Ketamine is a legal, well-researched medication that has been used safely in medical settings for decades and is now widely utilized in mental health treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders. One of its most notable features is its rapid-acting antidepressant effect, with many individuals experiencing shifts in mood within 1–2 hours after administration. Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily target serotonin, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system by blocking NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors. This process is believed to promote the growth of new neural connections and strengthen brain circuits involved in regulating mood, stress, and emotional processing. Research also suggests that ketamine enhances overall neuroplasticity, supporting the brain’s capacity to reorganize and heal in ways that can lead to sustained symptom relief.

Ketamine can be administered through several routes, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. In collaboration with Journey Clinical, treatment is provided using sublingual lozenges, which offer a safe, controlled, and accessible option within a structured therapeutic setting.

The effects of ketamine, which many clients find pleasant, typically last around 45 minutes. During this time, you may feel a sense of being “removed” from your body, along with shifts in perception that can feel expansive and insightful. Motor skills and verbal abilities may be temporarily reduced, so you will remain in a comfortable, reclining position throughout the experience.

After the effects begin to subside, the remainder of the session is dedicated to processing and discussing the experience. Even if it feels challenging to put the experience into words, many clients report that the insights gained are clear and meaningful. Research indicates that ketamine’s benefits for mood and neural growth can last up to two weeks following a session.

Research indicates that ketamine shows significant potential for treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders. It is increasingly being used for chronic, treatment-resistant conditions, particularly when traditional therapies have been insufficient.

Although research is still evolving, studies suggest that ketamine may promote the growth of new neural connections that have been weakened by chronic stress, often providing meaningful symptom relief. For example, some studies report a response rate of approximately 70% among individuals with treatment-resistant depression, with remission rates ranging from 40–50%.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who may not be a good fit include those with:

Certain medical conditions: uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe cardiovascular disease, or significant liver or kidney problems.

History of psychosis or schizophrenia: ketamine can exacerbate symptoms in people with a history of psychotic disorders.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: the safety of ketamine in these circumstances is not well established.

Active substance use disorder: if misuse of ketamine or other substances is ongoing, KAP may not be safe.

Unstable psychiatric conditions: severe agitation, suicidality, or self-harming behaviors that are not currently stabilized may require more intensive care first.

Certain medications or interactions: some drugs can interact with ketamine, so a full medical review is necessary.

Screening with a qualified medical team, such as Journey Clinical, helps ensure that KAP is safe, appropriate, and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Integrating ketamine within a therapeutic relationship can help individuals access and work through challenging experiences and patterns, often providing insights and healing that may not be attainable through traditional therapy alone. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can open awareness to the underlying causes of struggles that were previously out of reach.

While some providers offer ketamine without concurrent therapeutic support—both in clinics and via telehealth—research and experience show that “set and setting” are essential for meaningful, lasting change. A safe and supportive therapeutic environment enhances the potential for transformation, particularly when relational dynamics are part of the presenting concerns. This approach honors the importance of engaging the whole self—mind, heart, and spirit—to facilitate deep, sustainable healing.

As a general guideline, treatment often begins with six experiential dosing sessions, though the overall length of KAP is tailored to your individual goals and desired outcomes. The number and frequency of sessions are customized to your needs, with insights gained from each experience guiding the next steps in the process.

KAP experiential dosing sessions are typically scheduled every two weeks, though the frequency can be adjusted—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—based on a personalized treatment plan. Because much of the therapeutic work occurs after the dosing experience, allowing time for integration is an essential component of the KAP process.

Yes, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) can involve both psychological and physical risks.

In a controlled therapeutic setting, ketamine can produce a range of psychological effects, some of which may feel intense or challenging. This can include heightened emotions, dissociation, altered perceptions, or hallucinations. These experiences can sometimes bring up difficult memories or amplify underlying conditions, similar to other forms of deep therapeutic work. Physical side effects are generally short-lived and may include nausea, increased heart rate, or temporary disorientation.

While ketamine has a lower risk of dependency compared with many other substances, there is still a potential for psychological dependence, particularly if used outside of a structured therapeutic context. Its rapid-acting antidepressant effects may lead some individuals to seek repeated doses on their own. To reduce these risks and support safety, adherence to treatment guidelines and structured oversight is required throughout the KAP process.

Clients are responsible for psychotherapy session fees. This provider will submit claims to your insurance company, if applicable. A detailed superbill can be provided, which may be submitted to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. This includes the initial intake assessment, preparation and integration sessions, and, in some cases, a portion of the longer experiential dosing sessions. Any costs not covered by your insurance are the responsibility of the client. Major credit cards, FSA, and HSA are accepted. Extended dosing sessions are billed using multiple units of a session code, and reimbursement for these sessions is determined by your insurance provider.

Journey Clinical can provide the necessary documentation for medical intake and follow-up consultations to support out-of-network claims. Please note that the cost of the ketamine medication itself is not covered or reimbursable by insurance. To verify coverage and determine whether any portion of your sessions or consultations may be reimbursable, contact the member services number on your insurance card.

Training in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) has been completed through Journey Clinical. I am also certified in EMDR, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and trained in Shamanic practices. Ongoing professional development is a core part of practice, including regular consultation with experienced providers, participation in conferences and seminars, and continuing education to deepen expertise in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

No, offering prescriptions, adminstering or providing clients with any type of medication or psychedelic substances is outside of the scope of my practice.

Journey Clinical is a professional platform that enables licensed psychotherapists to safely and effectively integrate evidence-based psychedelic therapies into their practice, beginning with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Within this model, Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team manages the medical aspects of care, including assessing patient eligibility, prescribing ketamine, and monitoring treatment outcomes.

This collaborative approach allows the therapist to focus fully on the psychotherapy component, providing skilled support, preparation, dosing guidance, and integration sessions. By combining medical oversight with individualized therapy, the model creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, supporting both immediate breakthroughs and sustainable, long-term healing.