You’ve done the talk therapy and although it’s been helpful, it doesn’t feel like it gets to the root of the issue. You may have tried the anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications that don’t ‘work’, or they help for a little while. You are searching for a deeper connection to life, the people in your life, and yourself. You want to break through the habits you have developed and are tired of feeling like you are living a grey life, rather than full of color and shapes. You may have lost hope that things will get better, yet a part of you wants things to change, so you are considering trying a different approach. Willing to try less intellectual, more ineffable. So maybe it’s time to try a ‘new’ way of healing and growing.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine has been used in the United States in medical settings since 1970 when the FDA first approved it. Ketamine appears to prevent neurons in the brain and spinal cord from experiencing painful stimuli; it works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood.

For over 20 years, ketamine has been used off-label in sub-anesthetic (lower) doses to treat chronic pain, treatment-resistant depression, and other mental health issues. Ketamine has also been used to support the treatment of spiritual and existential crises.

Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, sometimes providing nearly immediate relief from emotional and physical pain. While the relief tends to be temporary after a single ketamine treatment, multiple treatments have proven to have a cumulative effect, successfully alleviating symptoms in approximately 70% of individuals.

Ketamine is a safe and legal psychoactive drug (a drug that affects the mind) that is classified as a dissociative anesthetic. “Dissociative” in this context means it is a substance that helps you disconnect and detach from day-to-day reality, thus disrupting your usual ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing. The ketamine treatment helps to increase neuroplasticity, the active process of forming new brain connections, for better well-being.

Ketamine can be administered in various ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, or sublingual lozenges. In my work with clients, I only use the sublingual lozenge form.

While ketamine alone can often have an immediate antidepressant effect, research suggests that ketamine is most effective when combined with psychotherapy.

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a therapeutic modality where psychotherapeutic work is combined with the client taking low, moderate, or high doses of ketamine. In low doses, ketamine supports psychotherapy as it can temporarily soften the psychological defenses. The issues, struggles, emotions, and history that may have been hidden or protected by defense structures are more accessible to examine, digest, and change. KAP can create an opportunity to slow down, focus inward, and explore ways to heal and grow.

A skilled ketamine assisted psychotherapist can make the ketamine experience more understandable and valuable by guiding and supporting you before, during, and after your ketamine treatment. Many clients find that ketamine treatments, combined with an empathic, well-trained psychedelic assisted therapist, increase their sense of wholeness and motivation to engage in lifestyle changes, which leads to experiencing long-term positive change.

How Does Ketamine Feel?

It can be hard to slow down and notice in our chaotic and demanding world (and mind!). During a ketamine dosing session there is space to explore something very different than the daily routine.

Ketamine’s effects last for approximately 45 minutes. You may feel distanced from your body during your journey, with altered perceptions that can often feel expansive or non-ordinary. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll lie down or recline comfortably during the experience. Often, eyeshades and headphones playing music are used to allow for maximum benefits.  

As you come out of the effects of ketamine, the remainder of the session will be used to process your experiences. I will have on-hand art supplies, yoga props, clay, and other sensory tools to help aid you in translating your insights. What was gleaned from the journey is often very clear and sometimes difficult to put into words. Expressive and integrative activities can help bridge the gap between what is ineffable (beyond words) and what can be put into words. I will also have tea, water, and simple snacks on hand to help your body transition to a more ‘normal’ state.

During the days and weeks that follow a ketamine session, it is a time of ripe opportunity to begin turning insights into actions. Using this time window effectively is important for your growth—participating in follow-up integration sessions can be very helpful to support your treatment goals.

What are the steps to begin KAP?

My work with you is based on your past experiences, current challenges, and specific needs and goals. This is done with a medical provider and other treatment team members.

The first step is to schedule a brief consultation call with me, to see if we may be a good fit and to ask any questions. The next step is to schedule an appointment with a medical prescriber. I work with Journey Clinical, and within that program are in-house medical providers who can support you with the medical evaluation. To learn more about what to expect during KAP, including cost of medical evaluation and lozenges, click here for a downloadable flyer.

What happens after the medical intake?

After the initial medical intake, we will meet for 1-3 preparation sessions, similar to psychotherapy sessions. We will cover current and past mental health challenges, intentions for the ketamine dosing session(s), and any other topics.

After the preparation session(s) comes the dosing session. (It is necessary to have someone drive you home after the dosing session, as I cannot allow you to drive yourself). You will check your blood pressure with a wrist cuff or armband. Then, you will self-administer the lozenge prescribed to you, typically in my office and remotely if appropriate. The dosing sessions are usually three hours in length. This allows for checking in, taking the lozenge, experiencing the effects, and transitioning from the journey to the beginnings of integration. I will provide psychotherapeutic support to anything that arises during sessions. After the ketamine dosing session, we will meet for at least one integration session. We will explore any thoughts, memories, insights that arose, and any current challenges, concerns, or questions.

What is the investment towards my healing?

Medical Intake (Via Journey Clinical) $250

Ketamine Lozenges (Via Journey Clinical) approx. $75 for 4-6 doses

Preparation Session (1 hour) $200

Ketamine Dosing Session (3 hours) $600

Integration Session (1 hour) $200

All services (except for dosing session(s) and lozenges) are reimbursable through out-of-network. I do not take insurance for KAP services. Journey Clinical can create a superbill for the medical intake, and I can create a superbill for preparation and integration sessions. You can then submit the superbill to your insurance. Insurance does not reimburse for the ketamine dosing session and lozenge prescription.

Payment is due 24 hours before prep, dosing, and integration sessions. For example, the preparation session fee is due 24 hours before an appointment, dosing session fee is due 24 hours before the appointment.

I have a 48-hour cancellation policy for the above services (unless there is an illness or an emergency). If you cancel after the 48-hour mark, you will be charged for the full amount of that appointment.

To read more about Ketamine

You may like to check out Kriya Institute’s recommended reading list!

it is possible to heal and change

To schedule a free, 20-minute consultation to see if we’re a good match, please contact me for more information.

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