​Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP)

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with an excellent safety profile in use since the 1970s, predominantly in emergency rooms. More recently, lower-dose ketamine has demonstrated value as a partner with psychotherapy due to its capacity to enhance the brain’s neuroplasticity. 

While not a classic hallucinogen, ketamine is often classified as a psychedelic, or “mind manifesting” substance. It works by “flattening out” ingrained ruts of thinking and feeling, inviting fresh perspectives and insights which can be built upon in therapy. Increased mental and emotional flexibility makes it easier to face challenges and embrace change.
​
My typical KAP protocol involves one or two prep sessions, online or in-person, to discuss the process and set intentions; six dosing sessions, in-office, weekly or every other week, including a fresh-out-of-the-journey, in-office integration session; a second integration session, online, several days after each dosing session. 

If you are already in psychotherapy with another therapist, you need not pause your current treatment. The three of us can collaborate to tailor the best integration plan for you.

Other adjustments in the protocol may be called for. Your dosage may be raised or lowered. You may require fewer medicine sessions, or more. You may benefit from a longer rest somewhere between medicine sessions. You are also, of course, free to end KAP treatment at any time.

I currently partner with the telehealth psychiatric team at skylightpsychedelics.com for the medical component of KAP. Skylight doctors will determine your eligibility, develop your custom treatment plan, prescribe the medicine, and monitor your progress and outcomes. Visit their website for more information about ketamine, KAP, conditions it may help, and to begin medical intake. ​

istock.com/ imagedepotpro