Ketamine Assisted
PsychoTherapy
Is an innovative treatment approach that combines the administration of ketamine with psychotherapy to help address various mental health issues. KAP is a therapeutic approach where the anesthetic drug ketamine is used in conjunction with mental health therapy to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant properties at lower doses. Ketamine allows us to bypass our defenses and feelings of anxiety, giving us access to deeper feelings we typically avoid. With the guidance of your therapist - you will begin to self-soothe any defenses that are activated that would normally protect our anxiety and keep us stuck.
FAQ
Why Ketamine?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic when paired with therapy, can improve treatment resistant mental health disorders. Ketamine works by quickly increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the frontal cortex of the brain, whilst allowing new synapses to form in the same area. This produces an antidepressant effect by allowing the serotonin straight to activating glutamate. KAP certainly also has a psychedelic component, that releases us from those stuck pathways, probably through temporary modulation of a specific serotonergic gate; and it also enhances new learning through glutamine mechanisms, so that we can quickly learn new habits.
How Does KAP Work?
1. Screening and Assessment: Before starting KAP, a thorough evaluation including assessing their medical history, mental health status, and treatment goals.
2. Preparation: The therapist prepares the patient for the ketamine experience, explaining what to expect and helping them set intentions for the session.
3. Administration of Ketamine: Ketamine can be administered in intravenous (IV). The dosage is carefully controlled to induce a therapeutic, rather than an anesthetic, effect.
4. Therapeutic Session: During the ketamine experience, which typically lasts between 45 minutes the patient is monitored by a professional. The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can facilitate deeper emotional and psychological exploration.
5. Integration: After the ketamine session, the patient engages in psychotherapy to process the experiences and insights gained. This integration phase is crucial for helping the patient make sense of their experiences and apply them to their everyday life.
Benefits of K.A.P
-
Rapid Relief: Ketamine can provide fast-acting relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety, often within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to become effective.
-
Enhanced Therapy: The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can help patients access and process emotions and memories that might be difficult to reach in normal therapy sessions.
-
Neuroplasticity: Ketamine has been shown to promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections, which can support long-term healing and recovery.
Who Can Benefit from KAP?
KAP can be beneficial for individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. It offers a promising alternative for those seeking rapid relief and a deeper therapeutic experience.
If you or someone you know is considering KAP, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in this treatment to determine if it's the right fit and to ensure it is administered safely.
Is this covered by my insurance?
No. This modality is considered Out of Network and an out of pocket expense. In some cases, we can create a "Superbill" — a specific document required by an insurance company — that allows you to seek reimbursement for an out-of-network provider. Although not always promised.