Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
I am trained and certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I offer this service both in-person at my West Hollywood, CA office. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can also be conducted remotely over a video platform.
"Ketamine creates a temporary state of flexibility."
I partner with Journey Clinical to provide KAP:
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
The process of integrating ketamine into the therapeutic process. There are two purposes to using ketamine:
1. The medicine has a dramatic and lasting effect treating various mental health conditions.
2. The psychoactive element of ketamine allows us to access parts of mind (unconscious) cant get to through talk therapy. This is similar to how ideas, thoughts and images occur during a dream.
What is it used for?
- Depression (particularly treatment-resistant depression)
- PTSD
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorders
KAP is typically a series of about 5-6 sessions, although you can do 1 stand aloen session and you cant stop treatment at any time.
Studies show that ketamine is much more effective at treating depression than traditional antidepressants (80% vs. 33%), and Ketamine takes effect much quicker (1-2 weeks vs. 4-6).
You can come in specifically for KAP, or integrate it into your longterm therapy.
What is the process like?
1. Prep: Medical screening to determine if KAP is right for you. I partner with Journey Clinical who will provide the screening and prescribe the medication.
2. Session: You administer ketamine several ways. We will use a lozenge which you will take in session. in session. I will be with you throughout the experience.
3. After: you will rest and relax. Any feeling of drowsiness and disorientation will resolve in about 1-2 hours. The following day we will process & integrate the experience.
Is ketamine safe?
Yes. Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic at higher doses for decades. We have recently discovered that ketamine has therapeutic effects when administered at lower doses.
Side effects? The side effects are very minimal. These include drowsiness and disorientation. These will resolve within 1-2 hours of the treatment.
Is there a risk of dependence/abuse? Studies show that this risk is very low and that KAP is effective at treating substance use disorders.
