Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
What Exactly Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a groundbreaking approach to mental health treatment that has gained significant attention in recent years. This innovative therapy combines the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapeutic techniques to help individuals address a wide range of mental health challenges.
What Does The Process Look Like During A KAP Session?
Before the actual KAP session can occur, there are a few steps that we have to take first to ensure this is a good treatment modality for you as everyone is vastly different.
You first will meet with a medical provider that I work closely with to ensure that you are a good candidate for KAP from a physical health standpoint. If you are deemed medically cleared by this provider, we then will get you scheduled for your actual experience. This is also who provides the prescription for the Ketamine for the experience. This will be given through the form of a lozenge that you take orally.
The time that you can expect to be in the office for your experience from your arrival to you leaving is about three hours.
Ketamine is administered in a controlled, clinical setting under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. During your actual experience, you will be in a office space and I will be present with you during that entire experience to offer support and to help guide you through your experience and to explore your thoughts, emotions, and memories that may emerge. Pillows, blankets, eye shades, and other items will be offered to ensure you are comfortable.
Integration is a vital part of KAP to help you make sense of your experience and to deepen your understanding of any insights you may have learned from your experience. This will occur within a week of your experience and will be done in a psychotherapy format.
What Does A KAP Experience Feel Like?
Ketamine induces altered states of consciousness, often described as dissociation or a "dream-like" state. This altered state allows individuals to gain a fresh perspective on their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Every individual's experience is unique to them. Whether it is a pleasant experience or more challenging experience, KAP encourages individuals to trust that there is a reason that particular experience is happening for them, even if it might be difficult to make sense of it in the moment.
What Are The Benefits of KAP?
Rapid Relief: One of the most significant benefits of KAP is its ability to provide rapid relief from symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, which may take weeks to show effects, ketamine often produces noticeable improvements within hours to days.
Treatment-Resistant Depression: KAP has been particularly effective in treating individuals with treatment-resistant depression. It offers hope to those who have not responded to other forms of treatment, providing a lifeline when they need it most.
Reduced Anxiety: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety. It helps individuals confront and manage their anxiety in a safe and supportive environment.
PTSD and Trauma: Individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or unresolved trauma can find relief through KAP. The dissociative effects of ketamine can help individuals process and reframe traumatic experiences.
Enhanced Insight and Self-Awareness: KAP often leads to profound insights and increased self-awareness. Patients gain a clearer understanding of their thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions, which can be invaluable in long-term healing and personal growth.
Lasting Benefits: While the initial effects of ketamine may be short-lived, the insights gained during sessions can have lasting benefits. Many individuals find that KAP serves as a catalyst for ongoing personal transformation and improved mental health.
How much does KAP cost?
The costs are as follows:
-$300 for the medical evaluation and for the the prescription for the Ketamine (paid directly to that provider)
-$600 for the three hour experience, one pre-integration session, and one post-integration session