Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Discover Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine is considered a Schedule III medication and has been utilized as a dissociate anesthetic since the 1960s. Ketamine has evolved beyond its traditional medical usage and in more recent years it has been used "off-label" in significantly reduced doses to address mental health conditions. Ketamine has been shown in research to help those with treatment resistant symptoms and yielding promising outcomes. It is essential to recognize that optimal results stem from clients committed to their personal growth journey, utilizing Ketamine as a supportive tool rather than a cure-all solution.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) integrates the therapeutic potential of Ketamine within a supportive psychotherapeutic framework. This collaborative approach involves a trained psychotherapist facilitating the process by guiding intention-setting, providing a safe environment during the Ketamine session, and aiding in the integration of insights gained. During KAP sessions, clients typically experience mild anesthetic effects, alleviation of anxiety and depression, and sometimes psychedelic effects. Moreover, Ketamine's positive impact on neuronal health fosters brain growth, enhancing overall cognitive function. Through its intricate interaction with the brain, body, and psyche, the synergistic combination of Ketamine and psychotherapy has demonstrated enduring benefits.
Conditions Treated with KAP
· Complex trauma
· PTSD
· Sleep disturbance related to trauma
· Anxiety
· Treatment resistant depression
· Bipolar depression
· Mild to moderate OCD
Experience a KAP Session with Us
Embarking on your KAP journey begins with an initial assessment to ensure suitability. I collaborate with a trusted medical provider, whom you will make an appointment with for a thorough medical and psychiatric review. They will prescribe the Ketamine in lozenge form during this first appointment, and you will obtain it from a local compounding pharmacy. Appointments with the prescriber are held at regular intervals through the induction to ensure medical safety throughout treatment.
Your KAP sessions are held in my private office, ensuring comfort and privacy. We will begin our session with a brief integration from previous sessions and then we set an intention for your experience. You will then take your medication, allowing approximately 10 minutes for it to dissolve with the effects occurring about 8-10 minutes in. As the medicine begins, soothing music accompanies your experience while I remain by your side, holding space for your journey.
The medication is active for about 40 minutes and I will be by your side the entire time. When you begin to land you may want to share insights and reflections about your experience; I'll transcribe and provide these notes to you for further processing between our sessions. Please note, having transportation after the session is required; you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day. Following your session, if possible, give yourself time and space to rest and reflect, as this allows for further integration. Please note, a commitment to at least 3 sessions within a 2 week period is recommended for lasting results. The induction is typically 4-6 sessions completed within a 3 week period.
Integration is a continual process, which you will experience from our first session and beyond our final KAP session together. Integration sessions with myself or your therapist will ensure continued benefit from KAP; it is recommended to have weekly sessions for at least 5 weeks. Integration does not just occur in the therapy room, but can also be experienced through art, gentle movement, time in nature, writing, and more. Integration encourages further reinforcing of the insights and awareness that arose during KAP and allows for behavior changes to occur.
How Much Does KAP Cost?
• Intake session (if not a current client): $240
• Psychiatric evaluation and medical record review for medical clearance: $300
• 3 KAP sessions: $1500. Clients are reassessed after the initial 3 KAP sessions to determine how many additional sessions will be beneficial.
• 6 KAP sessions: $3000
• Check-in with medical provider after 3rd and 6th session $175 each
• Maintenance KAP session: $475
• 50-minute integration sessions: $200
Please contact Kawena for further questions regarding KAP.