Find Relief with Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Yes. All sessions are overseen by a licensed prescriber. Ketamine has been used safely in medicine for over 50 years.

Many clients notice improvement within hours to days of their first session.

Ketamine helps up to 70% of clients who didn’t respond to traditional antidepressants.

Clients often describe a sense of calm, relief, or emotional release. A therapist is with you the entire time to guide and support you.

Yes — integration therapy is where the insights become lasting change. We believe therapy is essential for ketamine to have true impact. 

Most plans do not cover ketamine therapy. We provide superbills for possible reimbursement and accept HSA/FSA. 

Yes, certain medical conditions may make someone ineligible for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Below are the absolute contraindications:

• Uncontrolled Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): If managed with medication, this is not an absolute contraindication.
• Unstable Cardiovascular Disease: Conditions such as heart failure, unmanaged coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation) may require approval from a doctor.
• Unstable Medical Conditions: A broad category—each case requires review by our medical team. If not approved, the cost of the medical consultation will be refunded.
• Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Ketamine.
• Uncontrolled Glaucoma or Increased Eye Pressure.
• Severe Breathing Problems.
• Active Ketamine Use Disorder.
• Acute Mania or a Mixed State.
• History of Primary Psychotic Disorders (e.g., schizophrenia).

If you have any concerns about eligibility, we recommend consulting with our medical team before scheduling a session.

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.

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective 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 can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment. 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.

The effects of ketamine, which most patients 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 subside, 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 happens during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are clear.

1. Patient in therapy with member psychotherapist.
2. Initial consultation with Journey Clinical prescriber, eligibility check and ketamine prescription.
3. Preparation sessions together to align on the process and set intentions for the KAP dosing session.
4. KAP dosing session: You will self-administer your ketamine lozenge at my office or remotely.
5. Integration sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arise during your dosing session.
6. Follow-up consultations with Journey Clinical prescriber with prescription refills if eligible

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

• $170 an hour to work with Licensed Professional Counselor

Journey Clinical Medical Costs

• Medical Intake: $250 (One time fee, reimbursable through out-of-network)
• Follow-up Sessions: $150/Session (minimum of 1/quarter, reimbursable through out-of-network)
• Cost of Ketamine Lozenges: approximately $75 for 4-6 doses
•  

Journey Clinical is a platform for licensed psychotherapists to incorporate science-based psychedelic therapies in their practice safely and effectively, starting with Ketamine- Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team takes on patient eligibility, prescriptions and outcome monitoring, while I take on the therapy. Their collaborative care model is designed to deliver personalized treatment plans to meet your individual needs and improve long-term outcomes.

In order to provide clarity on the long-term expenses of therapy, we’ve compiled a price comparison that includes a widely used therapeutic technique for addressing issues like PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression. You can also consider this in the context of a traditional talk therapy comparison, although it’s important to note that, in practice, we often surpass the 24 sessions mentioned in our comparison chart.

As you can observe, while Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) may involve higher initial costs, the cumulative expenses of traditional talk therapy and EMDR over time amount to a significantly greater sum. Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize the additional advantages of promoting brain healing through KAP.

Ketamine therapy, particularly Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), has shown promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions. However, not everyone is eligible for this treatment. The following are the general criteria for eligibility:

1. Mental Health Conditions

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Patients who have not responded to at least two different antidepressants.

Anxiety Disorders: Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, especially when other treatments have failed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Particularly for those who have not found relief through conventional therapies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Patients whose symptoms persist despite standard treatments.

Bipolar Depression: Individuals with bipolar disorder experiencing depressive episodes, although careful monitoring is necessary.

2. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Individuals struggling with AUD, particularly those who have not responded well to traditional treatment methods, may be candidates for KAP, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.

3. Physical Health Considerations

Stable Medical Conditions: Patients should be in overall good health, without uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, or severe respiratory issues.

No History of Ketamine Abuse: Those with a history of substance abuse, especially involving ketamine or other dissociative drugs, may not be eligible.

4. Psychiatric Considerations

No History of Psychosis: Individuals with a history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are generally not considered candidates for ketamine therapy due to the potential for exacerbating psychotic symptoms.

No Unstable Bipolar Disorder: While ketamine can be used for bipolar depression, those with unstable or untreated manic episodes are usually not eligible.

5. Pregnancy and Nursing

Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Ketamine therapy is typically not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.

6. Commitment to Therapy

Willingness to Engage in Psychotherapy: Ketamine therapy is most effective when combined with psychotherapy. Patients should be willing and able to engage in regular therapy sessions as part of their treatment plan.

7. Screening Process

Comprehensive Evaluation: Patients typically undergo a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before being considered for ketamine therapy. This includes reviewing their medical history, current medications, and mental health status to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate.

Conclusion

Eligibility for ketamine therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual’s specific medical and psychiatric history, as well as their current condition. At Serenity Wellness and Counseling Center, we conduct comprehensive assessments to determine whether ketamine therapy is a suitable and safe option for each patient.

As you can observe, while Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) may involve higher initial costs, the cumulative expenses of traditional talk therapy and EMDR over time amount to a significantly greater sum. Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize the additional advantages of promoting brain healing through KAP.

The frequency of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions for depression can vary depending on individual needs, the severity of symptoms, and how a patient responds to the treatment. However, there are some general guidelines that practitioners often follow:

Initial Treatment Phase

Frequency: Typically, patients undergo an initial series of 6 to 8 ketamine sessions over a period of 2 to 4 months.

Purpose: This phase is designed to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms and provide relief, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The goal is to stabilize the patient and achieve a significant reduction in symptoms.

Maintenance Phase

Frequency: After the initial phase, the frequency of sessions is usually reduced. Maintenance sessions might be scheduled every 2 to 4 months, depending on the patient’s response to the treatment.

