Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment approach where ketamine is used alongside psychotherapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. It’s designed for clients who meet eligibility criteria and aims to facilitate more profound therapeutic breakthroughs and long-term symptom relief. In this modality, I take on the psychotherapy services, and our medical team handles the medical components, including assessing eligibility, creating a personalized treatment plan, prescribing ketamine, and tracking progress. If you’re considering this therapy, the information below will help you determine if KAP might be a good fit for you.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine, a legally prescribed medication, is used to manage various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It is known for its quick-acting antidepressant properties, often beginning to work within hours of administration. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to block NMDA receptors in the brain and stimulate AMPA receptors, leading to the formation of new synaptic connections and improved neural pathways related to stress and mood control. Additionally, ketamine contributes to increased neuroplasticity, potentially resulting in long-term relief of symptoms. It can be administered through IV infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, or sublingual lozenges; our practice specifically utilizes the sublingual form for therapy.
How Does Ketamine Feel?
Ketamine’s effects typically create a pleasant sensation for most patients, lasting around 45 minutes. You might experience a sense of detachment from your body and altered perceptions that can seem broadening. Your ability to move and speak will be limited, so you’ll be lying down during the session. After the effects wear off, the remaining time will be dedicated to helping you process and discuss what you’ve experienced. Although it might be challenging to put your experience into words, patients often report having clear and insightful takeaways.
How Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Works
Initial Consultation
Schedule an initial evaluation with our medical team via Zoom to determine if you are eligible for KAP. If you qualify, a small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home, enough for the first 2 KAP sessions.
Preparation Session
Preparation sessions will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session is to align the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.
KAP Dosing Session
A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 2-3 hours and can take place remotely via Zoom.
Integration Session
After our KAP doing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts, and insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session.
Follow-up Consultations
After our first KAP session, our medical team schedules regular follow-ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate.
How Do I Sign Up for Ketamine Therapy?
If you would like to explore the possibility of working with me using ketamine therapy, please schedule a free consultation call to discuss eligibility and next steps.
QUESTIONS?
Whether you’re curious about therapy methods, a consultation session, or even our counseling approach, we’re here to address any inquiries you may have.