Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine is a synthesized, psychoactive drug that has been used in the United States as an anesthetic since the 1970s, and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It’s legal, obtained via a prescribing clinician, and has minimal side effects making it safe for most people. Ketamine produces both dissociative and psychedelic effects in most users, and can provide access to unconscious processes.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a unique therapeutic method that is used to address a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, addiction, and anxiety. Ketamine can help quiet the amygdala (the alarm center of the brain), thereby allowing space for deeper self-reflection and the ability to process old material in new ways. Ketamine is not a “magic pill”, and therapeutic support prior to, during, and post the medicine work allows for one to integrate their healing for lasting change. This form of therapy is a powerful option for those who have struggled with long-term mental health concerns and have found that different modalities have not worked for them. 

If you are a good candidate for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, you will be referred to a prescribing physician. The physician will ensure you meet the mental and physical requirements for KAP and will call in your prescription to a compounding pharmacy. The prescription will be shipped directly to you and will be brought to each therapy session. The medicine remains in your possession, or a safe is provided for its storage between sessions.

There are varying modes of administration for Ketamine: Intravenously (IV), Nasally, Intramuscular (IM), and Sublingual. 

In office Ketamine sessions utilize sublingual administration by way of lozenges. The client will administer the dose agreed upon by the therapist and prescribing clinician. The therapist does not touch, interact with, recommend, or administer the medicine.

A KAP session lasts between 2- 2.5 hours. The medicine experience itself lasts about an hour, with the client typically feeling the onset of the medicine within 15-20 minutes, when taken orally.

We begin a KAP session by setting the container and naming your intentions for the session.

Headphones, music, a blanket, and an eye mask are provided. Clients are welcome to bring any additional comfort items to a session- e.g. a pillow, weighted blanket, meaningful items, etc. Comfortable clothes are recommended. 

You will self-administer the agreed upon dosage and will swish the medicine orally for 10-15 minutes. During this time you will have the option of putting on the eye covering- used to facilitate a deeper internal experience and headphones. The therapist will let you know when you can swallow or spit the medicine. 

Clients then lay down for their experience. The therapist remains in the room and nearby to assist and hold the space. The dosage will determine the intensity of the experience. Some clients remain non-verbal and internal for the experience, while others will check in periodically to discuss what they are experiencing.

Higher dose ketamine sessions result in a more dissociative and psychedelic experience. Low dose sessions allow for more in the moment processing and allow for a client to be more embodied and verbal. The right dosage will be determined based on your needs, presenting issues, and what feels right for you.

At the end of the session there is time to come back to the room, debrief (if desired), and outline ways to continue your integration process between sessions.

For those struggling with acute symptoms, such as suicidality, addiction, or severe depression- it is recommended that you complete a “6 Series” in 4-6 weeks. This includes 6 medicine sessions with integration sessions scheduled as needed.

Many find relief in their symptoms after a 6 series, but booster sessions can be utilized as needed if symptoms return. 

Frequency can be adjusted to meet your needs.

You cannot drive post your KAP session. You will need to organize drop off and pick up to your session. It is recommended you do not engage in work or other activities for at least 2-3 hours following your session. Ride services are not recommended following your first few sessions until you know and feel comfortable with how you will respond and react to the medication.

Non-Ketamine Therapy sessions, including pre-medicine work sessions, integration sessions, and follow-up sessions are $175-$200/ 50 minutes.

Ketamine sessions are $350/ 2-2.5 hours.

The evaluation and screening with a prescribing physician is estimated to be between $300-$350.

The medication itself is approximately $40 depending on the amount/ dosage and pharmacy used.

 Ketamine therapy can be expensive, but provides relief for many that have spent thousands of dollars on prescriptions and other therapies and healing modalities without results. We do not accept insurance, but can provide a Superbill which you can submit independently to your insurance provider. Some providers will offer partial reimbursement for out of network clinicians. We always recommend you speak with your provider prior to the start of services to ascertain what their policies are. 

Medically, the risks of taking ketamine are low, making it a safe option for many. Ketamine is contra-indicated for those: with high blood pressure, currently experiencing mania, who are pregnant or nursing, and those who are experiencing psychotic episodes.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy please schedule a consultation to see if this modality is right for you.