Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychedelics have been used in healing for hundreds of years. They have long been known to provide deeper insights, increase emotional awareness, and help partners communicate in a more physically and emotionally regulated state. Psychedelics help slow down the guarded, hypervigilant parts of yourself that are always serving to protect you…but these guards also block you from choosing new perspectives. For couples, ketamine is a tool that can help foster healthier communication and connection. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is for those open to experience something beyond traditional talk therapy - ketamine weaves a tapestry of whispered release, unraveling the threads of despair to illuminate the path toward forgotten joy.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was first developed in the 1960s for medical use in surgeries and pain management. In recent years, it has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. Ketamine is thought to work by modulating the glutamate system in the brain, which may help in the formation of new neural connections and improve mood.

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Works

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the administration of ketamine with therapeutic sessions. The process typically involves the following steps:

  • Assessment: We would talk about if ketamine is right for you. If so, I would refer you to Journey Clinical to speak with their prescriber (this will be a video call). A thorough evaluation is conducted to determine suitability for ketamine therapy. This includes a review of mental health history and potential risks.

  • Therapeutic Sessions:

    • Setting intentions is key prior to your ketamine session. I like to spend 2-3 pre-planning sessions going over expectations and answering any questions you may have. Journey Clinical also provides Q&A sessions with prescribers. You being comfortable and informed is important to me! And remember, ketamine is a catalyst, not a cure. Ketamine may inspire or spark new insights and gently facilitate deeper emotional processing in a slow and measured way. You are encouraged to explore thoughts and feelings that may have been difficult to access….and sometime revelations come up days or weeks after your ketamine session. There is a window of neuroplasticity after using psychedelics and psychotherapy can help you capitalize on this window.

    • Dosing Session - A typical dosing session is about 4 hours in length (in person or via zoom). I like to give a lot of space and time to process whatever comes up for you. Once you are situated and ready, you would place the ketamine lozenge in your mouth and “swish” it around for 12-15 minutes. As the ketamine lozenge dissolve your mouth, the medication is absorbed through the oral mucosa and enters the bloodstream directly. The absorption of ketamine through lozenges typically results in effects within 20 to 30 minutes, with a bioavailability of around 30%. This lower bioavailability allows for a more gradual and sustained release of the medication.

  • Integration: Following the therapy sessions, integration support is provided to help you assimilate your experience and the new perspectives gained during treatment into your everyday life. It’s such an honor for me help you weave new ways of thinking, feeling, and being into your world.

Lasting Benefits

The lasting benefits of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can vary for each individual but may include:

  • Reduction in Symptoms: Many clients experience rapid alleviation of symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, often within hours of treatment.

  • Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Some individuals report an improved ability to cope with stress and emotional challenges after therapy.

  • New Perspectives: The dissociative nature of ketamine may allow you to view their issues from a different angle, fostering insights and a sense of clarity. It’s such a cool feeling to look at a situation that activated you before and look at it from a place of calm and clarity.

  • Improved Neuroplasticity: The drug's potential to promote neuroplasticity may contribute to long-term changes in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Costs and Working with Prescriber

I do my best to provide affordable care. We can arrange a payment plan that works for you and I also partner with Care Credit, a no interest credit card. I currently work with a psychiatrist, Dr. German F. Ascani, MD, MS to provide psychedelic work with ketamine. You will set up an appointment with Dr. Ascani who will conduct an evaluation and help determine if ketamine work is right for you. His fees are separate from the dosing sessions with me. Click on Dr Ascani’s link below to learn more.

Dr Ascani - Evolved Mind Wellness

  • My Fees: The cost of a dosing session (approximately four hours) is $600-$800 for individuals. For couples, the cost ranges from $750-$1200.

  • For Couples: Couples can opt to take a psycholytic dose - a low dose where you can still stay present and engage with your partner in dialogue. Psycholytic doses helps couples work with material at a conscious level without all the defenses and attacks that can often get in the way of clear communication.

  • EMDR and Ketamine: Using a psycholytic dose can help ease the process of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). During EMDR, you are actively bringing up a memory or fear while experiencing bilateral stimulation - activation of both sides of the brain with the use of sounds and sensations. Low dose ketamine can aid in reducing the overwhelming feelings that may come up as you sit with your memories.

  • Insurance: Some insurance plans may cover part of the costs, especially if ketamine is prescribed for a specific medical condition. It's important for you to check with your insurance providers regarding coverage options.

Here are some more resources about ketamine and psychedelic work: