Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine was approved by the FDA for use as an anesthetic agent several decades ago. The administration of ketamine in lower, sub-anesthetic doses to treat pain, depression, or other psychiatric diagnoses is a newer, off-label use of ketamine. Psychiatric use of ketamine has become relatively widespread in recent years, has been studied and promoted by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, and has had front-page publicity as the newest antidepressant. Ketamine has been administered by intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), sublingual, oral, and intranasal routes. Often, it has been used after other treatment approaches have been unsuccessful. 

Ketamine is now an increasingly clinically applied “off-label” treatment for various chronic “treatment-resistant” mental conditions. Ketamine is a DEA Schedule III medication that has long been used safely as an anesthetic and analgesic agent and is now often effective for the treatment of depression, alcoholism, substance dependencies, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric diagnoses. 

Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, dissociation meaning a sense of disconnection from one’s ordinary reality and usual self. At the dosage level administered to you, you will most likely experience mild anesthetic, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and, potentially, psychedelic effects. Non-ordinary (“altered”), transpersonal (“transcendental,” “mystical,” “spiritual,” “religious”) peak experiences often occur. Research has demonstrated the possibility of an antidepressant response to low dosages of ketamine– administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The antidepressant effect tends to be more sustained with repeated use—in other words, a cumulative effect. 

The psychedelic, ‘dissociative’ experiences may well be instrumental in providing a catalyst for profound change. This may well include a positive change in outlook and character that we term a ‘transformative’ response. Essential to the method is an altered state of consciousness, typically lasting 30 minutes to 90 minutes, that tends to be related to dose and route of administration. Relief from challenges provided by ketamine and the exploration and experience of other possible states of consciousness are singularly impactful. 

Why Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

The administration of ketamine may be most effective when paired with psychotherapy. We offer a psychotherapy program that will prepare you for your ketamine sessions, encourage you to explore your mind while within the ketamine space, and we will assist you in integrating your experiences afterward. 

This program emphasizes the potential for change, and such change is best facilitated within a structured, supportive psychotherapeutic environment with providers who are aware of your issues, hopes, desires, and struggles. 

Ketamine can potentially create a non-ordinary state of consciousness, facilitating a profound transpersonal or mystical peak experience. These peak experiences have been shown to expand one’s sense of self and understanding of existence and may enable you to access your own healing wisdom. Your providers serve as guides and assist in processing the experience and its impact on your everyday life. 

Ketamine’s altered state can create conditions of relational and psychological openness​; thus, we believe that trust in your providers enables the deepest possible work to occur. Psychotherapy sessions are meant to build that sense of connection and trust between you and your providers. 

Many have found it beneficial to set an intention for the experience. Intentions should be personal and focused, which could include alterations in habits (such as the use of alcohol or cannabis, exercising, etc.), shifts in self-defeating patterns of thought or social interactions, or exploration of spiritual/existential realms. Our team will work with you to formulate your goals ​and will also encourage you to hold those lightly, ​as resistance or attempts to control the experience can produce anxiety. 

Your experience will be unique, and each session will be different. All such journeys are adventures that cannot be programmed. They evolve from you being in relation to this medicine, and relaxing into the path that unfolds is best. Many enjoy the journey, while others do not. Everyone comes through it, often with greater insight into themselves and their lives. Our therapy program is designed to assist you in integrating these insights into your daily functioning. 

As a byproduct of your experience, you may feel improvement in your emotional state and reduction in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic manifestations. You may notice that you are a bit different after a ketamine experience, and that difference may feel liberating, allowing for new perspectives and behavior. 

These shifts may happen during treatment, in the aftermath, and/or in the following days and weeks. Some experiences may temporarily disturb you, and we will work to help you understand these in the context of your healing process. Ultimately, we are working to assist you in changing patterns of mind, mood, and behavior that cause you difficulty and distress. 

Both psychotherapy and medication (including psychedelic medicines) are effective, but the combination is much more powerful than either on its own. Many come to us having attempted numerous treatments, and we want to ensure that you have the best possible outcome for your investment. This is a unique opportunity for growth and change, so we encourage you to actively engage in the therapeutic process and the medication administration.