Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

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 patients 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 on all medical aspects. This includes 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. 

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can 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. 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. 

Why KAP?

While ketamine treatments are available in some clinics or at home settings, the value of therapy assisted by ketamine offers powerful added benefits. Powerful images, revelations and memories may surface during treatment. Having a strong therapeutic relationship adds emotional safety and assists in meaning making before and after. If we only use the medicine, we are probably only doing half the work.   

KAP sessions offer valuable insight and clarity, helping clients reframe important life issues and navigate obstacles that may have caused stress or functional impairment. This comprehensive approach contributes to the overall well-being of my clients.

Ketamine can provide both psychological and physiological benefits. It is not, however, a cure-all so it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations regarding treatment and maintenance plans.

How Does Ketamine Feel? 

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 subsided, 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 none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience. 

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work? 

1. Initial consultation with Journey Clinical 

A referral will be provided for you to schedule an initial evaluation with a clinician from the Journey Clinical medical team via zoom. They will go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment and determine if you are eligible for KAP. 

If Journey Clinical’s medical team determines that you are eligible for KAP, they will develop a personalized Ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you. 

Journey Clinical’s medical staff will write a ketamine prescription for you, and a small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home, enough for the first 2 KAP sessions. You will be taught to take your vitals and self-administer the ketamine lozenges by Journey Clinical’s medical team in advance of our KAP sessions. 

2. Preparation sessions: 

If approved for KAP, we will plan and schedule session times for preparation, dosing and integration sessions. Preparation sessions will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation sessions is align on the process, work with expectations and/or concerns, and set intentions for our KAP sessions together. 

3. KAP Dosing Session:

A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 2-3 hours and takes place in-person at my office. An option for remote or virtual sessions may be considered if appropriate.

During a dosing session, clients self-administer their vitals and if they are within range, self-administer the ketamine lozenge(s). We will have planned the environment to suit your therapy goals and you will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP 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. 

4. Integration Sessions:

After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session. Integration work from a KAP session helps us gather momentum with your overall therapeutic goals. 

5. Follow-up consultations with Journey Clinical:

After our first KAP session, 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. 

What is the Cost of Treatment?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an affordable, accessible modality. Although the medical intake and follow ups are not covered by insurance, they may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.

Journey Medical Costs

• Initial medical consultation with Journey Clinical: $250 
• Cost of medication: $85 (enough for your first two sessions)
• Follow-up medical consultation with Journey Clinical $150 (at least 1X per quarter) 
• Cost of medication: $145 (enough for up to 6 sessions)

Therapy Costs

• Preparation and Integration sessions: Standard session rate of $175. 

The number of preparation sessions varies by client. 

There will always be at least one integration session within one week of each dosing session. A typical schedule is alternating a KAP dosing session and an integration session each week for the course of treatment. 

• 3 Hour dosing session: $500
• A typical full course of treatment ranges from 6-8 dosing sessions, though this can vary.

Payment

Payment is due at the time of session. KAP dosing sessions are not eligible for insurance reimbursement; however one hour of the three hour dosing session is considered talk therapy and that portion may be submitted for reimbursement. Reimbursement eligibility  is always decided by your insurance provider. Call ahead to verify if this is an option for you. 

Care Credit

Care Credit is a deferred interest credit card and may be an option to help spread out the cost of KAP therapy. Clients must apply and qualify. See additional materials if interested. 

Where Do You Offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Our sessions will take place in my office in Vancouver, WA. I service clients from all over Clark County, Washington from Ridgefield to Camas as well as clients driving up from Portland, OR and surrounding areas.