ketamine assisted psychotherapy

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant with mood-enhancing effects, which begin to take effect within 1-2 hours 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.

Used as prescribed, in the context of a supported KAP protocol, there is no evidence of a risk for addiction.

People with a history of ketamine abuse would likely not be eligible for KAP. However, if you have any concerns about your personal risk levels regarding addiction to ketamine, we can discuss that thoroughly before deciding whether to proceed with KAP.

Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical we only use the sublingual lozenge form, which will be prescribed to you from a member of the Journey Clinical Medical Team.

KAP begins with an in-depth intake and preparation phase, during which we discuss your personal and clinical history, as well as your goals for treatment. During this time we will prepare for the session, review the details, precautions, and intentions. It is important that you have a clear understanding of the work before proceeding.

Each KAP protocol is individually tailored to address your challenges and needs. A typical protocol can last 2-3 months. After a more intensive protocol, some individuals may return for maintenance sessions or to do additional processing.

The results of KAP vary from person to person. Some people a rapid experience a reduction in symptoms. For most people lasting changes come after a longer period of work, often a series of 3-6 KAP sessions. This allows time to integrate the cognitive, relational and behavioral changes that lead to lasting transformation.

The effects of ketamine, which most clients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature.

Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subside, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, clients feel like the insights gained are clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.

I offer 1:1 KAP in person at my office in Brentwood, TN. You will need to arrange a ride to and from my office on dosing sessions.