Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
What is KAP?
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging form of treatment for depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions that combines administration of the drug ketamine with open-ended psychotherapy. KAP occurs as a series of sessions: an initial intake to determine if KAP or a different type of treatment is recommended, 1-3 psychotherapy and preparation sessions of 45-50 minutes, 6-8 KAP sessions of approximately 2 hours 1-2 times per week, and 1-2 follow up sessions of integration psychotherapy and planning for ongoing treatment. Ketamine is provided in low to moderate doses by intramuscular injection, and during the period of ketamine's most promient effect (30-60 minutes typically), you are welcome to simply relax, absorb curated music, and immerse yourself in the non-ordinary state of consciousness that ketamine creates. As the effect of ketamine wears off, and potentially during sessions between KAP sessions, we will spend time discussing your impressions, insights, emotions, goals, and resources for implementing changes.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used as an anesthetic for around fifty years. It creates a state of dissociation which can potentially help one look at their thoughts, ways of living, or history from a more neutral and accepting perspective. In treating depression, ketamine has demonstrated the ability to sharply decrease symptoms, including those of suicidal ideation and hopelessness, which makes it a crucial option for some people who have not had adequate response to other medications. Ketamine's mechanisms of action are still being studied, but it seems that ketamine provides key areas of the brain the opportunity to wake up, chill out, and/or make new connections and patterns of activity by stimulating glutamate receptors, amplifying GABA-ergic signaling, and stimulating BDNF. As with any medication, there are pros and cons and situations where its use is contraindicated, especially for people with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, stroke or other vascular disease, and in active manic or psychotic states.
Will my insurance cover this treatment?
Ketamine as a treatment for psychiatric conditions is still considered investigational, but there is a large body of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. Your insurance will not cover the cost of the medication itself but may cover the professional time, medical management, and psychotherapy services that comprise KAP. We cannot guarantee what costs will be covered by insurance, but we are commited to helping make this treatment as accessible as possible,
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