Data Sheet 2_A clinical protocol for group-based ketamine-assisted therapy in a community of practice: the Roots To Thrive model.pdf

BackgroundKetamine-assisted therapy (KaT) has demonstrated therapeutic potential in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD, driving interest in group-based models of care. Yet, few published protocols offer the comprehensive structure required for safe, scalable application in real-world clinical settings. The RTT-KaT model offers a resilience-informed, community-anchored framework that integrates trauma-aware care with a respectful and intentional weaving of Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. Initially launched as a quality improvement initiative through a partnership between a Canadian university and a regional health authority, RTT-KaT has since evolved into a non-profit clinical program. To date, it has supported over 750 participants through more than 2,000 KaT sessions and 700 Community of Practice groups. RTT-KaT is a culturally informed, resilience-focused model of group-based psychedelic-assisted therapy developed and refined since 2018. The model is rooted in the intentional weaving of Western clinical frameworks and Indigenous knowledge systems, grounded in principles of relational accountability, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care.
MethodsThis methods protocol describes the RTT-KaT model, including its medical, operational, and ceremonial components. Delivered over 12 weeks, the program embeds three intramuscular or sublingual ketamine sessions within a structured Community of Practice. Weekly large- and small-group sessions are grounded in somatic, relational, and culturally responsive principles. The program is co-facilitated by a multidisciplinary—and often multicultural—team including healthcare providers, therapists, and somatic energy practitioners. A structured, psychology- and resilience-informed curriculum cultivates core resilience factors—such as congruence and sense of coherence—through practices that foster awareness, meaning-making, somatic regulation, and alignment with one’s values and purpose.
ResultsKetamine is positioned as an amplifier, not the primary driver of change. Ceremonial framing, intentional group process, and a relationally anchored curriculum serve as central mechanisms supporting meaningful change. Supplementary materials detail protocols for screening, dosing, consent, medical monitoring, and integration. While early outcome data have been published elsewhere, this article presents the methodology and protocol to support replication, adaptation, and ongoing evaluation.
DiscussionRTT-KaT offers a structured, scalable, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive model that bridges clinical safety with both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. A longitudinal follow-up study is currently underway to evaluate long-term impact and guide future implementations.

背景 氯胺酮辅助疗法（Ketamine-assisted therapy, KaT）在治疗抑郁症、焦虑症及创伤后应激障碍（Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD）方面已展现出治疗潜力，由此推动了群体照护模式的研究热潮。然而，目前已发表的相关方案中，鲜有能为真实临床场景下安全、可规模化应用提供完整框架的研究。RTT-KaT模型提供了一套以韧性为导向、以社区为依托的框架，整合创伤知情照护，并以尊重且刻意融合的方式将西方临床框架与本土知识体系有机结合。该模型最初由加拿大某高校与地区卫生部门合作发起，作为一项质量改进项目，后逐步发展为非营利性临床项目。截至目前，该项目已通过2000余场氯胺酮辅助疗法疗程与700余个实践社区（Community of Practice, CoP），为超过750名参与者提供了支持。RTT-KaT是一款以文化适配、韧性为核心的群体致幻剂辅助疗法模型，自2018年起不断开发与完善。该模型以刻意融合西方临床框架与本土知识体系为基础，秉持关系问责、文化谦逊与创伤知情照护的核心原则。
方法 本方案详细阐述了RTT-KaT模型，涵盖其医学、运营与仪式化组成部分。该项目周期为12周，在结构化的实践社区框架内嵌入三场肌内或舌下给药的氯胺酮辅助疗法疗程。每周开展的大小型团体活动均以躯体取向、关系导向与文化适配为核心原则。本项目由多学科（通常兼具多元文化背景）团队共同主导，团队成员涵盖医疗人员、治疗师与躯体能量从业者。一套结构化、基于心理学与韧性导向的课程体系，通过培养觉知、意义建构、躯体调节以及与个人价值观和目标的契合度等实践，培育核心韧性要素——如自我一致性与心理一致感。
结果 氯胺酮在此模型中被定位为变化的放大器，而非改变的核心驱动力。仪式化框架、刻意设计的团体流程以及以关系为锚点的课程体系，是促成有意义改变的核心机制。补充材料详细说明了筛查、给药、知情同意、医学监测与整合照护的相关方案。尽管早期结局数据已在其他期刊发表，但本文旨在公开该模型的方法学与实施方案，以支持其复制、适配与持续评估。
讨论 RTT-KaT模型提供了一套结构化、可规模化、循证且文化适配的方案，将临床安全与西方及本土知识体系进行了有机融合。目前一项纵向随访研究正在开展，旨在评估该模型的长期影响并为未来的落地应用提供指导。