What are past participants saying?

Could I benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine can be a highly effective treatment for clients struggling with various forms of depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression. Treatment-Resistant Depression is often defined as a client who has not previously experienced adequate benefits from two or more antidepressant medications. Ketamine can also be used to assist clients with conditions such as Anxiety disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Eating Disorders, and Bipolar Disorder. 

Many people who don’t have a clinical diagnosis also benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). The transformative psychedelic experience and powerful biochemical effects (especially new neuronal connections) can support personal growth. They may assist in resolving issues such as burnout, existential anxiety (e.g., fear of death), spirituality, identity challenges, or feelings of stagnation in one’s life.

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP?)
Is it the same as ketamine infusions?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the biochemical and psychedelic benefits of ketamine with evidence-based psychotherapy to maximize the positive benefits of this cutting-edge mental health treatment. The addition of this therapeutic support helps guide clients towards deeper insight, connection, and growth. KAP includes consultation by a medical provider, preparation session(s), ketamine experiential, and integration therapy sessions. This model is designed to give you the best possible experience during the ketamine treatment while deepening the benefits you receive afterward. This contrasts with the infusion-only model. With ketamine infusions only, clients may achieve symptom relief, but the gains are more limited and could be more difficult to sustain long-term.

Ketamine clinics offer access to ketamine medicine but might not provide in-house therapeutic support. Open Psyche Wellness LLC offers both ketamine and therapeutic guidance under one roof. In addition, I can also offer preparation and integration sessions with clients receiving ketamine at an infusion-only clinic.  

How does ketamine work?

The mechanism action of ketamine is still being widely studied. Here is what we do know. Unlike antidepressant medications which work on the serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems, ketamine boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a critical brain hormone that promotes the creation of new connections between neurons. The resulting neuroplasticity can reverse some long-term effects of chronic depression, anxiety, and trauma. It can also help a person create or strengthen positive neuropathways.

Ketamine also resets the Default Mode Network (DMN), which provides an opportunity to shift away from negative thinking patterns and establish hope for a healthier future. Additionally, ketamine blocks glutamate, a neurotransmitter linked to brain inflammation. Inflammation is associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. 

How many ketamine treatment sessions will I need?

The answer to this question varies somewhat, but generally, a recommended course of treatment consists of between three to six ketamine experiential and integration sessions over several weeks. Much of the research has followed a course of six ketamine experiential sessions to achieve the best outcomes, and we have built our KAP model around these findings. Regardless of how many experiential sessions a client does, I always recommend concurrent integration therapy sessions to experience the full benefits of the treatment. There may be cases when a client might need fewer sessions, such as addressing burnout, interest in personal growth work, or spiritual exploration.

Do I need to take off work and if so, how long should I plan for?

To maximize the benefits of ketamine, it is best to limit your commitments on the day of your ketamine experiential session and even over the following days. In our experience, our clients tend to be more reflective and internally focused for a period of time after their ketamine session. It might be difficult to concentrate on work as you usually would. Set yourself up for success by limiting what you “have to do” so you can be empowered to choose whatever you feel you need after your ketamine session.

What medical conditions might disqualify me?

Ketamine is not recommended for clients who have cardiovascular conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension. Clients with active mania or a history of psychotic illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia) should not take ketamine, as there could be severe risks. Ketamine is also not indicated for clients who are actively abusing substances or have abused ketamine in the past. It is essential to talk with our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner if you have a history of these types of conditions so we can determine the best plan for your care.

What does KAP cost?

Once we’ve determined you seem to be an appropriate fit for treatment, you’ll need a psychiatric and medical consultation with a doctor or nurse practitioner. I have several different medical providers I work with regularly. The average cost for an intake is $300; however, sometimes a client can use insurance to only pay their specialist copay.

I will charge you my regular therapy rate per hour, even for KAP work. I require at least 1 preparation session beforehand. KAP sessions average 2-2.5 hours; however, I will always block off 3 hours, just in case. After 2 hours, I will pro-rate by 15-minute blocks of time. I also require at least 1 integration session afterwards, but more is very important to consider. So on average, all components of a single KAP session would cost ~$1000 in total. I offer group Ketamine work for the Queer community at a discounted sliding scale of ~$825 to $625. If there’s an upcoming group set, you’ll find the flyer above.

Do you offer other psychedelics such as psilocybin?

I’ve been fully certified as a Psychedelic Assisted Therapy provider since 2022. As soon as there is a process for legally doing so, Open Psyche Wellness LLC plans to offer psilocybin. In the meantime, you can find psychedelic integration support and more information on www.psychedelic.support. Presently, I am able to do integration work. Currently the only legal option for psilocybin is in Oregon.

Are there any supplements that are helpful for KAP side effects?

For Headache:

Magnesium glycinate 200-600 mg (titrate to bowel tolerance, can cause loose stools). Use after a session if you have a headache or beforehand to prevent. Calm brand magnesium can be used effectively as well. If you are prone to migraines, Magnesium threonate might be more helpful.

Inhaling lavender and peppermint can help with headaches as well

For Nausea:

Ginger is most effective if used preventively and consistently. More concentrated forms such as ginger juice or fresh ginger are the most beneficial. A ginger chew after ketamine use can be soothing, though.

Peppermint can be effective at easing post-ketamine nausea in any form

For Sleep:

Melatonin 1-3 mg

Magnesium glycinate (instructions same as above)

For “Hangover” or prolonged side effects:

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) 900 -1800 mg daily, start at least 2 days before ketamine session, day of ketamine session and day after (dose as tolerated, can cause GI upset)