Ketamine Assisted Therapy
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative and holistic treatment that combines traditional talk therapy with low-dose ketamine to help clients experience profound emotional breakthroughs and lasting improvements in mood and mental wellness. KAP is particularly effective for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or PTSD, especially when other treatments haven’t brought desired relief.
Ketamine works by promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new pathways and connections—which supports deeper emotional healing and shifts in thought patterns.
History and Acceptance
Ketamine was originally developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic and was approved by the FDA in 1970. Over the past two decades, research has revealed its powerful antidepressant and mood-regulating effects at lower doses. These discoveries led to the development of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, which integrates this medication within a therapeutic framework to enhance emotional insight and healing. Today, KAP is recognized as a safe and evidence-based approach for treatment-resistant mood disorders, used in clinics across the country.
Research and Effectiveness
Numerous studies have demonstrated ketamine’s rapid and lasting benefits for people with depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to take effect, ketamine often provides noticeable relief within hours.
Clinical research shows that ketamine helps:
Reduce symptoms of major depression and suicidal ideation
Improve emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility
Support long-term healing when combined with therapy
How the Approach Works and Who It Can Help
At Realign Your Mind Counseling, we use KAP to support individuals who feel “stuck” despite prior therapy or medication. This includes clients experiencing:
Major depressive disorder or persistent sadness
Generalized or social anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Emotional numbness or disconnection
Existential distress or difficulty finding meaning
Why KAP Can Help When Other Treatments Haven’t
Traditional therapies rely heavily on verbal processing, which can be limited by the brain’s defensive patterns or emotional blockages. KAP temporarily softens these barriers, allowing clients to explore experiences from a new vantage point—often with greater compassion, clarity, and connection to self.
By opening the mind to new possibilities and healing pathways, KAP helps clients access insights that traditional therapy alone may not reach.
Our KAP sessions are conducted in partnership with Journey Clinical, a trusted medical team that handles medical eligibility, dosing, and monitoring.
A typical treatment process includes:
Initial Medical Consultation: Journey Clinical’s prescriber assesses eligibility and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation Sessions: You and your therapist set intentions and prepare emotionally and mentally for the experience.
Dosing Session (2-3 hours): You self-administer a ketamine lozenge (either in-person or via telehealth) in a calm, supportive environment while your therapist provides guidance.
Integration Session: Once the effects subside (after about 45 minutes), your therapist helps you process insights, emotions, and new perspectives that emerged.
Follow-Up Care: Additional sessions and medical consultations with Journey Clinical help track progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Most clients complete 6–8 dosing sessions, each building upon the previous one to deepen insight and healing.
What is Journey Clinical?
Journey Clinical is a platform for licensed psychotherapists to incorporate science-based psychedelic therapies in their practice safely and effectively, starting with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team takes on patient eligibility, prescriptions and outcome monitoring, while Realign provides the therapy. Their collaborative care model is designed to deliver personalized treatment plans to meet your individual needs and improve long-term outcomes.
Journey Clinical Medical Costs
Journey Clinical provides KAP intake and consultations, follow-up sessions, and overall medication management. The self-pay rates vary from $150-$250 or they do take commercial insurances (they do not take Medicaid or Medicare).
Journey Clinical Insurance Information: https://journeyclinical.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/28002696219028-Insurance-FAQs
FAQs
Is ketamine safe?
Yes. Ketamine has been FDA-approved since 1970 as an anesthetic and is considered safe when administered in controlled, low doses under medical supervision. At Realign Your Mind Counseling, all medical aspects—such as eligibility, dosage, and monitoring—are handled by our medical partners at Journey Clinical, ensuring a safe and supportive experience.
Will I be alone during the experience?
No. You will always be supported. Your therapist will be present throughout the dosing session to ensure your safety, comfort, and emotional support. If you are doing a remote session, you will still have real-time connection and monitoring from your provider.
How long do the benefits last?
Ketamine’s antidepressant effects can often be felt within hours of a session and may last weeks or months. When combined with psychotherapy, these effects are often longer-lasting, as clients develop new perspectives and coping tools to sustain growth.
How do I know if KAP is right for me?
If you’ve tried traditional therapy or medication with limited success, KAP may offer a new path toward healing. You’ll first complete a medical consultation to determine eligibility, followed by a preparation session with your therapist to ensure this approach aligns with your goals and comfort level.
Is ketamine addictive?
When used therapeutically and under medical supervision, ketamine has a very low risk of dependence or addiction. The doses used in KAP are significantly lower than recreational levels, and treatment is carefully structured with medical oversight.
What can I expect after treatment ends?
Many clients report lasting improvements in mood, outlook, and emotional clarity. Others describe a renewed sense of hope, purpose, and self-compassion. Continuing integration sessions and supportive therapy help you maintain and deepen these positive effects over time.
Connect with us to learn if KAP is right for you and start realigning your mind, body, and spirit.