Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted therapy (KAP) offers a unique and powerful opportunity for healing by working directly with the brain and nervous system. This medicine induces a state of neuroplasticity—meaning your brain becomes more flexible to forming new, healthier pathways. During this window, old patterns can be re-examined and restructured with greater ease. KAP may quiet the part of the brain often responsible for rumination, fear, and overthinking, allowing space for insight, clarity, and a sense of expanded awareness.
Many people describe the ketamine experience as dreamlike, spacious, or even spiritual. You may feel a gentle detachment from the usual stories or sensations of the body and mind, which allows you to observe your life from a new perspective. In this altered state of consciousness, it becomes possible to access emotions, memories, or truths that may be difficult to reach in everyday life.
Within the therapeutic container, you’re able to explore these experiences with safety, presence, and intention.
KAP may support those navigating a wide range of conditions, especially where traditional approaches may not have fully helped. It commonly helps support depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic stress, and existential distress. It can also be a helpful tool in processing grief, navigating life transitions, or reconnecting with a sense of purpose.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines a carefully dosed medicine experience with psychotherapy. The ketamine is prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical provider. My role is the therapy: preparing with you beforehand, being present during medicine sessions, and helping you integrate what arises afterward.
Who prescribes the ketamine?
Ketamine is prescribed through Journey Clinical by a licensed medical provider after a medical evaluation, which determines whether it’s safe and appropriate for you. I do not prescribe medication.
Who is KAP a good fit for?
KAP may help people who feel stuck despite other treatment, including those navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or a loss of meaning. It isn’t right for everyone. Certain medical and mental health conditions can make ketamine unsafe, and your medical provider and I will talk with you about fit before beginning.
What does the process look like?
KAP usually unfolds in three phases. Preparation sessions help us build trust and set intentions. Medicine sessions are where the ketamine experience takes place, with me present. Integration sessions help you make sense of what came up and bring it into daily life. Integration sessions will combine approaches tailored to you including, art threapy, talk therapy, somatic exploration and parts work.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Many people begin with a series of 6 to 12 medicine sessions alongside 4 to 6 preparation session and integration sessions after each dosing session. Everyone is different, we’ll create a plan together with your medical provider.
What does the experience feel like?
Many people describe it as dreamlike or spacious, with a gentle sense of distance from usual thoughts and body sensations. You remain conscious throughout. Experiences differ, and part of preparation is talking through what to expect.
Are there side effects?
Common short-term effects can include nausea, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, and feeling disoriented during and shortly after the session. These usually pass within a few hours. Your medical provider will review risks with you in detail.
Can I do KAP virtually?
Yes, for clients in Colorado. Virtual sessions require a chaperone at home, a private room where you won’t be interrupted, a blood pressure cuff, and a separate device for our session. In-person clients need a ride home and should not drive for the rest of the day.
How do I prepare for a medicine session?
You’ll receive a full preparation guide once you begin. In general, you’ll want a quiet space where you can lie down, comfortable items like a blanket and eye mask, headphones, and a journal or drawing materials for afterward.
Does insurance cover KAP?
Therapy sessions are private pay. Costs for the medical evaluation and medication are separate and billed by the medical provider. Journey Clinical accepts many insurance, you can find more information about insurance here and general costs here.
How do I get started?
Reach out for a free consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for and whether KAP may be a good fit, and I’ll explain next steps for the medical evaluation.
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