Common Questions
We offer a therapeutic modality called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with Journey Clinical and other independent medical practitioners.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. We take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while our medical team supports you on all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine, and monitoring outcomes. Below is more information about KAP to help you navigate if it may be a good fit for you.
What is Ketamine?
​Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.
Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In our work with Journey Clinical we only use the sublingual lozenge form.
How Does Ketamine Feel?
Ketamine's pleasant effects last around 45 minutes, distancing you from your body and facilitating expansive perceptual shifts. With reduced motor and verbal abilities, you'll lie comfortably during the experience. Afterwards, we'll provide space to process and discuss insights that, while hard to articulate, often feel clear. Studies show mood and neurological benefits can persist for up to two weeks post-experience.
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
1. Initial consultation with Journey Clinical
You'll have an initial video evaluation with a Journey Clinical clinician to review your history, receive treatment education, and determine eligibility for KAP. If eligible, they'll develop a personalized ketamine prescription and monitoring plan. A small amount of oral ketamine will be shipped to your home for the first two KAP sessions. You'll be trained by the medical team to self-administer the ketamine lozenges and monitor your vitals before KAP sessions.
2. Preparation sessions:
Once you receive your ketamine lozenges, we will schedule time together for our KAP preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions before the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.
3. KAP Dosing Session:
A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 2.5-3 hours and can take place either in-person at our office, or remotely via telehealth.
During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge either in our office or in your home. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, we will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.
4. Integration Sessions:
After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session.
5. Follow-up consultations with Journey Clinical:
After our first KAP session, Journey Clinical’s medical team schedules regular follow-ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow-ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at a minimum of once per quarter.
What is the Cost of Treatment?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an affordable, accessible modality. Although the medical intake and follow-ups are not covered by insurance, they are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with The Mind Lab
Our hourly rate is $250/hr. Please note that a dosing session costs $500 and typically takes 2.5 - 3 hours.
Medical Costs with Journey Clinical
First-time patients
Initial medical consultation: $250
Cost of medication: $88 (enough for 2 sessions)
Ongoing treatment
Follow-up medical consultation $150 (at least 1X per quarter)
Cost of medication: $148 (enough for up to 6 sessions)
Helpful Resources:
Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAPS
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data, and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy - research study by Jennifer Dore et al, 2018
Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders by Erica Zelfand, ND for Townsend Letter
Ketamine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression by Goop
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Jonathan Sabbagh of Journey Clinical - Psychology Talk Podcast