FAQs for KAP

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication that has been used in medical settings for decades, primarily as an anesthetic and for pain management. More recently, it has received attention for its potential mental health benefits, particularly in the treatment of depression that has not responded to traditional approaches.

Ketamine works differently from many traditional antidepressants by interacting with the brain's glutamate system. This can influence neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form and reorganize connections. In KAP, ketamine is used alongside psychotherapy to create opportunities for emotional insight and therapeutic change.

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Is ketamine legal?

Yes. Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication used in medical settings. However, ketamine itself is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Medical providers may prescribe it off-label for certain mental health conditions when clinically appropriate. Treatment should always involve qualified medical oversight.

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How does ketamine feel?

Everyone's experience is different. Ketamine can temporarily alter your perception, awareness, sense of time, and connection to your surroundings. Some people describe feeling more introspective, emotionally open, or disconnected from their usual patterns of thinking. Others may experience visual imagery, changes in bodily sensations, or a sense of perspective that feels different from everyday awareness.

You may find that talking feels difficult during portions of the experience, and that is okay. There is no expectation to talk, explain, or make sense of everything while it is happening. The therapeutic work continues afterward through integration, where we can explore your experience together.

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How long does the ketamine experience last?

The duration depends on the route of administration, dosage, and individual response. The most noticeable effects of ketamine are generally temporary, although some people experience changes in mood or perspective that extend beyond the dosing session. The prescribing medical provider will discuss what to expect based on your specific treatment plan.

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How does ketamine work in the brain?

Ketamine interacts with NMDA receptors and influences glutamate signaling, which plays an important role in communication between brain cells. This process may support neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt.

Research also suggests ketamine may influence BDNF, a protein involved in brain cell growth and connectivity, as well as activity in networks associated with repetitive thinking and rumination.

These changes may help create opportunities to step outside familiar patterns and approach thoughts, emotions, and experiences differently. Researchers are continuing to study the mechanisms behind ketamine's therapeutic effects.

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Are there side effects or risks associated with ketamine?

Like any medication, ketamine has potential risks and side effects. Common short-term effects may include nausea, dizziness, increased blood pressure, changes in perception, dissociation, and drowsiness. Some people may experience anxiety or discomfort during the experience. There are also important medical considerations, including cardiovascular concerns, certain psychiatric conditions, medication interactions, and a history of substance misuse. Repeated or unsupervised ketamine use carries additional risks, including dependence and urinary complications. Your medical history and current medications should be reviewed by the prescribing provider before treatment. Medical oversight, appropriate screening, and following the prescribed treatment plan are essential parts of the process.

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Why combine ketamine with psychotherapy?

Ketamine can create a temporary shift in how you experience thoughts, emotions, and familiar patterns. Psychotherapy provides a space to explore those experiences, understand what they may mean, and work toward changes that extend beyond the session.

Rather than focusing solely on the medication experience, KAP incorporates preparation, therapeutic support, and integration. Together, we can identify patterns, explore emotional experiences, and translate insights into practical changes in your everyday life.

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How is KAP different from traditional talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy often involves exploring experiences through conversation, reflection, and the gradual development of new perspectives. While this can be incredibly effective, some people find themselves understanding their patterns intellectually without feeling able to shift them emotionally.

KAP offers a different therapeutic experience. Ketamine may temporarily change your relationship with thoughts, emotions, and familiar ways of responding. This can create an opportunity to explore experiences from a different perspective. Therapy helps provide structure, support, and integration so that the experience can become part of a larger process of change.

KAP does not replace the importance of the therapeutic relationship or the work involved in making lasting changes.

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Do I need to have tried traditional therapy or medication first?

Not necessarily. However, your treatment history, current symptoms, goals, and medical history will all be considered when determining whether KAP is an appropriate option. Ketamine treatment is not a first-line solution for everyone, and a medical provider will help determine whether it is appropriate for you.

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Can KAP help with trauma?

KAP may be explored as part of treatment for individuals experiencing trauma and PTSD. Some people find that ketamine allows them to approach emotions or experiences from a different perspective. However, ketamine is not a standalone trauma treatment, and the experience does not guarantee that memories will be processed or resolved.

Preparation, emotional safety, pacing, and integration are especially important when working with trauma. We will consider your history, current stability, and therapeutic goals when determining whether KAP is appropriate.

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What if I am not sure whether KAP is right for me?

That is completely okay. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. During an initial consultation, we can talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you are hoping to change, and whether KAP may be a helpful option.

We can also discuss how KAP might fit alongside other approaches, including EMDR, IFS, or ongoing individual therapy.

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Do you prescribe ketamine?

Ketamine is prescribed and medically managed by a qualified medical provider. My role is to provide the psychotherapy component of treatment, including preparation, therapeutic support, and integration. If you are interested in KAP, we can discuss the medical referral and evaluation process.

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Do you offer IV ketamine infusions?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and IV ketamine infusions are not the same service. My role is to provide psychotherapy in coordination with an appropriately qualified medical provider. The route of administration and medication protocol will depend on the collaborating medical provider and your individualized treatment plan.

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Can I continue seeing my current therapist?

Yes. KAP does not necessarily require you to discontinue working with your established therapist. In some cases, KAP can complement ongoing therapy by providing additional opportunities for exploration and processing. With your written authorization, I can coordinate with your existing therapist to support continuity of care and integration.

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Ketamine-Assisted EMDR: Combining Two Therapeutic Approaches

Ketamine and EMDR can also be incorporated together as part of an individualized therapeutic approach. Ketamine may temporarily influence emotional processing and cognitive flexibility, while EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain process distressing memories and experiences.

For some individuals, combining these approaches may offer another way to engage in trauma-focused work. This approach requires careful preparation, appropriate medical oversight, and clinical consideration to determine whether it is a good fit.

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Learn More About Ketamine-Assisted EMDR 

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How do I get started?

The first step is scheduling an initial consultation. We will discuss your goals, therapeutic history, and what you are hoping to get out of KAP. If it seems like a potential fit, we can discuss next steps, including medical evaluation and coordination with the prescribing provider.

You are welcome to reach out with questions before deciding whether to move forward.

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I offer a free initial consultation to help you explore whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be a good fit for you.

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