A clinical protocol for group-based ketamine-assisted therapy in a community of practice: The Roots To Thrive model

Ketamine-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.