Purpose: The maintenance phase aims to sustain the benefits achieved during the initial treatment and prevent relapse. Some patients may require fewer sessions over time, while others may need ongoing regular treatments.

Long-Term Management

Frequency: Over the long term, the frequency of KAP sessions may be further reduced, with some patients needing only occasional booster sessions each year.

Purpose: The goal is to maintain remission and manage symptoms with minimal intervention while integrating the insights gained during therapy into daily life.

Personalized Treatment Plans

The specific frequency of KAP sessions is highly individualized. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, the severity of their depression, and how they respond to treatment will influence how often sessions are scheduled.

Therapeutic Integration

In addition to the ketamine sessions themselves, ongoing psychotherapy sessions are crucial. These sessions help patients process their experiences during ketamine therapy and integrate the insights into their broader therapeutic goals.

Conclusion

KAP for depression typically begins with an intensive initial phase followed by a maintenance phase with less frequent sessions. The exact schedule is tailored to each patient’s needs, with the overall goal of achieving and maintaining long-term relief from depressive symptoms.

Ketamine’s effectiveness in treating depression, especially treatment-resistant depression, has been a subject of considerable interest and research.

Here’s how ketamine works to alleviate depressive symptoms:

1. NMDA Receptor Antagonism

Mechanism: Ketamine is an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist. NMDA receptors are a type of glutamate receptor, which is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. By blocking these receptors, ketamine reduces excessive glutamate activity, which is thought to play a role in depression.

Effect: This blockade of NMDA receptors leads to a rapid increase in the availability of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for mood regulation.

2. Enhanced Neuroplasticity

Mechanism: Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. It does this by activating the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway, a key regulator of cell growth and synaptic plasticity.

Effect: This increase in neuroplasticity helps the brain form new pathways and connections that can break the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression. It also helps restore synapses that may have been damaged or weakened by chronic stress or depression.

3. Rapid Antidepressant Effects

Mechanism: Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to take effect, ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours. This is thought to be due to its unique action on glutamate and subsequent effects on synaptic plasticity.

Effect: This rapid onset of action is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe depression or those at risk of suicide, as it can provide quick relief from intense symptoms.

4. Reduction of Suicidal Ideation

Mechanism: Ketamine’s effects on the brain’s glutamate system and its promotion of neuroplasticity may also directly reduce suicidal thoughts. It is believed to help “reset” the brain’s neural circuits, alleviating the kind of extreme hopelessness that can lead to suicidal ideation.

Effect: This makes ketamine a potentially life-saving treatment for those with severe, treatment-resistant depression, offering a window of relief that can be critical in crisis situations.

5. Altered Brain Connectivity

Mechanism: Ketamine affects the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a group of interconnected brain regions that are active when the mind is at rest and engaged in self-referential thoughts, such as worrying or ruminating. Depression often involves overactivity in the DMN.

Effect: Ketamine helps reduce this overactivity, allowing patients to break free from negative thought cycles and be more present and engaged with their surroundings.

6. Dissociative Effects

Mechanism: At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine induces a dissociative state where patients may feel detached from their thoughts, body, and surroundings. This state can provide a unique therapeutic window in which patients can explore their thoughts and emotions from a different perspective.

Effect: This dissociative effect can help patients gain new insights into their depression and contribute to the therapeutic process when combined with psychotherapy.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the biochemical effects of ketamine with the therapeutic benefits of psychotherapy, creating a synergistic approach to treating depression. This integration is particularly valuable because while ketamine can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms, the accompanying psychotherapy helps patients process and integrate the experiences and insights gained during the ketamine sessions.

1. Enhancing Therapeutic Insights

Mechanism: During a KAP session, ketamine induces a dissociative state, which can alter perception and consciousness. This state allows patients to step back from their usual thought patterns and view their depression and life experiences from a new perspective. The altered state of consciousness can lead to profound insights that may not be accessible through traditional therapy alone.

Effect: Psychotherapy during or immediately after a ketamine session helps patients make sense of these insights, explore underlying issues contributing to their depression, and develop new coping strategies. This process can enhance the long-term efficacy of the treatment by addressing the root causes of depression, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

2. Facilitating Emotional Release

Mechanism: Ketamine can help unlock repressed emotions and memories that may be contributing to a patient’s depression. The dissociative state can reduce the emotional intensity of these experiences, making it easier for patients to confront and process them in therapy.

Effect: This emotional release can be cathartic, allowing patients to work through unresolved issues that have been weighing them down. Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment for this emotional processing, helping patients to heal and move forward.

3. Promoting Long-Term Healing

Mechanism: While ketamine’s biochemical effects on the brain can rapidly reduce depressive symptoms, psychotherapy ensures that these effects are translated into meaningful and lasting changes in a patient’s life. Through KAP, patients learn to reframe negative thought patterns, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Effect: The combination of ketamine and psychotherapy increases the likelihood of sustained improvement in depressive symptoms, reducing the need for frequent or long-term medication use. Patients often report not only relief from depression but also a greater sense of purpose, connection, and emotional well-being.

4. Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs

Mechanism: KAP is highly individualized, with therapy sessions tailored to the specific needs and experiences of each patient. Therapists work closely with patients to explore the thoughts and feelings that arise during ketamine sessions, using this material to guide the therapeutic process.

Effect: This personalized approach increases the effectiveness of the treatment, as it allows patients to address the unique factors contributing to their depression. Over time, KAP helps patients build a stronger, more resilient sense of self, better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Conclusion

Ketamine works for depression by modulating glutamate activity, promoting neuroplasticity, and altering brain connectivity, leading to rapid and often profound antidepressant effects. Its unique mechanism of action makes it particularly effective for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants, offering a new hope for those struggling with severe and treatment-resistant depression.