Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy FAQ
What conditions can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy help?
KAP can be beneficial for individuals struggling with:
Depression (including treatment-resistant depression)
Anxiety, chronic stress, panic attacks, and panic disorder
PTSD and past trauma (including C-PTSD)
OCD and phobia
Grief (including complicated and traumatic grief)
Persistent negative thought patterns such as perfectionism, self-criticism, and low self-esteem
Attachment and intimacy issues
Existential distress and self-sabotage
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy like?
Our Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) process is designed to provide a structured, supportive, and personalized experience that integrates ketamine with therapy for deep healing. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Book a Free Consultation- Your journey starts with a free consultation where we discuss your mental health history, current challenges, and therapy goals to determine if KAP is the right fit for you.
Step 2: Initial Consultation with Journey Clinical- If you decide to move forward, you’ll have a virtual evaluation via Zoom with a Journey Clinical clinician. They will:
Review your medical and psychiatric history
Provide education on KAP
Determine if KAP is appropriate for you
If approved, Journey Clinical’s medical team will create a personalized treatment plan and prescribe a small supply of ketamine lozenges (enough for your first two sessions). They will also provide instructions on taking your vitals and self-administering the medication ahead of your sessions.
Step 3: Intake & Intention-Setting Session-Before beginning KAP, we’ll meet for a 50-minute intake and intention-setting session. This is an important step where we take time to explore your mental health history, past experiences with therapy, and any challenges you’ve been facing. Together, we’ll discuss your thoughts and feelings about KAP, addressing any concerns or questions you may have. This session is also an opportunity to identify your strengths, clarify your goals, and set clear intentions for your journey. By understanding where you’re starting from and what you hope to gain, we can create a therapeutic experience that is meaningful, grounded, and tailored to your needs.
Step 4: Preparation Session- Once your prescription arrives, we’ll schedule a preparation session before your first dosing session. This helps you mentally and emotionally prepare for the experience by discussing what to expect and aligning on the therapeutic process.
Step 5: KAP Dosing Session- A ketamine dosing session typically lasts 2.5-3 hours. During the session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge in a comfortable, reclining position. You’ll wear an eye mask and listen to calming music to support your experience. The ketamine portion of the session is largely internal and introspective, but I will be present throughout the process to hold space and provide support as needed. Once you regain full awareness we will debrief the experience and explore your initial thoughts and feelings.
Step 6: Integration Sessions- Following each dosing session, we’ll meet for integration therapy to process the thoughts, emotions, and insights that arose during your experience. These sessions help you make sense of your journey and prepare for future dosing sessions.
Step 7: Follow-Up Consultations with Journey Clinical- After your first KAP session, Journey Clinical’s medical team will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and, if appropriate, prescribe refills for your ketamine lozenges. These check-ins happen at least once per quarter but may be more frequent depending on your individualized treatment plan.
Is Ketamine safe?
Yes, ketamine is a safe and well-researched treatment when used appropriately under medical supervision. It has been used in medical settings for decades and is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. In recent years, extensive research has shown its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
At EMDR Indiana, we partner with Journey Clinical, a team of medical professionals who carefully assess each client’s eligibility and provide personalized treatment plans, dosing guidance, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety throughout the process.
While ketamine is generally well-tolerated, some temporary effects, such as dizziness and mild nausea, may occur during the session. These effects typically subside within an hour. Our therapy-guided approach ensures you are in a safe, comfortable environment with professional support throughout your experience.
How many Ketamine-assisted sessions will I need?
The number of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions needed varies from person to person. Most people start with two dosing sessions to gauge their response and experience the initial benefits. However, research and clinical experience suggest that more potent and longer-lasting effects are typically seen with 6 to 8 dosing sessions over time.
Every individual’s healing journey is unique, and the ideal number of sessions depends on factors such as your treatment goals, response to ketamine, and overall mental health needs. During our work together, we will regularly assess your progress and determine the best course of treatment for you.
Will I be conscious during the session?
Yes, but your state of awareness will shift. Ketamine can create a dissociative or dreamlike experience, where you may feel detached from everyday concerns and gain new perspectives. The intensity depends on dosage and individual sensitivity. Ketamine does not typically cause hallucinations like classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin). Instead, it may create visual distortions, dreamlike imagery, or a sense of expanded awareness. These experiences can provide valuable insights when processed in therapy.
Can I drive home after a session?
No. Ketamine temporarily impairs motor coordination and cognitive function. You must arrange for a ride home after each session.