Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine is a legal prescription drug (schedule 3), safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.

Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. I work with a variety of medical providers and can discuss which method is appropriate for you.

The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subsided, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.

1. Initial Assessment

In the initial clinical assessment we discuss your mental health history and determine if KAP is suitable for your condition and needs.

If KAP is suitable for you then you are then referred to a medication provider who can assess whether ketamine is suitable based on your medical history and conditions.

2. Preparation Sessions

Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.

3. KAP Dosing Session: In my office, it is taken sublingually by the individual.

A typical ketamine dosing session lasts about 3 hours and can take place either in-person at my office, or remotely via telehealth (after subsequent in person sessions).

During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge either in my office or in your home. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.

For clients doing IV infusions, I can be at the clinic to help support you and/or have preparation and integration sessions before and after your IV infusion sessions.

4. Integration Sessions

After the KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session. We will explore how these insights can be applied to your daily life, increase coping strategies, and explore personal growth.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an affordable, accessible modality. Although the medical intake and follow ups are not covered by insurance, they are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.

Individual Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Investment:

• Individual Dosing session (3 hours) -$750
• Individual Preparation and Integration Sessions- 50 minutes – $250 per session

Group Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Investment:

• Group dosing sessions (4 -8 clients max/3 hours) -$450 per group member
• Group Integration sessions (2 hours) – $200 per group member

• Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment – by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAP
• Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): PatientDemographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy – research study by Jennifer Dore et al, 2018
• Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders by Erica Zelfand, ND for Townsend Letter
• Ketamine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression by goop
• Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Jonathan Sabbagh of Journey Clinical