How Does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Work?

Learn how ketamine-assisted therapy works and the benefits of this alternative form of depression teatment.

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Inside Eulas Clinic
Dr Pamela Walters

DR Pamela Walters

Reviewed by

Dr. Pamela Walters is our Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist at Eulas.

Page last updated:

Monday, 07 April 2025

The field of psychedelic therapy has been gaining recognition for its potential for treatment-resistant mental health conditions, and we are proud to be the first clinic in Scotland to offer a treatment of this kind in a professional and supportive setting.

Whether you’re looking for hope and relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, our team is here to help you through the process step by step.

At Eulas Clinics, we specialise in providing a safe, compassionate, and effective path to healing through ketamine-assisted therapy, right here in Scotland. This innovative method unites cutting-edge research with established therapeutic practices, supporting you on your journey toward renewed mental and emotional well-being.

How It Works

Research indicates that ketamine blocks activity at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, often more quickly than traditional antidepressant medications. 

At lower “sub-anaesthetic” doses, ketamine may induce a brief dissociative or “psychedelic-like” state, allowing you to revisit and process painful emotions, memories, or experiences in a way that can be less overwhelming than standard talk therapy alone.

During this form of therapy session at Eulas, the treatment can help people feel calmer and more reflective. This makes it easier to think about and (most importantly) process complicated feelings or experiences that may be causing distress.

In a controlled environment, ketamine therapy can play an important role in truly relaxing the mind and making it more open to new ideas, but the real focus is on the psychotherapy itself.

Potential Benefits and Who It May Help

At Eulas, you will have a dedicated therapist who will guide you through a series of psychotherapy sessions (which can be completed virtually or face-to-face), helping you explore your thoughts in a way that feels safe and supported.

Ketamine therapy can be helpful for:

  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Generalised anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other mental health challenges, depending on assessment

That said, ketamine therapy is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution and ongoing therapy or additional treatment may be necessary. Before beginning, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure that ketamine-assisted therapy is appropriate for you.

  • Step 0
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Our Treatment Process

We’ve made sure that accessing ketamine therapy treatment programmes at Eulas Clinics is as straightforward possible. Here’s how it works in 6 simple steps.

  • 1. A Virtual Pre Assessment

    Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation, conducted remotely, where we explore your medical history, personal goals, and any challenges you’re facing. This step is also your chance to ask questions and voice concerns. By the end of this session, we’ll know whether ketamine-assisted therapy is likely a good fit for you.

  • 2. An Initial Face to Face Psychiatric Assessment

    Next, you’ll meet with a trained psychiatrist in person. They will:

    • Review your mental health history
    • Discuss the potential benefits and risks of ketamine-assisted therapy
    • Evaluate any medications or treatments you’re currently undergoing

    This thorough assessment helps ensure that ketamine-assisted therapy is both safe and effective for you.

  • 3. Psychotherapy Preparation Sessions

    There are two preparation sessions, which can be conducted in person or online. They are non-drug psychotherapy sessions that discuss topics such as problems you might be having, expectations and treatment goals, and coping strategies. A therapist leads these sessions.

  • 4. Dosing Sessions

    Over the course of four in-person sessions, you will receive a controlled, carefully monitored ketamine dose. Each session begins with:

    • A brief check-in and a grounding exercise (such as breathing or mindfulness)
    • A discussion of your hopes or intentions for that specific session
    • A therapist and a medical professional are always present to ensure your comfort and well-being.

    During these sessions, you may experience various mental states, often including a sense of calm or deep reflection, that can help you explore and process challenging thoughts or emotions.

  • 5. Integration Sessions

    After each dosing session, you’ll participate in a non-drug therapy session (either in person or online). This phase, often called “integration,” is a crucial part of ketamine-assisted therapy. Here, you’ll:

    • Discuss any insights or emotional reactions that arose during the dosing session
    • Relate these experiences to your treatment goals and everyday life
    • Develop strategies to transform newfound awareness into lasting change

    Integration strengthens and sustains the benefits you gain from each ketamine session.

  • 6. Evaluation Session

    Following the final dosing and integration sessions, you’ll have an evaluation session with your therapist. This is a time to:

    • Compare pre- and post-treatment assessments
    • Measure changes in mood or symptom intensity
    • Plan any future steps or additional support you may need

    Many people continue with more traditional psychotherapy or supportive check-ins to build upon the progress made during ketamine-assisted therapy.

