What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a transformative treatment that can help shift one's thinking patterns by disrupting habitual negative thoughts and emotional states. Much like repaving a street, ketamine clears out mental ruts, offering a smooth surface for moving forward in new directions. KAP can also facilitate profound transpersonal and mystical experiences, providing clarity and insights into personal struggles, enriching ongoing therapeutic work, and fostering a sense of meaning and interconnectedness.

 

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication that has been safely used in medical settings for over 50 years. Approved as an anesthetic in 1970, it has been used off-label for procedural sedation and pain relief. The first study demonstrating ketamine's effectiveness for depression was conducted in 2000. Since then, it has been used off-label for depression and other psychiatric conditions, with growing evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. Notably, ketamine is the only federally-legal psychedelic medicine available in the United States.

 

How Does Ketamine Work?

The mechanism of action for ketamine is complex. Its most potent effect is through antagonism at the NMDA receptor, leading to a surge in glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in vertebrates. Glutamate plays a crucial role in learning, memory formation, and stress reactivity. Additionally, ketamine triggers the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), often referred to as "miracle grow for the brain," which promotes neuroplasticity and synapse formation, essential for its antidepressant effects.

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What Does the KAP Process Look Like?

Prospective KAP clients initially meet with me and a consulting physician for an intake and evaluation. If deemed eligible, clients undergo preparatory sessions to discuss what to expect, set intentions, and explore potential challenges. Following the preparatory phase, the KAP medicine sessions and integration sessions begin. Integration sessions, held between KAP sessions, offer an opportunity to deepen and integrate the insights gained during the KAP experience.

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Does My Insurance Cover KAP?​

Insurance may cover the medical screening, preparatory, and integration sessions, but KAP sessions are not typically covered by insurance plans at this time. Coverage depends on your specific policy and whether I am considered an in-network provider. I can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement if eligible. For more details on insurance plans and out-of-network benefits, please refer to the Rates and Payments page.