Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for over 50 years. Originally developed as an anesthetic, it is now widely recognized for its rapid-acting antidepressant and therapeutic effects, particularly for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

Ketamine works differently from traditional psychiatric medications like SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft), which primarily affect serotonin levels. Instead, ketamine primarily acts on the glutamate system, which plays a crucial role in brain plasticity and communication between neurons.

Yes. When used in a controlled, therapeutic setting, ketamine is considered safe and well-tolerated for most individuals. At therapeutic doses, ketamine has a strong safety profile, with minimal risk of serious side effects when administered responsibly. Common short-term effects may include mild dizziness, nausea, or temporary dissociation, which typically resolve quickly.

Ketamine may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of psychosis. A thorough medical and psycholgical intake process will determine if you are an apporpirate candidate for KAP.

Because of the short-term effects on cognitiion and coordination, you must have a trusted person drive you home from a KAP dosing session.

A round of KAP will involve a medical intake with a doctor, a psychological intake with me, at least one preparation session, a 3-hour dosing session, and at least one integration session. During the intake process, we will determine a treatment plan for the frequency and number of dosing sessions. Typically 4-6 dosing sessions are recommended, with integration sessions in between.

In the preparation sessions we will discuss your history and current challenges. This is the time where you will set your goals and intentions for the dosing session. We will discuss your hopes and expectations, establish safety and connection, and discuss practical details. By the end of the prep sessions, you should feel informed, supported, and ready to engage with the ketamine experience in a meaningful way.

The dosing/journey session is when you will take the ketamine. You will bring your prescription with you to my office. I will provide everything else you need to be comfortable- a mat, blankets, pillows, eyeshades, music to accompany your journey, and tea and snacks for afterward as you will have been fasting for 4 hours prior to taking the medicine.

The integration sessions are an essential part of the KAP experience, helping you process and apply what comes up during your journey. We will reflect on any thoughts, emotions, images, or insights that arose, making sense of them in a meaningful way. Some experiences may feel clear and meaningful, while others might take time to understand. Through discussion, journaling, or other approaches, we’ll explore how to make use of the insights gained. The goal of integration is to help you turn these experiences into lasting change, whether that means shifting thought patterns, improving emotional resilience, or making adjustments in your life.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is not a magic bullet, but it can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. Mental health is complex, and while ketamine can provide rapid relief from symptoms and open the door to new perspectives, lasting change comes from the ongoing process of therapy, self-reflection, and integration. Some people experience profound breakthroughs, while others see more gradual shifts over time. The goal of KAP is to help you access new ways of thinking and feeling, giving you the space and support to work through challenges in a deeper way. Rather than a one-time fix, it’s part of a larger journey toward well-being.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is used to help with a range of mental health challenges, particularly for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. It has been shown to be effective for:

• Depression – Including treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, and bipolar depression.
• Anxiety Disorders – Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and existential distress.
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – Helping process trauma and reduce emotional reactivity.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Particularly for those who haven't responded well to conventional treatments.
• Suicidal Thoughts – Ketamine has been found to provide rapid relief for acute suicidal ideation.
• Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia – By altering pain perception and reducing emotional distress linked to pain.
• Grief & Life Transitions – Supporting emotional processing in times of loss or significant change.

While KAP can be highly effective, it’s not a standalone cure. It works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, integration, and ongoing mental health support.