NCT06559826 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Compared to Ketamine Alone for the Treatment of Depression
(KAP)
What this study is about
The proposed study is a single-site, randomly assigned, controlled clinical trial (RCT) comparing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to a standard evidence-based regimen of ketamine administered in a medical model without psychotherapy (KET). Eligible study participants will be adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
View original scientific description
The proposed study is a single-site, randomized, controlled clinical trial (RCT) comparing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to a standard evidence-based regimen of ketamine administered in a medical model without psychotherapy (KET). Eligible study participants will be adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Adults with MDD will be randomized to KAP or KET in a 1:1 allocation. Each treatment group will receive KAP or KET over a period of four weeks. Measurement of depression severity, wellness, neurocognitive functioning and other parameters will occur at baseline prior to treatment, immediately following the end of the acute treatment period, and over an 8-week (two month) treatment follow-up period.
Interventions
DRUG
Ketamine
Following screening and baseline assessments, individuals randomized to KAP will undergo a preparatory session prior to the first day of dosing. Participants will complete a sequence of four to five intramuscular (IM) ketamine assisted therapy sessions.
BEHAVIORAL
Psychotherapy
Each week following KAP, there will be a separate 60-minute integration session 1-6 days afterwards. Integration sessions will focus on processing experiences and material that emerged in KAP sessions (such as assimilating challenging experiences, making meaning of experiences and imagery, working through memories and emotions, and exploring emerging relational patterns) as well as strengthening insights. Within one week of the completion of all KAP sessions, there will be one additional integration session focused on consolidating the insights and improvements gained from KAP treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
Time frame: 9 weeks from baseline assessment
MADRS: The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a 10-item instrument used for the evaluation of depressive symptoms in adults and for the assessment of any changes to those symptoms. Each of the 10 items is rated on a scale of 0 to 6, with differing descriptors for each item. These individual item scores are added together to form a total score, which can range between 0 and 60 points, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
- Age 18-90 years
- Participant in good physical health
- Participants may be on medications for depression as long as they remain on a stable dose.
- A score of at least 20 on the 10 item Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale at screening, corresponding to at least moderate current depression severity.
- Meets criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) in current major depressive episode (MDE) according to DSM-5
- Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and prior to ketamine infusion
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study.
- Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
- Any unstable medical illnesses including hepatic, renal, gastroenterological, respiratory, cardiovascular (including ischemic heart disease and uncontrolled hypertension); endocrinologic, neurologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease
- Clinically significant abnormalities of laboratories, physical examination, or ECG
- Substance drug or alcohol use disorder in the prior 12 months
- History of hypersensitivity to ketamine or esketamine
- Lifetime history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I or II disorder
- Presence of psychotic symptoms in the current MDE, or lifetime psychotic disorder
- Recreational ketamine or phencyclidine use in the last year
- Previous non-response to clinical or research ketamine or esketamine administration
- Concurrent treatment with ECT, TMS, or VNS in the current MDE
- Significant suicidal ideation as determined by a C-SSRS score \>2 in past 30 days
- History of suicide attempt or self harm in the prior 2 years
- SBP \> 165 or DBP \> 95 on infusion day
- MoCA score \< 23
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations