Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) offers a powerful, evidence-based approach for those seeking relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. By combining the therapeutic effects of ketamine with guided talk therapy, KAP can help you process emotions more deeply, break free from old patterns, and create lasting change.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, originally developed in 1956, is a dissociative anesthetic that has been safely used in medical settings for more than 50 years in both adults and children. It acts on the brain’s NMDA and AMPA receptors, stimulating the creation of new neural pathways. This enhanced connectivity supports mood regulation and stress response, while also increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin—chemicals that play a vital role in improving mood and emotional well-being.

Benefits of therapeutic Ketamine

Rapid Symptom Relief – Many people experience improvements in mood and anxiety within hours or days.

  1. Supports Brain Growth (Neuroplasticity) – Encourages the brain to form new, healthier patterns and connections.

  2. Deeper Emotional Processing – Access and work through core issues more effectively.

  3. Relief for Treatment-Resistant Conditions – Offers hope when other treatments haven’t provided lasting results.

  4. Renewed Hope and Motivation – Feel more engaged with life and open to positive change.

COMING SOON- GROUP & COUPLES KAP

KAP Process

therapist talking

Beginning ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a deeply personal journey, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Our process is designed to ensure you feel safe, supported, and fully prepared—from your first conversation with us to integrating your insights into daily life.

Here’s what you can expect when you begin KAP with us:

1. Consultation & Intake

Your journey starts with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. This is our time to learn more about your goals, share how KAP works, and answer any questions you have. If we agree KAP may be a good fit, we’ll schedule a 90 minute intake session—either in person or online. During this session, we’ll explore your background, current challenges, and hopes for treatment.
Please note: KAP may not be suitable for individuals with a history of Bipolar I or II, certain personality disorders, schizophrenia, or active addiction.

2. Preparation & Medical Evaluation

After your intake, you’ll meet with the medical provider, who specializes in ketamine therapy. I refer to 2 different medical providers. We will determine which one is appropriate after our intake session, as both offer different routes of administration. They will review your medical and psychological history to confirm whether ketamine is appropriate for you and provide a prescription if approved.Once medically cleared, we’ll begin a series of 3-5 preparation sessions. These sessions allow us to build trust, set intentions, and create a strong therapeutic foundation—so you feel grounded and ready for the deeper work ahead.

3. Dosing Sessions

The number of ketamine sessions varies from person to person, typically ranging from 4–8 treatments. Each session lasts about 2.5-3 hours and includes preparation, the ketamine experience (~1 hour), and time to process afterward. You’ll relax in a comfortable couch, wear an eye mask, and listen to calming music designed specifically for ketamine therapy.
While your experience is primarily internal, I’ll remain present with you the entire time to ensure safety, offer grounding support, and guide you as needed. For your safety, you’ll need a ride home after each session.

4. Integration Sessions

Many clients find that while the ketamine session itself is powerful, the most profound changes often emerge during integration. These sessions—held 1–2 days after each ketamine treatment—help you process your experience while your brain is in a state of heightened neuroplasticity. Integration supports emotional healing, trauma processing, and lasting behavior change, while preparing you for future sessions so your growth continues to deepen over time.

  • Ketamine therapy may be considered if:

    • You've tried multiple treatments without adequate relief.

    • You have a diagnosis of a condition known to respond to ketamine.

    • You have reached your limit with traditional talk therapy and interested in deepening your understanding of yourself, and improve sense of Self. KAP is often helpful for those embarking on spiritual exploration as well.

  • Ketamine can be administered through various methods:

    • Intranasal Spray: Esketamine (Spravato) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.

    • Oral Tablets or Lozenges: Used in some clinical settings, though less common.

    • Intramuscular (IM) Injection: An alternative method used in certain cases.

    • Intravenous (IV) Infusion: The most common method, typically involving a series of sessions over several weeks. (Not offered in this practice.)

  • I will be offering the medicine sessions on Mondays and Fridays, tentatively. Weekends may be an option depending on my availability. Remember- You MUST have a ride home.

  • Cost transparency is very important to me. Here is an estimated breakdown-

    Recommended Therapy Course & Fees

    • Initial Intake – 1 session, 90 minutes — $210
      A comprehensive session to review your history, explore your goals, and determine if KAP is the right fit.

    • Medical Evaluation – 1 session, TBD depending on the provider & route of administration. We will talk about this during your consult. A full medical and psychological review with a ketamine-certified provider to ensure safety and suitability.

    • Preparation Sessions – 3–5 sessions, 50 minutes each — $140 per session (standard rate, Aetna insurance applicable)
      Therapeutic sessions to build trust, set intentions, and prepare for your ketamine-assisted work.

    • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy – 4-8 sessions (really dependant on goals) 150 minutes each — $150 per hour (2-3 hours) Guided ketamine experiences in a safe, supportive environment with therapeutic integration during the session.

    • Ketamine Medical Administration –TBD by provider & administration chosen. Options:

    Lozenges (most affordable)

    Nose spray (more affordable)

    Intramuscular (most expensive, but also most powerful experience)

    • Integration Sessions – 4-8 sessions (1 per medicine session) , 50 minutes each — $140 per session (standard rate, Aetna insurance applicable)
      Post-treatment sessions to help you process insights, support neuroplasticity, and create lasting change.

    If you have Aetna insurance, you will be able to use your benefits for the preparation and integration sessions, as they are billed as standard sessions. It will NOT include the 90 minute intake or the medicine session itself.

    Weekend medicine sessions may be an option, depending on the providers availability. The weekend rate for the KAP therapy portion is $200/hour.

    If you are an established client, there are discounts available, as we will skip the intake process.

Medical Providers I work with

I work in conjunction with medical providers who are trained in prescribing and treating patients with Ketamine. Here are links to their websites- simply click on their name:

Selena Phillips, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Prices:

Intramuscular (IM): $230/medicine session which includes medical monitoring, This does not include your initial intake with Selena.

Intranasal: $65 for medication plus $67.50 for monitoring. Does not include initial medical evaluation.

Dana Lerman, MD at Skylight Psychedelics (Pricing included on website.) This is for intake and lozenge prescription. Must have consult and intake with Lauren first.

Please note that I take a very limited number of KAP clients. This is meaningful work, and I want to be easily accessible to those going through this journey. I will have a waitlist available if necessary.

Accessibility to this medicine is important to me, and I have set my rates to reflect this. I have chosen to work with medical providers who are also passionate about KAP. Please contact me with any questions.