Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging treatment approach with growing evidence supporting its use in addressing depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, particularly among individuals with significant trauma histories. This presentation will examine the clinical rationale, therapeutic mechanisms, and evolving applications of KAP within contemporary psychiatric care. Special attention will be given to trauma-informed frameworks, ethical considerations, and the relevance of this modality for forensic and mental-health nurses. The session will also explore how KAP might support healing in the aftermath of violence, disconnection, and suffering. This session is intended for forensic nurses and mental health professionals who care for trauma-exposed individuals and are seeking to better understand a treatment approach that expands the boundaries of conventional psychiatric practice. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what KAP entails, how it is practiced, and what ethical and clinical considerations should guide its use.

Objectives:

• Describe the clinical rationale, mechanisms of action, and current applications of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for the treatment of depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions
• Identify key ethical, relational, and trauma-informed considerations in the delivery of KAP, particularly in populations with histories of violence or systemic marginalization
• Discuss the relevance of KAP for forensic and mental health nursing practice, including how it may interface with existing models of care for trauma-exposed individuals

PRESENTER(S) 

Liz Braun, MSN, MEd, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and PhD student in Nursing Ethics at Duquesne University. She completed advanced practice training at Vanderbilt University and holds additional certifications in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Liz’s clinical background includes work as an emergency room nurse, sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), and psychiatric nurse. Liz currently serves as Director of Psychedelic Services at Intero Psychedelic Therapy, a Minnesota-based KAP clinic, where she has conducted over 500 KAP sessions. Her doctoral research explores the ethical dimensions of psychedelic therapy, emphasizing trauma-informed, relational approaches to care. Outside of work, Liz enjoys rowing, learning to play the harp, and spending time with loved ones.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 9/24/2025 and will remain available for CE credit through 12/31/2027

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.