Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD Related to Racial Discrimination

Abstract

Current research suggests that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has benefit for the treatment 

of mental disorders. We report on the results of ketamine-assisted intensive outpatient 

psychotherapeutic treatment of a client with treatment-resistant, posttraumatic stress disorder 

(PTSD) as a result of experiences of racism and childhood sexual abuse. The client’s presenting 

symptoms included hypervigilance, social avoidance, feelings of hopelessness, and intense 

recollections. These symptoms impacted all areas of daily functioning. Psychoeducation was 

provided on how untreated intergenerational trauma, compounded by additional traumatic 

experiences, potentiated the client’s experience of PTSD and subsequent maladaptive coping 

mechanisms. Ketamine was administered four times over a 13-day span as an off-label, adjunct 

to psychotherapy. Therapeutic interventions and orientations utilized were mindfulnessbased cognitive therapy (MBCT) and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP). New skills were 

obtained in helping the client respond effectively to negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and 

feelings of helplessness. Treatment led to a significant reduction in symptoms after completion 

of the program, with gains maintained 4months post-treatment. This case study demonstrates 

the effective use of ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.

Keywords: 

ketamine, racial trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychedelics, cognitive behavioral 

therapy, functional analytic psychotherapy