What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal, FDA-approved medication that has been used safely for decades in medical settings. In recent years, it has also gained recognition for its potential to support mental health treatment—particularly for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress—when used under the care of a licensed medical provider.
Ketamine is believed to promote neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. For some clients, this can open space for greater emotional flexibility, insight, and healing—especially when combined with intentional therapeutic support.
When I partner with Journey Clinical, we use sub-lingual ketamine lozenges (administered under medical supervision) as part of the KAP process. Journey Clinical’s medical team manages all aspects of your care related to ketamine itself—including determining whether ketamine is clinically appropriate for you, prescribing the correct dosage, and monitoring your medical safety throughout treatment.
What Might the Experience Feel Like?
The effects of ketamine typically last around 45 minutes, and many clients describe the experience as gentle, introspective, or emotionally expansive. Some people feel a sense of distance from everyday thoughts or bodily sensations, while others report shifts in perspective or increased access to emotions and memories.
During your session, you’ll be in a comfortable, supported setting—lying down, eyes covered if you choose, with calming music to support the experience. I’ll be present throughout, offering quiet support or therapeutic guidance, depending on your preferences and needs.
After the medicine effects have worn off, we’ll shift into integration—processing any thoughts, feelings, or imagery that surfaced and exploring how they may relate to your personal healing path. Some clients find it difficult to put the experience fully into words, but still report feeling clear about what emerged or what it meant.
While every experience is unique, research suggests that ketamine’s benefits on mood and brain functioning can extend beyond the session itself—especially when paired with ongoing therapy and support.
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Work?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a structured, collaborative process that blends the medical support of Journey Clinical with the emotional and therapeutic guidance I provide through our sessions together.
Please Note: I do not prescribe or administer ketamine. All medical decisions are made by licensed healthcare providers through Journey Clinical, with whom I collaborate as part of the therapeutic process.
Here’s what you can expect if you choose to explore KAP:
Here’s what the full process looks like:
1. Initial Medical Consultation
Your journey begins with a telehealth evaluation through Journey Clinical, a medical organization that partners with licensed therapists. During this appointment, a medical provider will:
- Review your medical and mental health history
- Provide information about ketamine treatment
- Determine whether KAP is appropriate and safe for you
If approved, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and a small initial prescription of ketamine lozenges delivered to your home. Journey Clinical’s team will guide you on how to take your vitals and safely self-administer the medication.
2. Preparation Session(s)
Once your prescription arrives, we’ll schedule one or more preparation sessions—just like a regular therapy session. These sessions help you:
- Clarify your goals and intentions
- Learn what to expect from the experience
- Build a foundation of trust, safety, and emotional readiness
3. KAP Dosing Session
Your first KAP dosing session will last about 2 hours, via telehealth, depending on your preference and treatment plan.
- You’ll self-administer the ketamine lozenge while in a quiet, supported space
- You’ll wear an eye mask, listen to calming music, and settle into the internal experience
- I’ll remain with you the entire time to support and gently guide as need
- While each person’s experience is different, many describe this as a deeply reflective, emotional, or symbolic journey.
To lower your cost you may also chose the option of a self-guided dosing session.
- Self-guided dosing sessions means we'll check in briefly before and after you take the medicine.
- Clients who select self-guided dosing sessions must have a chaperone in their home while they are under the medicine's effects (approx. 45 to 90 minutes).
4. Integration Sessions
After your dosing session, we’ll meet for one or more integration sessions—this is where we explore the meaning of what came up, gently process emotions or imagery, and begin applying insights to your life. Integration is where much of the healing takes root.
These sessions help you:
- Reflect on what came up during your journey
- Process emotions, images, or insights
- Explore how the experience connects to your goals and day-to-day life
- Prepare for future sessions if you choose to continue
Integration is where real, lasting change often begins to take shape.
5. Ongoing Support from Journey Clinical
Throughout your KAP journey, Journey Clinical’s medical team remains involved to ensure your safety and progress. They’ll schedule regular check-ins—at least once per quarter—to:
- Monitor your response to treatment
- Adjust your prescription, if needed
- Refill your medication as appropriate
This ongoing collaboration ensures your care is both medically and emotionally supported.
Please note: I do not prescribe or administer ketamine. All medical aspects of your care are handled by Journey Clinical’s licensed medical providers.