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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative therapeutic approach that combines the administration of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with traditional psychotherapy techniques. This method has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.

How Does KAP Work?

  1. Preparation: Before the ketamine session, clients undergo thorough assessments to ensure they are suitable candidates for KAP. This includes medical evaluations, mental health assessments, and discussions about treatment goals.

  2. Ketamine Administration: During the therapy session, ketamine is administered under the supervision of a trained medical professional. The dosage and method (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) are tailored to the individual’s needs.

  3. Psychotherapy Session: As the ketamine takes effect, clients engage in psychotherapy with a licensed therapist. The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can help clients access and process difficult emotions and experiences in a new way.

  4. Integration: After the ketamine session, follow-up therapy sessions focus on integrating the insights and experiences from the KAP session into everyday life. This step is crucial for long-term therapeutic benefits.

Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

  • Rapid Relief: Ketamine can provide quick relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to become effective.

  • Enhanced Psychotherapy: The dissociative effects of ketamine can facilitate deeper introspection and emotional processing, making psychotherapy sessions more effective.

  • Alternative for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: KAP offers hope for individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Conditions Treated with KAP

  • Major Depressive Disorder

  • Treatment-Resistant Depression

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Bipolar Disorder (under specific conditions)

  • Chronic Pain (with psychological components)

Safety and Side Effects

  1. Ketamine is generally safe when administered in a controlled, clinical setting. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Serious side effects are rare but can occur, emphasizing the importance of professional supervision.

Do you have more questions? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us at info@capitalpsychotherapy.com

Dr Jones, providing comfort during a KAP session

Our Clinicians

Dr Gregory Jones KAP Therapist

Dr. Gregory JonesClinical Director

Clinical Director | Founder | Clinical Psychologist | Sex Therapist | KAP Therapist

Whitney Marris LCSW, KAP Therapist

Whitney MarrisClinical Social Worker

KAP Therapist |

EMDR | LCSW

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