Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT)
Ketamine was approved by the FDA in 1970 and has been a popular anesthetic due its excellent safety profile. The administration of ketamine in lower, sub-anesthetic doses to treat pain, depression, addictions, or other psychiatric diagnoses is a newer, off-label use of ketamine which has become relatively wide-spread in recent years.
We begin our Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) process with a clinical intake interview to assess your readiness and appropriateness for this work. Based on your specific interests, needs, and goals, we will work together to develop a plan of action. This plan typically involves several preparation sessions and medical screening, leading to 1 or more ketamine sessions. The medical screening and prescription is managed by 1 of 2 physicians working in conjunction with our program.
The ketamine session(s) themselves tend to last between 2 and 3 hours, allowing time for set up beforehand and integration/discussion afterward. With sublingual self-administration, the onset typically takes about 15-20 minutes and the active portion of the session another 60-90 minutes. Once the ketamine takes effect, it generally results in a relaxation from ordinary concerns and a disconnection from the current view of “self.” These experiences tend to disrupt negative feelings and obsessional preoccupations. It is our experience that this relief and the exploration of other possible states of consciousness can be singularly impactful. The ketamine sessions are then coupled with integrative therapy sessions, to process and make sense of the experience, which in turn may lead to greater symptom reduction and duration of benefit.
Costs:
KAT Sessions (including preparation and integration): $195/hour (preparation and integration sessions are typically 1 hour; KAT sessions typically last 2-3 hours)
Physician Consultation: (30 minutes through Zoom): $175
Ketamine Prescription: $120-$160 (Prescriptions typically contain enough medicine for 3-5 sessions)
Please Note: Insurance will generally not cover costs associated with KAT as it is an off-label use of the medication.