Preferred registration deadline: April 3rd

1.5 CEs

In this workshop, we will explore existing research supporting Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a novel approach to treating the comorbidity of Trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). We will ground the discussion in the pharmacological properties of ketamine and its role in promoting neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility, which can potentially disrupt deeply entrenched trauma and addiction patterns. Participants will learn applied, real-world clinical strategies, including dosage considerations, the role of therapeutic facilitators, and integration techniques to optimize efficacy with KAP. We will also discuss how Ketamine may serve to resource clients into better approaching, processing, and learning about the traumatic patterns that often underpin ongoing substance use.

This is an interactive synchronous distance learning course via Zoom.

General Admission: $35* 
*Discounts on individual workshops in the PAT series are available to WashU students, faculty, staff, field instructors, and alumnae.

Explore additional workshops in the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Speaker Series:

• Rewiring Resilience: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Dual-Diagnosis Trauma and Addiction
• Supporting Clients in Psychedelic Use: A Harm-Reduction Framework

Return to our list of Workshops

Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audiences: All mental health professionals and public health professionals.

Agenda:

• Welcome & Opening Remarks - 5 mins
• Research & Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine - 15 mins
• Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for Trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) - 20 mins
• Clinical Strategies for Implementing KAP in Dual-Diagnosis Setting - 20 mins
• How Ketamine Can “Resource” Clients - 15 mins
• Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways; Q & A - 15 mins

Learner Outcomes

• Interpret existing research and neurobiological mechanisms (specifically, ketamine's role in promoting neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility) that support the use of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as a novel and effective treatment approach for patients presenting with the dual diagnosis of Trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
• Identify and articulate practical, applied clinical strategies for implementing KAP in a dual-diagnosis setting, including essential considerations for dosage and administration, the crucial role of the therapeutic facilitator, and specific integration techniques designed to consolidate gains and optimize treatment efficacy.
• Describe how ketamine's effects can "resource" clients, enabling them to safely and effectively approach, process, and gain insight into the underlying traumatic patterns that contribute to persistent substance use and addiction cycles, thereby promoting sustainable therapeutic change.

Course Completion Requirements:

• The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/24/2025 – 9/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
• The Brown School is also an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
• To earn ACE credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. ACE credit is not provided for partial attendance.  However, you may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs provided by the Brown School.
• Brown School CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
• For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancellation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.