What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine—a legal, well-researched medication—with intentional, supportive psychotherapy. While ketamine is sometimes mischaracterized in popular culture as a “party drug,” in therapeutic settings it is administered in a safe, structured, and purpose-driven way to support healing, emotional insight, and transformation.

Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has shown remarkable promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other forms of psychological distress—particularly in cases where traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief. At this time, it is the only legally available psychedelic medicine that can be used in therapy in the U.S. outside of clinical trials.

In a KAP session, ketamine may help quiet the inner critic, soften rigid thought patterns, and create a sense of spaciousness. This altered perspective often allows clients to engage with emotions, memories, and core beliefs in a more open and curious way. When paired with a strong therapeutic relationship and careful integration work, this process can lead to profound shifts in how clients relate to themselves and the world.

It’s natural to have questions—or even skepticism—about ketamine, especially given its portrayal outside of medical and therapeutic contexts. Within therapy, however, KAP is not about escaping or numbing. It’s about creating a supported environment for deep connection, reflection, and healing.

We take time to ensure that KAP is the right fit for each client. There is never pressure to move forward unless you feel informed, comfortable, and ready. Your safety, autonomy, and consent are at the heart of the process.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy FAQ

Is ketamine safe?

Yes—especially when used in a therapeutic setting. Ketamine has been safely used in medicine for over 50 years and has a strong safety profile. In KAP, the dose is carefully calibrated, and you’re guided through the experience with clinical oversight and emotional support. I partner with licensed prescribers who handle medical screening and medication management, ensuring safety from start to finish—even in a telehealth model.

How does this work with telehealth? Can KAP really happen online?

Yes, and it can be surprisingly powerful. Here’s how it works:

  • You’ll complete a medical screening through a licensed prescriber who specializes in KAP and supports clients receiving ketamine via lozenge (sublingual) form, which can be safely taken at home.

  • Medication is shipped to your home through a pharmacy, along with clear usage instructions.

  • During your KAP sessions, we meet via secure video. You’ll take the medication at the beginning of the session while we’re on screen together, and I’ll guide and support you throughout the experience.

  • After the active effects subside (typically 45–90 minutes), we move into initial integration, where we gently begin to reflect on what came up.

  • We’ll follow up with integration sessions (no medication involved) to help process, ground, and apply what surfaced.

You’re never doing this alone. Even though you’re physically in your own space, you’re fully supported, and we tailor the setup so it’s safe and intentional.

How does ketamine actually work for mental health?

Ketamine primarily affects the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a role in mood regulation, neuroplasticity, and learning. It helps disrupt ingrained patterns of thought—what some people call “mental ruts”—and allows for new perspectives to emerge.

Research also suggests ketamine reduces activity in the default mode network—a part of the brain linked to rumination and self-critical thinking. This is one reason many clients describe feeling “lighter” or more spacious during and after a session.

Psychologically, it can create distance from rigid narratives and emotional pain, allowing space for healing. Spiritually or symbolically, many people describe it as a “reset” or a window into deeper layers of the self.

Will I lose control or “trip out”?

The experience can feel altered, like dreaming while awake, but most clients remain aware and grounded enough to communicate if needed. You won’t be hallucinating wildly or disconnected from reality. Instead, you might experience shifts in time, visuals, or emotional intensity—all within a safe, supported container.

What makes KAP different from taking ketamine without therapy?

Therapy is what transforms the ketamine experience into something healing and sustainable. Ketamine can open a door, but therapy helps you walk through it. Without support, the experience can fade like a dream. With integration work, insights become actions, and emotional shifts can ripple meaningfully through your life.

What does a typical KAP process look like over telehealth?

  • Consultation: Since I only collaborate with Journey Clinical, you will first meet with one of their medical providers for a full assessment to ensure you are an appropriate candidate.

  • Medical Screening: A Journey Clinical licensed prescriber evaluates your medical history and coordinates the prescription and delivery of ketamine lozenges.

  • Preparation: Before any dosing, we have a few sessions to build connection, clarify goals, and prepare mentally and emotionally.

  • KAP Sessions: You’ll take your dose at home while on video with me. These sessions are intentionally structured to provide safety and guidance.

  • Integration: We follow up with therapy sessions to reflect, ground, and explore how to carry insights into daily life.

Can I do KAP if I live outside your state?

Due to licensure laws, I can only work with clients who reside in the state(s) where I’m licensed to practice, which at this time is only Colorado. I’m happy to help clarify or refer you to trusted colleagues in your area.

Do I need someone with me during the session?

During dosing sessions, yes. You will need a “chaperone” near by in another room for safety reasons such as aid in getting to the bathroom. We’ll talk through how to set up your space in advance, including comfort, privacy, and safety measures.

Will I become dependent on ketamine?

In therapeutic use, ketamine is not considered addictive. Our work focuses on helping you build capacity—not dependence. Treatment is time-limited, intentional, and always guided by what supports your long-term wellbeing.

Do I have to take ketamine at every session?

Nope. KAP is a process, and ketamine is one part of it—not the whole picture. Preparation and integration bookend dosing sessions (without ketamine) and are a vital part of the work. These sessions help you ground and integrate the insights and shifts that arise from your dosing sessions so you can experience meaningful change in daily life.

What if I’m nervous or skeptical?

That’s completely valid—and honestly, pretty common. Exploring any new treatment, especially one involving altered states, can bring up a lot. We’ll move at your pace, and you’ll never be pushed into anything you’re unsure about. My job isn’t to convince you but instead here to answer your questions, and create a space where you feel informed, grounded, and empowered to choose what’s right for you.

Resources

Journey Clinical KAP Education Center

KAP Research

Lakeview Healing, LLC is dedicated to promoting diversity and eradicating discrimination in delivering health services. We embrace individuals of all ethnicities, lifestyles, faiths, sexual orientations, and gender identities.