Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

When you sign up for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy you will receive mental health appointments (plus medical evaluation) spaced out over approximately 2 months*. During this time you will receive a psychological evaluation, a medical evaluation, an in-depth preparation session(s), 6 ketamine experiences, and 6 psychotherapeutic integration sessions.

A typical treatment series may look something like this:

Week 1 “Meet & Greet”, Psychological Evaluation

Week 2 Medical Evaluation, Preparation

Week 3 Experience #1 and Integration

Week 4 Experience #2 and Integration

Week 5 Experience #3 and Integration

Week 6 Experience #4 and Integration

Week 7 Experience #5 and Integration

Week 8 Experience #6 and Integration

*Many clinics may instead offer ketamine treatment over a shorter time period; above is just an example of a slower pace.

Depending on route of administration (IV, IM, or Oral) the patient will receive the appropriate level of medical preparation by a licensed professional prior to starting. You will be wearing an eye mask, noise isolating headphones, and either seated or laying in a comfortable position. During your experience you will remain undisturbed and will not be “guided” or “directed” - instead, you will begin with an intention that is then individually explored throughout the duration of the experience. Afterwards, you will be gently welcomed back to your normal awareness and record any perspectives or reflections you may have encountered on your journey.

A competent psychotherapist working with psychedelics will know it is foolish to predict the psychedelic experience individuals can expect - each experience is created by your own mind, and can hold insights and perspectives that have the potential to bring healing and transformation. Patients who have never used psychedelics before have often described the experience like a dream or feeling a disconnect from reality. Relative to other psychedleics (psyilcybin, LSD, etc.) ketamine is unique in that it is brief with a more gentle onset. While the psychedelic effects are brief, the following post-anestetic like symptoms are likley to linger in the hours following each treatment.

Integration is an essential component of any psychedelic intervention. An increasing body of research has observed that psychotherapy alongside psychedelic interventions can lead to a more lasting and substantial change. For each ketamine experience 1 hour of virtual integration is provided; ideally the following day. Additionally, there is time for in-person reflection immediately following each psychedelic experience. What differentiates a psychedelic coach or guide and a psychedelic assisted psychotherapist is the capacity to handle the most difficult or unexpected situations that may arise during treatment. PsychThera excels in their expertise to handle these experiences and provide a container for healing integration to take place.

We are currently partnered with multiple prescribers in the community that have the capacity to administer ketamine via IV, IM, and Orally (Lozenges via prescription). We do not currently utilize nasal ketamine with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

PsychThera partners with community providers that have demonstrated a competence, expertise, and passion for working with ketamine. Psychotherapists will not be administering the medicine, nor will they be responsible for medical monitoring. These responsibilities are handled by the trained medical professionals, while the psychological support and integration remain the sole focus of PsychThera.

Both PsychThera and their community partners place patient wellness as our highest priority. All patients will receive both medical and psychological assessment prior to treatment. Some medical conditions may put patients at a higher risk of complication and these risks will be discussed with your medical provider. Generally, most individuals will qualify for treatment.

Using ketamine for the treatment of mental illness is, at this time, considered an “off-label” use of a controlled substance. Ketamine is legal when administered by a licensed professional in an approved setting.

The use of ketamine in a clinical setting under the supervision of both medical and psychological clinicians greatly reduces risk, however undergoing this form of treatment does have risk. Medical risks will be discussed with your prescriber in detail, and in some cases treatment may be declined. Psychedelic experiences have the potential, for some individuals, to cause distress (sometimes referred to as a “bad trip”). It has been noted in research and clinical experince that a majority of such experiences interestingly seem to have a positive and life changing effect subsequently. As is true with traditional psychotherapy, ketamine assisted psychotherapy appreciates that sometimes difficult discussions or experiences fall along the path the wellness. PsychThera’s role is to walk with you along this path, and to provide support with genuine compassion and respect.

PsychThera operates on the basic idea that “we don’t become depressed/anxious/etc without reason”. Some of these reasons may include grief, life stress, trauma, oppression, injustice, health concerns, isolation, and more. Your treatment will be focused on illuminating these factors and finding new and effective ways of addressing them when possible. If we are able to change our relationship with these factors then we can reduce likelihood of future suffering. This has been colloquially phrased as “if nothing changes, nothing changes”.

PsychThera does not accept insurance or offer payment plans. We do however offer SuperBills which may be submitted to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

While ketamine assisted psychotherapy is, relative to traditional psychotherapy, radically accelerated it still requires your attention and engagement over a period of time for results to have sustainability. The number of ketamine sessions included in the KAP package has been supported in numerous clinical studies and echo’d by other providers in the field. In some situations (ex. exceptional trauma or severe depression) patients may find benefit extending their series or returning for additional ketamine sessions periodically.

Yes! If you are interested in having a brief video call to learn more and get to know the therapist you are welcome to reach out using the “Contact” button at the top right of the page.

During each ketamine session you will be asked to wear an eye mask (voluntarily) and noise isolating headphones; thus your sensory input is greatly reduced. You will however be listening to music - this is one of the key elements of insuring a safe a therapeutic setting. Your therapist will work with you to curate a musical experience that is in alignment with what you hope to get out of each session. Click the “Jon Hopkins Music For Psychedelic Therapy” link under “Resources” to listen to a sample of audio that is likely to be recommended.

Eye masks are strongly encouraged during treatment to avoid external distractions and to encouraged a more introspective experience. PsychThera recommends using a light and comfortable eye mask during treatments. The “MindFold” has been a popular and affordable design used with great success (see the link under “Resources” for more information).

“Ketamine Infusions: A Patient’s Guide” is a great and short book that outlines helpful information about ketamine infusions from the patient perspective. While the book is written specific to IV ketamine much of it’s contents can be applied to IM and Oral routes of administration as well. Click “Resources” if you are interested in learning more about this book.