Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) 101

I offer a therapeutic modality called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible clients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical’s medical team supports you in all medical aspects including determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes. Below is more information about KAP to help you navigate if it may be a good fit for you.

● Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective psychedelic medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. 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 when clients incorporate new activities and practice changed behaviors.

● While 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.

● The effects of ketamine, which most clients find pleasant, can last approximately 45-60 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 time processing and discussing your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, most people feel 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.

Logistics:

● Currently, most insurance providers do not cover the cost of ketamine assisted therapy, however, you may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement for the medical intake and follow ups. Please call your insurance company and ask them if you qualify for KAP coverage and/or benefits.

Together we’ll discuss your intentions for working with psychedelics. If clinically appropriate, I’ll refer you for an initial, remote evaluation with the Journey Clinical medical team. They’ll go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide medical education about treatment. If they determine that you are eligible for KAP, they will work with me to develop a personalized ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you.

● Next, the medical staff will send in a ketamine prescription of three doses for you, which will be sent to your home. Once received, we will schedule the KAP preparation, dosing and integration sessions. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.

● A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 1-2 hours and can take place either in-person at my office, remotely via telehealth, or with me coming to you to support you in the comfort of your home.

● During a dosing session, you’ll be self-administering the ketamine lozenge, following the instructions. You’ll lean into a submersive experience, laying in a comfortable position, your eyes covered, listening to calming music and sound. Although a ketamine dosing session may be largely an internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.

● When your experience is complete, I’ll help you to gently re-acclimate and orient to your surroundings, and take notes if you feel like sharing anything about the journey.

● In 1-3 days afterwards, we’ll meet for an integration session, reviewing memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your journey. We’ll use this insight to build on and prepare for following KAP sessions. Journey Clinical’s medical team schedules regular follow ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at a minimum of once per quarter.

Although the medical intake and follow ups are not covered by insurance, they are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Costs:

  • My rate per KAP session: $350, $600 for in-home sessions

  • Initial medical consultation with the psychiatric team at Journey Clinical: $250

  • Cost of sublingual ketamine for 3 sessions: $85

Ongoing treatment if desired:

  • Follow-up medical consultation and prescription with Journey Clinical: $150

  • Additional medicine for more 6 sessions: $145

How Do I Sign Up?

  • If you would like to explore the possibility of working with me and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, please email me at therapy@catherinevonklitzing.com to discuss eligibility and next steps.