Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
A new door
to the work
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the pharmacological effects of ketamine with depth-oriented psychotherapy. For people who have tried other approaches without enough relief, it can open access to psychological material that has otherwise been difficult to reach.
What ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that, in sub-anesthetic doses, produces altered states of consciousness that can be therapeutically valuable. It has been used in clinical settings for decades and has more recently become the focus of serious research as a treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions that have been resistant to conventional treatment.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not just taking ketamine. It is a structured process that includes preparation before the session, the medicine session itself with a therapist present, and integration work afterward. The medicine creates an opening. The psychotherapy makes use of it.
My approach draws on psychodynamic principles. The altered state that ketamine produces can allow access to material that is usually defended against, the kind of deep emotional and relational patterns that are the focus of psychoanalytic work. The medicine and the therapy are not separate tracks. They inform each other.
How the process works
The process begins with thorough preparation. We spend time before any medicine sessions understanding what you are coming with, what you hope for, and how to work with whatever arises.
Medicine sessions are conducted in a safe, contained setting with me present throughout. Patients typically use eye shades and listen to music. My role is to hold the space, support the experience, and gently orient if needed. Sessions last approximately two to three hours.
Integration is where the deeper work happens. In the days and weeks following a session, we work together to understand what emerged and how to bring it meaningfully into your life. A ketamine experience without integration is just an experience. Integration is what makes it therapy.
Who this is for
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is particularly valuable for people who have experienced significant depression, anxiety, or trauma and have not found adequate relief through conventional approaches. It is not a first-line treatment. It is for people who have done serious work and are looking for a way through a particular stuck point.
Medical clearance is required. I work collaboratively with prescribing providers to ensure appropriate screening and safety. Not everyone is a candidate, and part of the preparation process is an honest assessment of fit.
Who this is for
- ●People with treatment-resistant depression who have tried other approaches
- ●Those with significant trauma that has been difficult to access through talk therapy alone
- ●People dealing with severe anxiety or OCD that has not responded adequately to conventional treatment
- ●Those who are curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy and want to work with a trained therapist
- ●People who feel stuck in their therapeutic work and are looking for a new approach
- ●Individuals who have had ketamine treatment elsewhere and want integration support
Frequently asked questions
Is ketamine legal?
Yes. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance that is legal for medical use in the United States. It is the only psychedelic-adjacent medicine currently available for legal use in therapeutic settings at the federal level. All ketamine used in this practice is prescribed by a licensed medical provider.
Is this the same as the ketamine infusions at ketamine clinics?
Related but different. IV ketamine infusions at medical clinics focus primarily on the pharmacological effects for conditions like depression. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy uses similar medicine but embeds it in a therapeutic frame: preparation, a therapist present during the session, and substantive integration work. The medicine opens a window. The therapy determines what you do with it.
How many sessions does it typically involve?
It varies. A typical course involves several medicine sessions along with preparation and integration work. Some people find meaningful benefit from a small number of sessions. Others choose to do more extended work. We assess together what makes sense given what you are bringing and how you respond.
What training do you have in this area?
I have specialized training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and work within established clinical protocols. I stay current with the evolving research and best practices in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Do you prescribe the ketamine yourself?
No. As a therapist, I am not a prescriber. I work collaboratively with licensed medical providers who conduct the medical evaluation and prescribe the medicine. My role is the psychotherapeutic component: preparation, presence during sessions, and integration.
Ready to take the first step?
I offer a free consultation so we can talk about what you are looking for and whether we are a good match.
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