director, Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, for a comprehensive in-office evaluation. If you are a good candidate, your provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. In many cases, patients may begin ketamine treatment on the same day as their evaluation.
Depending on your treatment plan, ketamine may be administered through IV therapy, intramuscular (IM) injection, or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Most treatment sessions last about 40 to 60 minutes, although the exact length may vary. After treatment, you’ll spend a short time recovering while our medical team monitors your progress.
Because ketamine can temporarily affect alertness and coordination, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home after your appointment. Before you leave, our team will provide aftercare instructions and answer any questions to help you feel prepared for the rest of your recovery.
What Does Ketamine Feel Like?
Every person’s ketamine experience is different. Many patients describe feeling calm, deeply relaxed, or as if they are floating. Others notice changes in their thoughts, emotions, or memories during treatment. Some people experience vivid mental images or a dream-like state, while others simply feel peaceful. These effects are temporary and are carefully monitored by our medical team throughout the session.
At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, patient comfort and safety come first. Our treatment rooms are designed to feel warm, quiet, and welcoming rather than cold or clinical. We believe a comfortable environment helps patients relax and focus on their treatment experience.
Candace Curzon, LCSW, explains:
“In my experience as a therapist, some of the most meaningful healing happens when people feel safe and supported. That’s why we intentionally designed our ketamine treatment rooms to feel comfortable and calming. Rather than creating a typical medical setting, we wanted patients to feel at home throughout their treatment.”
Ketamine Therapy FAQ's
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Yes. Ketamine therapy in Draper is considered safe when administered by trained medical professionals. Providers monitor vital signs, dose levels, and response throughout the session to ensure comfort and safety.
What conditions can ketamine therapy help treat?
Ketamine in Draper, UT, may help people living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain conditions, and more. It’s also used for treatment-resistant depression when other medications or therapies haven’t provided enough relief.
How soon can I expect ketamine results?
Many people begin noticing positive ketamine results within hours or days of their first few sessions. Improvements in mood, focus, and energy often appear early, while deeper emotional changes may continue to build with ongoing treatment.
How much does ketamine therapy cost?
Ketamine costs vary by clinic, treatment type (IV, IM, or oral), and the number of sessions needed. Some clinics offer package pricing or financing options to make treatment more affordable. Please visit our pricing page for more information.
What are the side effects of ketamine therapy in Draper?
Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
A good candidate for ketamine therapy is someone who has not found enough relief from traditional treatments such as antidepressants, therapy, or medication. It may also help people living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. Candidates should be in stable physical health and willing to follow medical guidance during treatment. A consultation helps determine if ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate based on each person’s medical history and goals.
Why Choose Ketamine Therapy At Therapeutic Alternatives?
All Ketamine treatments are conducted by Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, and Candace Curzon, LCSW. Austin is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology. He has been practicing in the Salt Lake Valley in primary care since 2013.
Candace has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Social Work. She has also worked at the crisis center at the University of Utah’s Neuropsychiatric Institute and as part of the inpatient psychiatric unit at LDS Hospital. She opened Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives in 2019. Candace also founded Therapy Alliance in 2020, which consists of a group of therapists trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Candace and Austin have both trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). They also trained through the Ketamine Training Center by Phil Wolfsen, the leading researcher on Ketamine and KAP. They are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where healing and treatment can maximize each patient’s benefits.
Ketamine Near Me | Draper, Utah
Are you looking for ketamine treatment in Draper, Utah? Our Utah ketamine clinic offers in-clinic options and concierge at-home options. If you live in the Draper, Sandy, South Jordan, Herriman, Lehi, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Salt Lake City, or Holladay area, we are a short drive from our West Jordan, UT ketamine clinic. We offer free consultations and the most affordable ketamine prices in Utah. Please give us a call at (385) 685-1410 or fill out the form below.
Sources:
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-certified
- Collo, G., & Merlo Pich, E. (2018). Ketamine enhances structural plasticity in human dopaminergic neurons: possible relevance for treatment-resistant depression. Neural regeneration research, 13(4), 645–646. LINK.
- Duman R. S. (2018). The Dazzling Promise of Ketamine. Cerebrum : The Dana forum on brain science, 2018, cer-04-18.
- Mandal, S., Sinha, V. K., & Goyal, N. (2019). Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(5), 480–485. LINK.
- Molero, P., Ramos-Quiroga, J.A., Martin-Santos, R. et al. Antidepressant Efficacy and Tolerability of Ketamine and Esketamine: A Critical Review. CNS Drugs 32, 411–420 (2018). LINK.
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