What is Ketamine assisted therapy or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)?Â
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is the administration of Ketamine alongside traditional psychotherapy to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. Depending on the treatment protocol, the psychotherapy can be done before, during, and/or after the administration of Ketamine.
Clinics may differ in their approach, however, KAP typically involves 3 to 6 sessions over several weeks to a month. The number of sessions may vary on the specific needs of the patient, and the severity of their mental health conditions. However, some Ketamine clinics are “on-demand?, so the patient may decide how many KAP sessions they need and when.
KAP includes the administration of Ketamine through IV, IM, IN, PO infusions, with a tablet under the tongue as well as the use of FDA-approved s-ketamine nasal spray Spravato. The type of anesthetic they administer varies between clinics, but the majority offer IV and IM infusions. The psychotherapy is guided by a clinician of the selected clinic. A psychiatrist, a registered nurse and/or a therapist discusses the patient’s medical history, goals, concerns, and expectations of the treatment. The patient’s physical and mental conditions are examined, and if safe and appropriate to do so, the session starts with the administration of Ketamine. The session lasts 40-55 minutes on average, after which the patient is escorted to a room to relax. During the sessions, the patient is monitored by a doctor who ensures there are no side effects, or fear and/or anxiety attacks.
How do I find Ketamine assisted therapy near me?
If you are looking for KAP near you that is provided in a physical setting or virtually, you have a few options available.
The first, and most obvious is to find KAP near you by using search engines such as Yelp.com or Google. Type “Ketamine assisted psychotherapy near me,? and discover nearby clinics or online psychiatric platforms that provide it virtually.Â
The second option is to ask your friends or relatives whether they have any personal recommendations for KAP clinics or therapists. After receiving any recommendation, use a search engine to check for reviews and accreditations.
What are the best ketamine clinics near me?Â
There are many accredited Ketamine clinics across the U.S, as well as Ketamine providers who practice KAP through online psychiatric platforms.Â
Please refer to our in-depth article about for more information:
Ketamine clinics near me
Ketamine Clinics in your city
What are the best virtual or at-home Ketamine assisted therapy providers?Â
One of the best virtual or at-home KAP providers is Mindbloom. Their experts are trailblazers in psychedelic research, Ketamine assisted psychotherapy, and clinical psychology. They have designated growth-oriented programs and guides based on clinical evidence, and protocols that ensure the patients’ experiences are safe and science-backed.
Mindbloom typically offers 4 sessions of KAP, which costs $1000. The price per session at Mindbloom is $250 and it includes the following:
- Video consultation with a psychiatric clinician.
- Initial preparation and integration for the KAP session.
- All prescription and non-prescription medicines including a tablet of Ketamine.
- A personalized KAP program.
- Unlimited messaging with a guide.
Beyond that, you may check other available virtual KAP providers using the directory of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP). Select your state or city and check available providers.
How is Ketamine assisted therapy different from just from just administering ketamine to a patient?
Ketamine is the only known legal psychedelic medication used for the treatment of mental health conditions. Over the last decade, this anesthetic has been widely used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) when administered intravenously. Beyond that, it was found to be effective with a wide variety of other mental health conditions when administered in conjunction with psychotherapy, both in clinic settings and at-home while being virtually connected to a clinician.
KAP is believed to have higher healing potential for mental health conditions if coupled with meditations prior to the sessions, as they create a healing space for acknowledging the root of depression or anxiety and then treating it. Ketamine is a dissociative medication which may help develop relaxation, or a feeling of disconnection from reality in the patients, so they may suppress the trauma memories and work through them during the treatment.
Why consider doing Ketamine assisted therapy?Â
KAP is an alternative to traditional psychotherapies which the patient has previously failed to respond to. The KAP sessions allow patients to develop new insights and perspectives to find relief for their mental health conditions. Beyond that, KAP helps patients move forward with a better understanding of what is the root of their problems, as well as helping to develop motivation.
KAP is not suitable for those who have self-harm or suicidal intentions, as another treatment protocol is required to prevent negative outcomes. Speak to a doctor if you believe KAP may be a good fit for you.
For what conditions is Ketamine assisted therapy used?
The conditions that KAP is used for include depression (including major depressive disorder (MDD)), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain among others.
