Ketamine is traditionally used at high doses as an anesthetic in the operating room. At low doses, Ketamine works by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in mood regulation and pain perception. This unique mechanism of action can lead to rapid improvements in mood and cognitive function, often within hours of treatment. This positive effect makes Ketamine an invaluable option for individuals who have not found relief through traditional therapies. 

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a type of treatment for mental health disorders that combines the use of the anesthetic drug ketamine with traditional psychotherapy. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies on the verbal exchange between patient and therapist to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, KAP includes a pharmacological component that can facilitate a deeper exploration of the patient’s inner world.

One of the key differences between traditional talk therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is the speed and intensity of the therapeutic process. This is due to the powerful antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of ketamine, which can rapidly alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

In ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, the patient is given a low dose of oral ketamine and is guided through a journey of self-exploration by the therapist. During this journey, the patient may experience altered states of consciousness that can help them gain new insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

One advantage of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is its ability to serve as a unique and powerful tool for delving into the patient's internal landscape. The altered states of consciousness induced by ketamine can assist patients in gaining new insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and in discovering the underlying causes of their mental health challenges. This can be particularly helpful for patients who have been stuck in negative patterns of thinking and behavior for years and have been unable to make progress with traditional talk therapy.

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which in turn affects the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate is a key player in the brain’s ability to process information and form new connections, so by altering its release, ketamine can have a profound impact on a person’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors.

Ketamine can assist with lowering defenses and vigilance by impacting the Default Mode Network and thereby increasing access to process challenging material with less overwhelm.

Additionally, ketamine has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is believed to play a role in the development and maintenance of mental health disorders. By reducing inflammation, ketamine may help to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

1. Preparation: Your therapist will connect with you to create a safe and nurturing relationship and learn about your intentions for your medicine session. Together, we will identify your hopes, goals, and understanding for your ketamine session, and also address any hesitations you may have about the psychedelic experience itself.

2. Referral for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Patients will be referred to a prescriber specializing in KAP who closely collaborates with the therapist to monitor progress.

3. Medicine Experience: The therapist will support you during the administration of the oral medicine and will be by your side throughout the entire experience. The treatments take place in a specially curated room with music designed to facilitate your journey and typically last 1.5 to 2 hours.

4. Therapeutic Exploration: During the altered state of consciousness, patients work with the therapist to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to facilitate this process, including guided imagery, breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness practices. 

5. Integration: The integration phase is often the most crucial part of the KAP experience as it enables you to derive meaning from the experience and incorporate the lessons into your life. We will also work together to plan the next steps to support your ongoing healing journey.

The immediate effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. Many people feel some version of being “out of” their body, and experience shifts in perception of both inner and outer worlds. Your motor and verbal abilities will be somewhat reduced, so you’ll be lying down or sitting in a comfortable position during the experience. Once the initial effects have subsided, you may still feel more open and peaceful and may take the remainder of the time to process and discuss your experience. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood, and the window of neurological growth, can last up to two weeks after the ketamine experience.

The Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco, a leading organization in the development of KAP, offers this list of common long-term benefits:

• A “time out” from ordinary mind and reality

• Decrease in negative or obsessive thoughts and negative self-talk

• Profound shifts in perspective on self, relationships, and worldview

• A more positive outlook on challenging life situations and relationships

• Increase in self-esteem and self-compassion

• Enhancement of creative problem-solving abilities

• Greater motivation for lifestyle or behavior changes

• Relief from existential distress

• Potential of having a spiritual experience

The cost of treatment will vary depending on the individual needs and treatment plan of each client. The total number and frequency of your ketamine sessions is a decision made collaboratively between the patient and therapist. Insurance does not cover the cost of KAP at this time. Preparation and integration sessions may be covered by insurance and will be discussed with the patient before the KAP journey begins.

The fees for KAP are as follows:

50 minute preparation and integration sessions:
$150 per session

90 minute KAP session:
$300 per session