Ketamine-assisted group psychotherapy integrating cognitive processing therapy to address identity-based trauma: a...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) individuals face significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
• Existing evidence-based interventions often lack tailoring for the specific needs of the TGE population.
• Identity-based trauma is a critical area requiring specialized therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a novel group-based ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) program called Kindred.
• To assess the integration of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) within a KAP framework for TGE adults.
• To explore participant experiences and perceived mechanisms of change in a community-based clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study involving eight TGE adults.
• A nine-week group KAP intervention alternating ketamine sessions with CPT-based skills-building and integration.
• Quantitative measures of mood, cognitive fusion, substance use, suicidality, trauma, and gender well-being, alongside qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• The Kindred intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with 100% participant retention and high satisfaction.
• Significant reductions were observed in depression, anxiety, and cognitive fusion scores.
• Participants reported decreased shame, suicidality, internalized transphobia, and valued group belonging and peer validation.

Conclusions:

• The Kindred program is a feasible and promising intervention for addressing mental health issues in TGE adults, particularly identity-based trauma.
• Integrating CPT with KAP in a group format may offer synergistic benefits for cognitive, emotional, and social healing.
• This group KAP approach enhances accessibility to tailored mental health interventions for the TGE community.