in-person trauma-informed sessions for

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Do you feel like you have been engaging in therapy for awhile but are “stuck” in the process?

Are you ready to try something else to move your growth along?

Ketamine=assisted psychotherapy has proven to be safe and effective in treating diagnoses such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. While research exploring ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for those with eating disorders is ongoing, early research concludes ketamine may provide the greatest utility for those who are “treatment resistant” or “non-responders” to traditional treatment methods.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a type of therapy that combines the use of the anesthetic drug ketamine with psychotherapy.

  • Ketamine is known for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, but in KAP, it is used at sub-anesthetic doses to enhance the therapeutic process.

  • Ketamine helps us to grow new neurons and increases the connection between brain cells. Ketamine does this by activating the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate in the brain, as well as increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which causes an increase in functionality (neuroplasticity) of the brain. This opens our system to growth and transformation, and accelerates the healing process.

    Ketamine activates a different pathway in the brain from that of most other psychiatric medications including SSRIs, SNRIs, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Because it works on a different neurotransmitter, ketamine can be effective in treating mental health conditions where other medications have failed.

  • Ketamine is best used when taken in the context of a safe, supportive, and healing therapeutic relationship. We will work in collaboration with medical providers and other treatment team members to optimize your individualized treatment plan.

    Ketamine has an extensive record of safety and has been used at much higher doses for surgical anesthesia without respiratory depression. As with any medication, there are also some potential risks and side effects to consider before the treatment process. These will be addressed during your psychiatric intake with our medical provider.

    Set and setting is important to consider and we will explore this during your preparation sessions. We will work to curate an environment that feels safe for you and your process.

THE PROCESS

  • Initial Consultation With Therapist

    We will meet for a quick 15-minute consultation call to answer any additional questions and to determine if I am a good fit for your individual needs.

  • Diagnostic Assessment

    Assuming you decide to move forward after our consultation call, we will schedule a diagnostic assessment. During this initial intake we will meet to discuss your current concerns, hopes for the process, and develop your treatment plan.

  • Intake With Medical Provider

    I will then connect you with my prescriber who will determine medical eligibility and assuming everything checks out medically, you will be provided with your ketamine prescription.

  • Preparation Sessions

    These sessions are intended to prepare you for your medicine session. We will first work on building safety and trust with one another as I believe this is the most important part of the work. Then together we will explore any fears and doubts you have about the process, understand what you are hoping to get from your ketamine experience, you can ask any questions you may have, we will work to understand any expectations that could interfere with the process, set an intention for the medicine session, explore any interfering habits that may need to be adjusted prior to engaging in this process, and then work to identify what will be supportive in your environment during the medicine session.

  • Medicine Sessions

    You will self-administer your prescribed ketamine with me present. I will act as a support by holding the container while you are in your process. I will be present to support you in using grounding techniques or coping skills if any anxiety or discomfort arises during the experience.

    As the ketamine wears off, you may not feel ready to verbalize or process your experience. Instead, I may lead you in previously agreed upon grounding or mindfulness techniques to create space for you to internalize your experience and slowly come out of the trance-like state. If you are ready to talk about your experience, you can then share it.

  • Integration Sessions

    We will work together to make sense of and process sensations and feelings that arose during your experience. The hope would be to then bring the insights and teachings from your experience into actual change in your life.

    Integration is an ongoing process, not a single event. Together we will determine how to help you continue to build a connection with what arose and bring it into daily living.

Additional Information on KAP for Eating Disorders

I maintain a deep passion for working with individuals with eating disorders and am honored to be able to provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for individuals suffering with these diagnoses. I understand that eating disorders are devastating conditions that not only affect one’s physical health, but also mental well-being and, oftentimes, the ability to engage socially. While research on ketamine for eating disorder diagnoses is ongoing, we do know the following:

  • Ketamine helps enhance cognitive flexibility, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with rigid thought patterns commonly observed in eating disorders.

  • Ketamine has been shown to produce rapid improvements in mood, making it an invaluable tool in addressing depression and anxiety, which often co-occur with eating disorders.

  • Ketamine has shown promise in enhancing emotional regulation, helping individuals manage overwhelming emotions that might otherwise trigger destructive behaviors.

  • Those struggling with eating disorders often battle intense self-criticism and feelings of shame. Ketamine’s impact on mood can lead to increased self-compassion and a more positive self-image.

  • Eating disorders have the highest rate of suicide amongst any mental illness. Ketamine is proven to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors, providing critical support during the recovery process.

  • Eating disorders involve maladaptive neural pathways that contribute to disordered eating behaviors. Ketamine’s effects on NMDA receptors can disrupt these harmful pathways and pave the way for new, healthier connections.

  • Ketamine is one of the most effective treatments for depression and PTSD available today. We know that many individuals with eating disorders can have co-occurring conditions that may be contributing to the maintenance of the disorder. Ketamine can help resolve interfering co-occurring symptoms.

  • For many individuals with eating disorders, identity outside the eating disorder can become lost. Ketamine can act as a catalyst for self-exploration, introspection, and gaining insights into one's thoughts, beliefs, and patterns of behavior. It can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their purpose in life.

Estimated Cost for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

  • Diagnostic assessment can be billed through insurance assuming your plan is in-network.

    Cost is dependent on your individual insurance plan (i.e. your individual co-pay and deductible)

  • Sessions can be billed through insurance assuming your plan is in-network.

    Cost is dependent on your individual insurance plan (i.e. your individual co-pay and deductible)

  • Intake can be billed through your insurance assuming your plan is in-network.

    Cost is dependent on your individual insurance plan (i.e. your individual co-pay and deductible)

  • $160/hour (KAP sessions are three hours in duration - not covered by insurance)

  • Sessions can be billed through your insurance assuming your plan is in-network.

    Cost is dependent on your individual insurance plan (i.e. your individual co-pay and deductible)

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • No! I am happy to support individuals through KAP that are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and for those looking for a deepening of their relationship with self.

  • That's amazing! KAP is often a short term treatment in which you work with your KAP provider for preparation, medicine sessions, and integration sessions. It is highly beneficial (and recommended) that you engage in long term therapy post-KAP treatment.

  • No, you should not drive after your session. Please arrange for a ride following your sessions.

  • Each course of treatment is highly individualized. Some clients complete one session and experience relief from their symptoms, while others continue treatment for 3-6 sessions, along with periodic “boosters.” You will collaborate with both your provider and prescriber to determine the best course of treatment for you.

  • Ketamine treatment can take place at your home or in a medical center, and involves receiving ketamine as a medication without psychotherapy. You may have an option to meet with a therapist, however it is not required.

    At Well Within, psychotherapy is an integral part of psychedelic work. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy involves working closely with your therapist to complete preparation, medicine sessions, and integration as an essential part of your treatment. I believe that preparation and integration are invaluable aspects of psychedelic work and set the stage for profound healing to occur.

  • This decision should be made with the help of a medical professional who can take into account factors such as age, medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits. Practitioners may also use criteria such as mental health diagnoses, length of time living with symptoms, the severity of present symptoms, and past methods of treatment. After considering these factors together, the client, prescriber, and the provider can decide if ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is an appropriate choice.