Meet The Team

Discover more about our highly qualified team.

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    David Clogg's Profile Picture

    David Clogg

    Psychotherapist

    With over 15 years experience, David Clogg is an experienced psychotherapist specialising in the treatment of various mental health conditions.

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    Dr Alexander Lapa's Profile Picture

    Dr Alexander Lapa

    Psychiatrist

    Dr. Lapa, Psychiatrist at Eulas Clinics, graduated in Medicine in 2000. MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified.

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    John Gillen's Profile Picture

    John Gillen

    CEO & Director

    For the past two decades John Gillen has dedicated his life to exploring the latest NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) therapies, delivering cutting-edge treatments to the UK and across Europe.

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    Sean Gillen's Profile Picture

    Sean Gillen

    Registered Manager / Director

    Sean has over 10 years’ experience in the field, during this time he has been an integral part of various services management structure.

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    Dr Pamela Walters's Profile Picture

    Dr Pamela Walters

    Medical Director

    Pamela is our MD and consultant psychiatrist, offering extensive experience and expertise in general adult, addiction and forensic psychiatry.

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    Dr David Luke's Profile Picture

    Dr David Luke

    Patron

    Dr David Luke is currently a highly experienced Honorary Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich.

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    Dr Lee M Riddell's Profile Picture

    Dr Lee M Riddell

    Consultant Anaesthetist

    Dr. Riddell has over 20 years of experience working with ketamine therapy and brings a wealth of expertise in the mental health sector.

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    Dr Luqman Khan's Profile Picture

    Dr Luqman Khan

    Psychiatrist

    Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.

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    Dr Christoph Zwolan's Profile Picture

    Dr Christoph Zwolan

    Lead Therapist

    Christoph is a Senior Counselling Psychologist and Psychedelic Integration Therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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    Meghan Newton's Profile Picture

    Meghan Newton

    Virtual Reality Therapist and Admin

    Psychology graduate working as an administrator in the addiction sector, with experience in administrative duties. Further responsibilities in areas of: compliance and risk, training and development and data analysis.

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    Raymond McGregor's Profile Picture

    Raymond McGregor

    Pharmacist

    Raymond McGregor is an experienced pharmacist with a strong background in providing expert pharmaceutical care.

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Our Associations


  • SPRG
  • Microdose

Treatment Plan Timeline Overview

Week 0:

  • Virtual pre-assessment
  • In-person psychiatric assessment

Week 1: Preparation

  • Two psychotherapy sessions (online or in-person) to establish goals and expectations

Week 2: First Ketamine Sessions

  • Two in-person ketamine dosing sessions
  • Two integration sessions to process insights and emotions

Week 3:

  • Two additional psychotherapy sessions for deeper reflection

Week 4: Second Ketamine Sessions

  • Two more in-person ketamine doses
  • Two more integration sessions

Weeks 5 & 6: Integration & Closure

  • Four psychotherapy sessions aimed at integrating your experiences and solidifying progress
  • Final evaluation session to discuss next steps and long-term maintenance


How Much Does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Cost?

The total cost for a full ketamine-assisted therapy programme at Eulas Clinics typically starts at £6,000. This includes:

  • Virtual pre-assessment
  • Face-to-face psychiatric assessment
  • 2 preparation sessions
  • 4 supervised ketamine dosing sessions
  • 12 psychotherapy/integration sessions
  • Final evaluation session

Your individual treatment plan may vary based on your specific needs. Any recommended additional sessions or follow-ups will be clearly discussed in advance.

We are here to answer any questions you may have about pricing or the treatment process. Please get in touch to discuss your options further.


Conditions Treated at Eulas

Our clinic offers ketamine assisted psychotherapy programmes tailored to treat various physical and mental health conditions, providing new opportunities for healing that go beyond traditional approaches and often feel out of reach for many until now.

For some people, when it comes to treating depression, what we know and how we approach mental health care doesn’t always fix the problem. That’s where we step in.

Our clinic provides access to alternative treatments for depression, which are research-backed.

This includes psychedelic-assisted therapies designed to reach the root cause of depression and allow patients to see life through a new lens.

Our therapy sessions are entirely tailored to personal needs, and we are a safe space for anyone ready to try something new.

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Enquire About Ketamine Therapy Treatment Today

 

If you’re ready to find out more about how we can help, reach out to us directly today and a member of team will answer any questions you may have.

 

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