Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine treatment with psychotherapy sessions. The medicine can temporarily shift perception, enhance openness, and increase neuroplasticity, allowing us to work more deeply in therapy. Many people find that this combination supports emotional breakthroughs, helps to interrupt stuck patterns, and can contribute to meaningful, lasting change. 

Ketamine is a medication that has been safely used in medical settings for decades. At lower, controlled doses, it has been shown to support treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine can produce rapid-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, often within hours of a session. It works in part by interacting with NMDA and AMPA receptors in the brain, supporting neuroplasticity and helping strengthen the neural pathways involved in mood regulation and stress response. 

The effects of ketamine usually last around 45 minutes and are often described as calming, expansive, or dreamlike. Many people feel a temporary shift in their sense of self or body, which can open the door to new perspectives and emotional insights. Because coordination and speech can be limited during this time, you’ll be resting comfortably, often reclined, with an eye mask and music.

As the medicine wears off, you may notice a sense of clarity, softness, or emotional spaciousness. You might not have words for everything right away, and that’s completely normal. To support your process, psychotherapy is recommended 24-48 hours following ketamine treatment to support integration. This is where we explore your experience in more depth, uncover insights, make connections, and translate what came up into meaningful therapeutic movement. Integration helps reinforce the benefits of the ketamine session and can extend the positive effects into your daily life.

Medical evaluation: Before beginning KAP, you’ll complete a medical screening with a licensed prescriber or partnering clinic to ensure ketamine is appropriate and safe for you.

Preparation sessions: Once medical screening is complete, we’ll meet for one or more preparation sessions. These are similar to regular therapy sessions and are used to clarify intentions, understand the process, and make sure you feel supported and ready.

KAP dosing session: A dosing session can last 1-3 hours and can occur in office, remotely via telehealth, or in a ketamine clinic (depending on type of administration). You’ll receive prescribed ketamine and settle into a comfortable position with an eye mask and music. Although the experience is mostly internal, you may wish to have a supportive person present with you, which can be explored further in preparation. 

Integration sessions: In the days following your dosing session, we’ll meet for an integration session. This is where we explore the insights, emotions, or experiences that emerged, and work together to apply them meaningfully to your life. Integration is a key part of the process.

Ongoing medical follow-up: Depending on the type of ketamine treatment you utilize, you can expect to check in with your prescribing provider periodically to ensure safety, monitor progress, and manage any medication refills, or your provider will be present for in-clinic treatment. 

The cost of KAP varies depending on the prescribing provider or clinic you work with for the medical component. My fees apply to the psychotherapy portion, including preparation, dosing (if applicable), and integration sessions. I offer a reduced rate for dosing sessions, as they typically last longer than standard therapy appointments. I’m happy to discuss details and explore options during our consultation.