Ketamine Assisted Treatment
KAP
- Ketamine-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines ketamine with structured psychotherapy to support insight, emotional flexibility, and healing.
- For some individuals, standard psychotherapy and psychopharmacological treatment do not result in adequate treatment reduction, or progress may be limited by cognitive rigidity, heightened emotional reactivity, or long-standing trauma-related patterns. In these cases, ketamine assisted therapy may offer an alternative therapeutic pathway that supports engagement with treatment.
- In a therapeutic context, ketamine may temporarily reduce the grip of habitual thinking and emotional reactivity. This shift can create a sense of space, allowing thoughts, emotions, and memories to be observed from a greater distance and with less intensity. For many clients, this makes it easier to explore difficult experiences, gain perspective, and engage more deeply in the therapeutic process.
- Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care. Ketamine is offered only to eligible clients who have been evaluated and prescribed the medication by a licensed medical provider, and it is always used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Who This Work May Support
Ketamine-assisted therapy may be a good fit for individuals who:
Have tried talk therapy, medication, or other interventions with limited or short-lived benefit
Feel stuck in persistent negative thought patterns or critical self-beliefs
Struggle with emotional openness or vulnerability in therapy or relationships
Have been described as treatment-resistant
Are curious about research-supported alternatives to conventional therapy
A thorough assessment is always completed to determine whether ketamine-assisted therapy is appropriate for each client.
How Ketamine Works in Therapy
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings since the 1960s. In therapeutic doses, it can temporarily alter perception, awareness, and emotional processing.
Because ketamine interacts with multiple systems in the brain and body, some people experience changes such as relaxation, detachment from distressing thoughts, reduced emotional intensity, or shifts in perspective. These effects may help interrupt repetitive mental and emotional patterns and support a greater sense of psychological flexibility.
Ketamine can also produce challenging or uncomfortable sensations, which is why dosage, preparation, and therapeutic support are essential. Sessions are carefully structured to prioritize safety, intention, and emotional grounding throughout the process.
Ketamine helps our brains form new neural pathways, allowing us to view challenging situations from a different perspective.
Research & Clinical Background
Over the past several decades, ketamine has been increasingly studied for its potential mental health applications, particularly for depression. Research suggests that some individuals experience a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms, with effects lasting weeks or longer.
While ketamine has shown promise for a range of concerns, including anxiety and trauma-related symptoms, the strongest body of research currently focuses on depression. Emerging evidence also suggests that ketamine used alongside psychotherapy may lead to more meaningful and sustained outcomes than ketamine or therapy alone.
Research in this field is ongoing, and ketamine-assisted therapy is considered an off-label use of the medication.
Conditions We Commonly Work With
While ketamine-assisted therapy is often associated with treatment-resistant depression, we may also work with clients experiencing:
Depression
PTSD
Generalized anxiety
Social anxiety
Relational or attachment-related difficulties
Other concerns impacting emotional well-being
Our approach is highly individualized and person-centered. Recommendations are made collaboratively, based on each client’s history, needs, and goals.
What to Expect from the Process
Ketamine-assisted therapy is a multi-step process designed to support safety, clarity, and integration.
After an initial assessment, clients are referred to one of our medical prescribers for a medication evaluation and dosing determination. If ketamine-assisted therapy is appropriate, preparation sessions are scheduled to clarify intentions, build coping skills, and discuss what to expect.
Preparation may involve two or more sessions, depending on individual readiness. These sessions can be conducted in person or online.
Ketamine assisted therapy sessions are typically scheduled for approximately two-three hours, allowing time for the medication to take effect and for grounding and reorientation afterward. An integration session is scheduled within a week to help process the experience and explore how insights can be meaningfully applied in daily life.
Throughout the process, the therapist’s role is to provide support, structure, and guidance, helping clients make sense of what emerges and connect it to their broader healing goals.