Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy or KAP?

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, ADHD, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.

KAP is the combination of prescription Ketamine and psychotherapy session(s). I am
responsible for the psychotherapy component of this treatment. The combination of these modalities allows an individual's protective part(s) to “step back” during therapy and access some “root” issues, memories, emotions. The combination of this experience presents the opportunity for significant change. The process of this treatment is divided into 3 parts: preparation sessions, dosing day sessions, and integration sessions. The frequency of sessions for each stage will be individually curated for you.

What is preparation?

Preparation sessions are used to prepare you for the therapeutic journey of KAP. This is a space where we discuss expectations, fears, intentions, logistics, and set/setting. We will create a solid plan for the course of this treatment during these sessions. These sessions may include a loved one if desired.

What is dosing day?

Your dosing day will be the sessions you engage in psychotherapy with me while being on the prescribed ketamine. These sessions range from 2-3 hours.

I recommend a minimum of 2 dosing sessions but generally the protocol calls for 6 dosing sessions.

What is integration?

Your integration sessions are used to integrate your experiences thus far from preparation/dosing day. It is a time to process what you have experienced, felt, and learned.

New York State (NYS) Clients

I offer my KAP services virtually through Journey Clinical. Journey Clinical is an organization that provides the medical side of your treatment which includes your Ketamine prescription. Journey Clinical medical staff members (MDs/NPs) will screen you for appropriateness. Once approved we will work on your individual treatment plan. All of your services (prep, dosing day, and integration sessions) will take place through a HIPAA compliant virtual platform.

There is potential in the future for an in person group retreat however this is not solidified at this time. If you are interested in learning more please let me know.

North Carolina (NC) Clients

I offer my KAP services at my office in person in Asheville, NC. I work in collaboration with a local medical team through Asheville Integrative Psychiatry (AIP). You will be referred to this team for medical clearance and your prescription once you and I determine you would be a good fit for Ketamine Psychotherapy. You will be responsible for the payment of their medical services and your ketamine prescription through a local compounding pharmacy.

Preparation and integration services are offered for individuals who are not interested in working together on the actual dosing day. Please reach out for more information. Prep & Integration services qualifies for both NC and NY.

DISCLAIMER: I do not provide illegal or illicit substances for my KAP or psychedelic services. I do not condone illegal substance use. I do not provide referrals for underground psychedelic services. All KAP services are in conjunction with a board certified medical doctor or nurse practitioner.