Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic with dissociative properties. Following decades of ongoing medical research, it was identified as having potential therapeutic benefits for mental health concerns. Ketamine is considered a psychedelic, which simply means that it provides expansion of consciousness and detachment from reality.
Evidence indicates that when a dose of ketamine is provided with high-quality psychotherapy, the results are fast-acting and long-lasting. While ketamine can be provided as a stand-alone treatment, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) provides a more holistic treatment approach that includes work with a trained psychotherapist before, during, and after a ketamine infusion session. This approach is known to enhance outcomes.
KAP can provide significant relief for mental disorders that have been ineffective to other forms of treatment, such as traditional talk therapy and medication. In particular, data shows rapid symptom reductions for depression, PTSD, and suicidality.
KAP clients often report the ability to do deeper therapeutic work, which is a result of increased insight and neuroplasticity. Motivation and energy are often high following ketamine sessions.
KAP Overview
Step 1: Intake and Medical Screening with Medical Provider (virtual)
You will meet with a Medical Provider to review your medical and mental health history, answer questions, and discuss whether ketamine is appropriate for you.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation Sessions (virtual)
Meet with your KAP therapist to set intentions and review your expectations. You will also discuss ways to be supported during and after your treatment.
Step 3: Ketamine Infusion Session
Receive your tailored ketamine dose in a medically-safe setting. This will take approximately 60-75 minutes. If requested, your KAP therapist can be present for your entire ketamine infusion. Plan to have the day off and dedicated to rest.
Step 4: Integration Sessions (virtual)
Within 24-48 hours, you will meet with your KAP therapist to process the material and emotions that came up during and after your infusion. This session is crucial to integrate your experience and deeply explore insights and new awareness.
*Depending on the issues being addressed, you will then repeat Infusion Sessions and Integration Sessions in quick succession over a few weeks time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ketamine has been FDA-approved for use with humans since 1970. It has been effective for off-label treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidality. Ketamine is the only legal psychedelic available for mental health treatment.
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover ketamine infusion sessions or integration sessions.
*Military may be eligible for a discount.
If any, side effects will occur during the ketamine infusion session and the treatment can be stopped immediately. Ketamine is well-tolerated. However, you may experience nausea or vomiting, feeling sluggish or tired, dizziness, increased blood pressure, and/or confusion. As a precaution, you will not be able to drive home from your ketamine infusion session.
Studies and clinical experience have found that in low doses in a medical setting, there is limited potential for addiction or abuse.
What you will experience is a gradual relaxation into dissociation. You will remain conscious for the infusion and will notice new thoughts, sensations, and feelings.
You may have heard of ketamine referred to as “Special K” or “Vitamin K” among other nicknames. It has been popular in party culture because of its dissociative qualities. Ketamine in a therapeutic setting is provided under medical supervision, following a medical evaluation, and tailored in dosage. Research has now shown considerable benefits when used in a clinical setting to provide relief to mental health symptoms.
You do not need a referral from your current medical provider. However, to be eligible for ketamine treatment, you will be evaluated by a trained MD. If you have any prescribers, we can collaborate with them to ensure ketamine treatment is appropriate.
While ketamine alone will provide symptom relief, you can enhance your results with KAP. Integration provides sustainability of results and allows for increased depths of clarity. It also minimizes the possibility of relapse.
Great! If you are already working with a therapist you like, keep them! I encourage you to still participate in KAP for the duration of your ketamine treatments. KAP is meant to be short-term, focused work. When treatment is complete, you can return to your therapist.