Ketamine assisted therapy for depressionÂ
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine for anxiety
The following studies have been conducted:
- A rapid positive influence of S-ketamine on the anxiety of patients in palliative care, 2020
- Effects of ketamine on different types of anxiety/fear and related memory in rats with lesions of the median raphe nucleus, 2001
Ketamine assisted therapy for anxietyÂ
The following studies have been conducted:
- Ketamine-Enhanced Psychotherapy: Preliminary Clinical Observations on its Effects in Treating Death Anxiety, 2007
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy, 2018
Ketamine assisted therapy for PTSDÂ
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine assisted therapy for OCDÂ
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine assisted therapy for bipolar disorder
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine assisted therapy for chronic painÂ
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine assisted therapy for childhood traumaÂ
The following studies have been conducted:
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy, 2018
- Remission From Behavioral Dysregulation in a Child With PTSD After Receiving Procedural Ketamine, 2015
Ketamine assisted therapy for end of life griefÂ
The following study has been conducted:
Ketamine assisted therapy for grief & lossÂ
The following study has been conducted:
What happens during the Ketamine assisted therapy sessions?Â
Ketamine assisted therapy may differ in the approach within clinics. During the sessions, the patient is most likely to develop imagery, or revive persisting thoughts about negative life circumstances. The therapist serves as an interpreter who helps to interpret all the patient’s sensations, feelings and explore their deeper meanings. The KAP sessions open new insights or new patterns of thoughts allowing the patient to understand what the necessary lifestyle changes should occur.
Furthermore, KAP is a healing therapy that alleviates the trauma memories and helps the patient to take them in a positive way or learn how to live with them without retiring into the shell. The patient may disconnect from the reality, and acquire euphoria. The therapist is always there to monitor all the patient’s unwanted sensations during the session.
How long are the Ketamine assisted therapy sessions?
It depends on the Ketamine clinic approach. One KAP may last for 40-55 minutes up to an hour for the Ketamine administration, with 20 minutes to an hour for recovery.
What will I feel during the session?
During the KAP sessions, a patient is most likely to experience hypersensitivity to light and sound, and drowsiness. Some patients may also experience the heaviness of limbs. Ketamine is a dissociative medication that has the potential to cause a feeling of disconnection from reality or an altered sensation of “oneself?. On average, such feelings, sensations, and side effects are of a short-term nature and vanish in 10-15 minutes after the session is over.
What are the risks of Ketamine assisted therapy?Â
Possible side effects of KAP include:
- nausea;
- blurred vision;
- a spike in heart rate, blood pressure;
- drowsiness.
These side effects are of short-term nature and most likely to disappear with good night sleep. Beyond these effects, KAP may lead to euphoria, confusion, and mood changes due to thoughts and traumatic memories from the past.
How much does Ketamine assisted therapy cost?
The cost depends on the clinic providing the KAP sessions. Mindbloom’s virtual KAP is $250 per session. For sessions in a clinic, the cost may start from $400 per infusion.
The price depends on the patient’s health condition, the severity of symptoms, and the medical history provided by their physicians.
How can I find it if I can be eligible for insurance coverage?Â
KAP is typically not covered by state and federal insurance plans except for possibly the nasal spray Spravato in clinics that offer it. Contact one of the clinics directly to learn whether KAP is eligible for coverage and/or co-pays.
Does Ketamine assisted therapy intervene with my current treatment plan?
Like other treatments and medications, Ketamine may have interactions with certain medications including benzodiazepines, SSRIs, relaxants, opioids. Disclose the full list of your current medications, herbs, and health supplements to the doctor.
What to look for in a good Ketamine therapist?
The qualities of a good Ketamine therapist may differ for each patient, however, the most important ones are a license and accreditation to provide KAP. Beyond that, a good Ketamine therapist should show a willingness to help the patient with their mental health conditions.
You may follow the next steps to help you find a good Ketamine therapist for anxiety and/or depression that meets your needs.
- Ask for a referral to your physician as well as friends or relatives who may have personal connections with these Ketamine provides.
- Review the selected Ketamine therapist’s credentials and accreditations to ensure you will be in safe hands.
- Ask if they have experience with your particular mental health conditions and goals for the treatment.
- Check how they communicate with you and whether you feel comfortable discussing your problem with them.
- Determine if KAP or Ketamine infusion is covered by your insurance, or eligible for co-pays.
Please refer to our in-depth article about for more information:
- Ketamine clinics near me
- Ketamine clinics in San FranciscoÂ
- Ketamine clinics in Los Angeles
- Ketamine clinics in San Diego
- Ketamine clinics in New York City
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911
