A breakthrough therapeutic approach combining the healing properties of ketamine with skilled psychotherapy to create profound opportunities for transformation and healing.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative treatment approach that combines the administration of ketamine with skilled psychotherapy to create a unique therapeutic experience. This powerful combination allows for deeper exploration of the mind and can help address conditions that have been resistant to traditional treatments.
Ketamine works by temporarily altering consciousness and creating a window of neuroplasticity in the brain. During this time, the mind becomes more receptive to new perspectives and insights, while the emotional intensity of difficult memories or thought patterns may be reduced.
Our approach to KAP integrates medical supervision with therapeutic guidance, creating a safe container for profound healing and transformation. The psychotherapy component is essential, as it helps you process and integrate the insights gained during your ketamine experience.
Ketamine affects multiple brain systems, including glutamate and NMDA receptors, which play key roles in neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt.
Often provides relief within hours or days, unlike traditional antidepressants
Promotes the growth of new neural connections, helping to rewire thought patterns
Our comprehensive approach ensures a safe, supportive, and transformative experience throughout your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy journey.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if KAP is appropriate for your specific needs. This includes:
Timeframe: 90-minute initial consultation
Before your first ketamine session, we'll work together to prepare your mind and set intentions. These sessions include:
Timeframe: 1-2 sessions of 50 minutes each
The core of KAP involves the administration of ketamine in a safe, comfortable environment with therapeutic support. Each session includes:
Timeframe: 2-3 hours per session, typically a series of 4-6 sessions
Perhaps the most crucial part of KAP, integration sessions help you process insights and translate your experiences into meaningful change:
Timeframe: 50-minute sessions following each ketamine session, with additional sessions as needed
While KAP can be transformative for many individuals, it's not appropriate for everyone. Our thorough screening process helps determine if this treatment is right for you.
Our comprehensive assessment includes medical history review, psychiatric evaluation, and discussion of your treatment goals to determine if KAP is the right approach for your unique situation.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is supported by a growing body of research demonstrating its efficacy for various mental health conditions.
Multiple clinical trials have shown that ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, often within hours or days, compared to weeks or months with traditional antidepressants.
"A single subanesthetic dose of ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression that can be sustained with repeated doses." — Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2023
Research indicates that ketamine can reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and help individuals process trauma more effectively when combined with psychotherapy.
"Ketamine administration was associated with significant and rapid reduction in PTSD symptom severity, with effects lasting up to 2 weeks." — American Journal of Psychiatry, 2021
Condition | Response Rate | Onset of Action | Key Studies |
---|---|---|---|
Treatment-Resistant Depression | 60-70% | 2-24 hours | Zarate et al. (2006), Murrough et al. (2013) |
PTSD | 50-60% | 24-72 hours | Feder et al. (2021), Albott et al. (2018) |
Anxiety Disorders | 55-65% | 1-3 days | Glue et al. (2017), Taylor et al. (2018) |
Suicidal Ideation | 55-75% | 40 minutes - 4 hours | Wilkinson et al. (2018), Price et al. (2014) |
Note: Response rates vary by individual and treatment protocol. The research on ketamine for mental health is ongoing and rapidly evolving.
Hear from individuals who have experienced transformation through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Paapoy.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
"After years of trying different medications and therapies for my depression, I felt hopeless. KAP at Paapoy changed everything. The experience itself was profound, but the integration work afterward is what really helped me make lasting changes. For the first time in over a decade, I feel genuinely hopeful about my future."
PTSD Recovery
"My trauma had controlled my life for so long. During my KAP sessions, I was able to revisit difficult memories without being overwhelmed by them. The therapists created such a safe space, and I never felt rushed or judged. I've made more progress in a few months than I did in years of traditional therapy."
Anxiety & Depression
"I was skeptical at first, but my anxiety had become debilitating. The KAP experience helped me see my thought patterns from a different perspective. It wasn't always easy, but the therapists guided me through the process with such expertise. Three months later, I'm managing my anxiety better than I ever thought possible."
We believe in transparent pricing and are committed to making KAP as accessible as possible.
Comprehensive evaluation to determine if KAP is right for you
Comprehensive bi-weekly treatment package with 6 complete KAP sessions
Payment plans available
For clients who prefer to pay per session
While ketamine itself is often not covered by insurance for mental health treatment, some components of KAP may be eligible for coverage:
Our team will verify your benefits and discuss coverage options during your initial consultation.
We offer several payment solutions to make treatment more accessible:
Find answers to common questions about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Paapoy.
Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic in medical settings for decades and has a well-established safety profile when administered by trained professionals. The doses used in KAP are significantly lower than those used for anesthesia. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects, which we thoroughly discuss during your assessment. Our protocols include comprehensive medical screening, vital sign monitoring during treatment, and medical supervision to ensure your safety.
The ketamine experience varies from person to person, but many describe feelings of relaxation, a sense of detachment from ordinary concerns, and altered perceptions. Some experience visual or sensory changes, while others report a sense of expanded awareness or emotional release. The psychotherapeutic setting helps guide this experience toward healing insights. Throughout the session, you remain conscious and can communicate with your therapist if needed. Our team thoroughly prepares you for what to expect and provides support throughout the experience.
Most clients benefit from an initial series of 4-6 ketamine sessions, typically scheduled over 3-6 weeks, with integration sessions following each ketamine experience. This intensive initial phase often provides substantial symptom relief and insights. After this series, some clients find they've achieved their goals, while others benefit from periodic maintenance sessions (every 1-3 months) to sustain improvements. We personalize treatment plans based on your response and needs, with regular assessments to track progress.
When used in a controlled therapeutic setting with appropriate dosing and frequency, ketamine has a low risk of addiction. Our protocols include careful screening for substance use disorders, structured treatment schedules, and ongoing monitoring. The therapeutic context, intention-setting, and integration work are designed to focus on healing rather than recreational use. Additionally, ketamine doesn't typically produce physical dependence like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, we take this concern seriously and implement safeguards throughout the treatment process.
Many medications can be safely continued during KAP, but some may need adjustment or temporary discontinuation. During your assessment, we'll review all your medications and consult with your prescribing physician if needed. Certain medications, particularly some types of antidepressants (MAOIs), may interact with ketamine and require special consideration. Never adjust or stop medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Our medical team will work closely with you to ensure safe coordination of your treatment plan.
The "psychotherapy" component of KAP is crucial to its effectiveness. While ketamine alone can produce temporary symptom relief through its biological effects, the lasting transformation comes from the therapeutic process surrounding it. The preparation sessions help set meaningful intentions, the therapeutic presence during the ketamine experience provides safety and guidance, and the integration sessions help you make meaning of insights and translate them into lasting change. Research suggests this combined approach leads to more sustainable improvements than medication alone.
Interested in exploring whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you? Complete this form to request an initial consultation with our team.
A brief 15-minute call to gather basic information and answer initial questions
A 90-minute in-depth evaluation of your history, symptoms, and treatment goals
Personalized treatment plan based on your needs, including options and next steps
All information shared is confidential and protected under HIPAA guidelines.
Call us directly at (503) 555-7890 or the crisis line at 988.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy offers a path to healing for those who haven't found relief through traditional approaches. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.