Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
My practice includes both oral and intramuscular (IM) injections of ketamine for psychotherapy. I collaborate with Dr. Gregory Loewen who is a trauma-informed medical prescriber. Sessions are available both on an individual basis as my schedule allows as well as in a group setting which runs periodically throughout the year.
What is ketamine?
For the last 20 years, ketamine has been used to help with depression and other mental health disorders. Ketamine seems to help most with depression, but can also be helpful for anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine is off label, meaning it isn't approved by the FDA for treating mental health conditions, though it is FDA approved as anesthesia. Many medications, including ketamine, are safely used off label. Ketamine often works quickly; sometimes people even start to feel better during the first session, and is one of the medications that can help rapidly with suicidal thoughts. Usually a series of sessions are recommended to treat mental health problems, but it can also be used for psychotherapy more sporadically. Ketamine used with therapy can create a powerful synergy that can speed up the healing work.
How ketamine works
We don't totally know why or how ketamine works. It is known to work in the brain by affecting the function of multiple neurotransmitters and ultimately ends up improving the neurotransmission of important neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, growing new dendrites, and increasing neuroplasticity in the brain. The brain actually changes and improves its physical structure as well as how it functions after receiving ketamine. The overall effect is the potential to reduce mental health symptoms and emotional suffering. Some of these positive effects may be long lasting, sometimes they are short lived and some people may need ongoing treatment with ketamine to maintain the positive effects.
Research suggests about 60% of people have a positive response to ketamine and it has been shown to be as effective as some antidepressants. Side effects are usually mild and transient and are explained in more detail in preparation sessions.
Ketamine can also create a meaningful psycho-spiritual experience. The psychedelic or trance effects of ketamine can evoke deeply meaningful spiritual or psychological experiences.
I am co-facilitating a KAP group starting in mid-October 2024 and am currently enrolling participants. You can find more information here. KAP groups are beneficial for many reasons including and not limited to:
Enhanced Emotional Support: Engaging with others who share similar struggles fosters a sense of community and understanding, which can be deeply validating and comforting.
Diverse Perspectives: Group settings provide multiple viewpoints, enriching the therapeutic process and offering new insights into personal challenges and growth.
Increased Accessibility: Group therapy often makes KAP more affordable and accessible, allowing more individuals to benefit from this advanced treatment. (We're currently offering this group at the lowest rate we ever have- thanks to having a wonderful new group space located inside the downtown location of Samadhi Therapy Associates)
Shared Experience: The collective journey through ketamine therapy can create strong bonds and a supportive network that extends beyond the sessions.
Please contact me to learn more about how ketamine may be of benefit to you!
Ketamine Session Fees:
Psychiatric Evaluation (w/ Dr. Loewen) $250
Ketamine Medicine Session (oral-2.5 to 3 hours) $525-600
Ketamine Medicine Session (IM- 2-2.5 hours) $600-$700
Psychotherapy Session (may be billable if I participate w/your insurance company) $200
No show or late cancellation $200
(24 hours notice)
Insurance:
Unfortunately, because ketamine is not approved by the FDA, it is also not covered by insurance. The psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy sessions may be covered by insurance depending on your plan benefits.
