Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Purpose and Overview

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative, research-supported approach that combines the use of prescribed ketamine with psychotherapy to support emotional healing and therapeutic growth. KAP may help with conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and other mood-related concern, especially when traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

KAP can promote insight, reduce emotional barriers, and help clients connect more deeply with themselves in a safe and guided environment. All KAP services at Quiet Mind Therapy Services (QMTS) are provided by licensed clinicians who are specially trained and certified in KAP.

Eligibility and Requirements

• KAP is available to current QMTS clients or individuals who are already engaged in ongoing therapy with another licensed provider.
  
• Clients must be 18 years or older.
  
• All clients must complete a medical evaluation with an independent prescribing provider (through Journey Clinical or Joyous) to ensure that ketamine is safe and appropriate.
  

Your QMTS KAP therapist will collaborate with your medical provider to coordinate treatment.

Our KAP Process

1. Initial Assessment
Your KAP clinician will begin with a detailed assessment of your goals, medical history, and mental-health background. This helps determine whether KAP is an appropriate and safe treatment option for you. Insurance may be used for this session.

2. Preparatory Sessions
Before any dosing experience, you’ll meet for one to three preparatory therapy sessions (typically covered by insurance). These sessions help build trust, set intentions, and prepare emotionally and psychologically for the KAP experience.

3. Ketamine-Assisted Session
During your dosing session, your therapist will provide continuous support and monitoring to help you feel grounded and safe.  Depending on your treatment plan, there are two pathways:

Option 1: Higher-Dose KAP (Journey Clinical Partnership)

• Medical clearance and prescription are completed virtually through Journey Clinical.
  
• Typical cost is $355, which includes medication for two dosing sessions (some insurance accepted).
  
• The dosing session lasts 2–3 hours (with 40–60 minutes of active experience).
  
• The first hour may be covered by insurance; remaining time is billed privately at $150/hour.
  
• Financing is available through Advance Care (15-month interest-free) or Care Credit.
  
• These sessions often support deeper emotional breakthroughs and perspective shifts.

Option 2: Psycholytic (Low-Dose) KAP (Joyous Partnership)

• A low-dose prescription is taken prior to your therapy session (in person or virtual).
  
• The experience is gentle, allowing you to remain verbal and engaged while accessing emotions and insights more freely.
  
• Cost: $129/month through Joyous, which includes daily microdoses.
  
• This pathway helps lower defenses, reduce avoidance, and deepen therapeutic work.

4. Integration Sessions
After each dosing experience, integration sessions help you reflect, process, and translate insights into everyday life. These sessions are covered by insurance and are an essential part of lasting healing.

What to Expect During KAP

The effects of ketamine typically last 40–60 minutes, though higher-dose sessions may last up to 3 hours. You may experience changes in perception, time, or awareness (a sense of “floating” or “seeing things differently”). Emotional experiences may surface, sometimes intense or unfamiliar, but your therapist will support you throughout. You must have a trusted person or chaperone drive you home after dosing. Driving or operating machinery is not permitted until all effects have worn off. 

Risks and Considerations

KAP is considered an off-label use of ketamine. While studies show promising results, outcomes vary. KAP is not appropriate for individuals with a history of psychosis, mania, or schizophrenia, or those currently taking MAOIs, stimulants, or high-dose benzodiazepines.  Potential short-term side effects may include dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, or temporary confusion or fatigue. These typically resolve within hours after treatment.

Client Responsibilities

Follow all medical and therapist instructions before, during, and after sessions. Arrange safe transportation home after each dosing session. Refrain from alcohol or non-prescribed substances for 24 hours before and after dosing. Notify your therapist and medical provider immediately of any concerning reactions or changes in your health.

Interested? How Do I Sign Up?