One of the most promising and buzzworthy alternative mental health treatments today is called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP. According to Adam Kaplin, M.D., Ph.D., a psychiatrist with Johns Hopkins Medicine:

“For the first time in 60 years, we have a new antidepressant therapy that isn’t just a spinoff of existing drugs. For some people, esketamine therapy is revolutionary, giving them the chance to experience life without depression for the first time in decades.”

KAP combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine with professional psychotherapy and is currently used with increasing success to treat several mental health conditions, including:

● Treatment-resistant depression

● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

● Severe anxiety

● Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

KAP creates a unique window of emotional and psychological openness for deeper healing and emotional breakthroughs that can be difficult to achieve in traditional therapy settings.

Many patients usually have a long list of questions about what a KAP session is actually like. Here’s what to expect with ketamine assisted psychotherapy, or KAP, from initial consultation to post-session integration:

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a specialized form of mental health treatment that integrates a controlled dose of ketamine with a structured psychotherapy session. Unlike traditional therapy that relies solely on conversation, KAP uses the dissociative, mind-altering effects of ketamine to facilitate a more profound therapeutic process.

Ketamine itself is a dissociative anesthetic. In the context of KAP, it is administered in a low, sub-anesthetic dose to induce a state of altered consciousness.

During this state, the mind's usual defense mechanisms and rigid thought patterns are thought to soften, creating an opportunity for new insights and emotional processing.

Ketamine also has a unique effect on the brain, stimulating rapid release of neurotransmitters and promoting neuroplasticity, which helps the brain "reset" itself from cycles of negative thinking and emotional distress.

The combination of these neurobiological effects and the guidance of a trained therapist is what makes KAP so powerful. The ketamine experience itself can be a catalyst for introspection, but the presence of a therapist means more insights are integrated into your long-term healing.

Before the Session: Preparation and Expectations

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is always a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a qualified mental health professional to determine if KAP is a suitable treatment for you. They will review your medical and psychiatric history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.

2. Medical Screening

A thorough medical screening to assess for any conditions or medications that may be contraindicated with ketamine is up next. This may include a review of your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and any past or present substance use.

3. Pre-session Guidelines

These typically include a directive to avoid food and drink for a certain period before the session. You must also arrange for a trusted person to drive you home, as you will not be able to operate a vehicle after the session.

4. Setting Personal Goals

Before the session begins, you and your therapist will have a brief conversation to set intentions and discuss what you hope to explore. This collaborative process can focus on a particular trauma, an emotion you want to release, or a new perspective you want to gain.

During the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session

The KAP session is a carefully structured and professionally guided experience. To start, ketamine is typically administered in one of three ways:

● Oral: A lozenge is held under the tongue and allowed to dissolve for a gentle, slower onset method.

● Intranasal: A nasal spray is used; this is popular for home-based sessions.

● Intravenous (IV): An IV infusion delivers the ketamine over a period of time for even more precise dosage control.

The onset time of ketamine varies by administration method but is generally within minutes. As the ketamine takes effect, you will likely begin to feel a sense of relaxation and a gradual shift in perception.

You may feel a gentle disconnection from your body, a feeling known as dissociation. Your senses may be altered, and you might notice changes in how you perceive light, sound, and time. These effects are expected and are a normal part of the process.

During the session, your therapist will be present and guide you through the experience to provide a sense of safety and support while you explore insights and emotions that arise. The therapeutic conversation is often gentle and non-linear, following your lead and helping you navigate the experience without judgment.

Emotional exploration is the heart of a KAP session. Ketamine can help you access emotions and memories difficult to confront in a sober state. You may experience deep emotional release, new perspectives on old problems, or a sense of profound clarity.

The Therapeutic Environment: Comfort and Safety

The environment in which KAP takes place is carefully designed to be safe, comfortable, and conducive to healing.

The session will take place in a private, serene room: an atmosphere designed to feel secure and tranquil, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and an overall sense of calm. The therapist’s presence is a constant source of support to help you feel grounded.

Throughout the session, your vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, are monitored by a trained healthcare professional for physical safety. This continuous monitoring allows us to make sure the session is not only therapeutic but also medically sound.

A typical KAP session lasts for approximately 90 to 120 minutes, including preparation and initial recovery. We often use calming music or nature sounds to help you relax more deeply into the process.

Post-Session: What Happens After Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

The session does not end when the ketamine effects wear off; the integration process is just as important. Here’s what you can expect to happen after your KAP session:

Immediate Effects

Immediately after the session, you may feel groggy, a little light-headed, and emotionally heightened. You may have a sense of clarity or a feeling of emotional release. These feelings are temporary and will subside as you continue to recover.

Integration Process

Your therapist will help you process your experience and the insights you gained, an important step that helps you integrate emotional breakthroughs into your daily life. The integration process can take place immediately following the session and in subsequent therapy sessions.

Reflection and Follow-Up

We encourage you to reflect on your experience, perhaps through journaling or talking with your therapist to solidify new perspectives and emotional insights. Follow-up sessions are an important part of the long-term healing process to continue to build on the progress you made.

Potential Aftereffects

Many individuals report a sustained feeling of calm, euphoria, or a general improvement in mood after a KAP session. Although these feelings can be deeply positive, it's also important to be aware that your emotions may be heightened as you process the experience.

Benefits and Risks of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Benefits

● Rapid Symptom Relief: Many patients report a quick reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, often within hours or days of the session.

● Emotional Breakthroughs: The state of altered consciousness can trigger profound emotional release and new insights into long-standing issues.

● Increased Neuroplasticity: Ketamine's ability to promote new neural connections can help a person develop healthier thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

● Improved Mood: The experience can lead to a sustained improvement in mood and a renewed sense of hope.

Risks and Side Effects

● Side Effects: The most common side effects of ketamine are dizziness, nausea, and mild dissociation. These are temporary and carefully managed by the therapist.

● Dissociation: Some individuals may find the feeling of dissociation to be unsettling. This is why a safe and supportive environment with a professional present is so important.

● Long-Term Impact: The long-term impact of KAP is still being studied, but current research suggests that with ongoing psychotherapy and integration support, the benefits can be sustainable.

Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Right for You?

Combining the unique neurobiological effects of ketamine with professional, guided therapy creates a powerful opportunity for deep emotional healing and profound breakthroughs.

If you believe that KAP may help improve your mental health, be sure to consult with a certified psychiatrist who specializes in this groundbreaking treatment:

Contact the office of Dr. Heiser today in Los Angeles to schedule an evaluation and take the first step forward along your healing path.

‍