Ketamine may, at times, facilitate psychedelic experiences such as expanded consciousness, and spiritual connection. These characteristics are similar to other psychedelic drugs that have been used successfully in psychotherapy sessions to reduce pain and distress. However, ketamine is currently the only available medication that may produce a psychedelic effect that can be used in psychotherapy. 

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How will Ketamine be administered?

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In my practice, ketamine is administered by sublingual (oral) dissolving tablets or intranasal spray, a strategy which may allow for psychotherapy during the treatment, and an easier experience for those who are hesitant about injections. I work collaboratively with your prescriber to use a range of dosing strategies to create a personalized approach for each client, adjusting the dose, frequency, and time in between sessions based on each individual’s needs. 

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Issues that may respond to KAP include but are not limited to:

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PTSD / Trauma; Depression; Anxiety; Unresolved issues from childhood; Rejoining life after a major illness; Grief & Loss; and End of Life distress related to dying.

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How does ketamine work in the brain? 

 

Ketamine enhances healing in the brain through multiple pathways. A main action path for Ketamine is on the NDMA receptor site in the brain, increasing activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This may enhance mood, decrease anxiety, and decrease the cravings found in addiction. Neurogenesis or growth of neuronal connections within the brain can occur, along with a decrease in the inflammatory response in the brain and body. Ketamine may ultimately allow for novel connections to be made across areas of the brain that allow for change and healing to take place. This may translate in to enhanced enjoyment of life, renewed sense of connections in relationships, and elevation of positive mood.

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Check out this 2 minute video that briefly describes the neuroscience of Ketamine:  https://youtu.be/kRtNsaMildw

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Does ketamine have any side effects? 

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Side effects are generally limited to the timespan directly after session and usually resolve quickly. These include mild nausea, dizziness, derealization, and drowsiness.

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Group KAP

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Group KAP is an intimate (3-4 people) experience that blends the power of group therapy and integration with ketamine.  Process includes an individual assessment with me, medical evaluation with the prescriber, 1 group preparation meeting, and 6 group ketamine sessions.  During the ketamine sessions, each member self-administers the medicine at the same time, engaging in more of an internally directed experience.  We then take time afterwards for self-reflection and group integration.  The KAP group offers a cost-effective way to engage in this work and provides a deeply supportive relational element.

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What's the Process? 

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1. Submit a referral form and return to me at KAPforms@protonmail.com.  

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• If you are a provider and are referring a current patient:

  • Fillable PDF with E-Signature: Referral Form from Provider

  • Download a PDF

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• If you do not have a provider and are referring yourself:

  • ​​Fillable PDF with E-Signature:  Referral Form from Self  

  • Download a PDF

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2. Once the referral form is received, I will provide an approximate timeline for service availability and schedule an initial meeting to determine suitability.  

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3. If suitability for KAP services is determined, I will refer you to a collaborating professional for the medical evaluation and prescription.

 

4.  At least two (2) preparation sessions will be scheduled with me before your first session with the medicine.  Each preparation session is generally 45-60 minutes long.  I can offer some flexibility in the date/time for these appointments. 

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5.  KAP sessions will be scheduled 1x/week for a period of 6-8 weeks.  Depending upon availability, these occur either Mon, Wed, or Thurs from 9am-12pm.  It will be important for you to commit to this day/time for the length of the KAP treatment.  You will need to make appropriate accommodations at work/school/home to allow for this. 

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6.  Integration sessions between each KAP experience may be scheduled on an additional day.  This will depend a number of factors we will discuss prior to, and throughout, treatment.  Each integration session is generally 45-60 minutes long.  I can offer some flexibility in the date/time for these appointments. 

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Additional Information

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Look over the KAP Information and Informed Consent packet.  There's a lot here and it's all important!

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Ketamine Research Round-Up

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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature

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A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Ketamine in Borderline Personality Disorder

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Ketamine and Esketamine in Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Systematic Review

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Adjunctive Ketamine With Relapse Prevention–Based Psychological Therapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

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Combining Ketamine and Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Real-world effectiveness of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review & meta-analysis

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Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy provides lasting and effective results in the treatment of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months: Findings from a large single-arm retrospective effectiveness trial

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Dose-related effects of ketamine for antidepressant-resistant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans and active duty military: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center clinical trial

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Evaluation of Early Ketamine Effects on Belief-Updating Biases in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression

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