Ketamine can be a highly effective treatment for various forms of depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression—typically defined as depression that hasn’t responded to at least two different antidepressant medications. It may also help with anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder, especially when other treatments have fallen short.

That said, a formal diagnosis isn’t required to benefit from KAP.

Many people without a clinical diagnosis find that ketamine’s unique combination of psychedelic effects and neurobiological impact supports meaningful personal growth. It can help loosen stuck patterns and catalyze change around issues like burnout, identity challenges, spiritual exploration, existential anxiety, or a general sense of stagnation.

Whether you're seeking relief, clarity, or transformation, KAP may offer a powerful opening.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the biochemical and psychedelic effects of ketamine with evidence-based therapeutic support to help clients gain deeper insight, connection, and emotional growth.

Unlike ketamine infusions alone—which may offer symptom relief but can be harder to sustain—KAP is a comprehensive, integrative model. It includes:

• Consultation with a medical provider

• One or more preparation sessions

• A guided ketamine experience

• Integration therapy afterward

This full arc of care is designed to support not only a more meaningful experience during the ketamine session but also longer-lasting benefits afterward.

While infusion clinics typically focus on administering the medicine, they often do not offer in-house psychotherapy. At Open Psyche Wellness, I provide both therapeutic support and ketamine care in collaboration with trusted medical partners. I’m also available for prep and integration for clients receiving infusions at other clinics who want a more supported, intentional process.

While researchers are still uncovering the full picture of how ketamine works, we do know it operates differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting serotonin or dopamine, ketamine stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a key hormone that supports neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.

This neuroplasticity can help reverse the long-term effects of chronic depression, anxiety, and trauma, while also creating space for new, more adaptive patterns to emerge.

Ketamine also temporarily disrupts activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part of the brain associated with self-referential thinking and rumination. By quieting this network, ketamine can open a window to shift away from rigid, negative thought loops and foster greater emotional flexibility and hope.

Finally, ketamine blocks excess glutamate, a neurotransmitter tied to brain inflammation, which is increasingly linked to depression and other mental health challenges.

Much of the research is designed around a 6-session series conducted over 2–3 weeks, and you’ll find that many ketamine clinics use a similar structure. Standardized protocols like this reduce variables in research and are help clinics with scheduling. Because I work in a small, single-practitioner practice, I have more flexibility to design a series organically around each client rather than adhering to a predetermined schedule. In my clinical experience, I look for the point when the effects and momentum from a previous session begin to fade, and consider whether another session could help build upon that work. The goal is to gradually expand your capacity to stay with challenging experiences while using preparation and integration to turn what emerges during medicine sessions into changes in how you live your daily life. I find 3–5 medicine sessions is the sweet spot for many of my clients, though your needs may differ.

To get the most out of your ketamine experience, we strongly recommend clearing your schedule on the day of your session—and ideally giving yourself some extra space the following day, too.

Many people feel more internally focused, emotionally open, or physically tired after a session. You may not feel up to your usual workload or social pace—and that’s totally normal.

Set yourself up for success by minimizing obligations so you have the freedom to rest, reflect, or move gently through the day in whatever way feels right. Giving yourself this time can really enhance the integration process and deepen the overall benefits of the work.

You should not drive or make any major life decisions until you’ve had a full night’s sleep and feel fully back to baseline.

Ketamine is generally safe for many people, but certain medical and psychiatric conditions may make it inappropriate or unsafe.

It is not recommended for individuals with:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or other serious cardiovascular issues

• A history of psychosis or active manic episodes

• Current substance misuse, especially involving ketamine

These conditions can increase risks and may interfere with the safety or effectiveness of treatment.

If you have a history of any of these concerns, the psychiatric medical practitioner will work closely with you to determine whether ketamine-assisted therapy is a good fit—or help guide you toward safer alternatives. Your wellbeing is our top priority!

Once we’ve confirmed that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a good fit for you, you’ll begin with a psychiatric and medical consultation. I collaborate with several trusted providers—including options who accept insurance. The private pay cost for a medical intake tends to fit within the range of $300-$450. With insurance, you should expect to pay what you’d normally pay to see a specialist.

My fee for the medicine session is $600, which includes up to 3 hours of care. Some sessions naturally feel complete in 2–2.5 hours. If more than 3 hours is needed, additional cost is prorated in 15-minute increments (though this is rare).

To ensure meaningful integration and safety, I require at least one preparation session before, and one integration session after the ketamine experience. These are billed as standard 50-minute therapy sessions.

Ketamine is generally very safe and well-tolerated, but some people experience mild side effects like headache, nausea, or fatigue. While this isn’t medical advice, the following holistic options (shared by a trusted psychiatric nurse practitioner I collaborate with) may support your comfort before and/or after sessions:

For Headache:
🧠 Magnesium glycinate (200–600 mg, titrate slowly to bowel tolerance, as can cause loose stool) can help relieve or prevent ketamine-related headaches. If you're prone to migraines, magnesium threonate may be more effective. Aromatherapy with lavender or peppermint essential oils can also help soothe head tension.

For Nausea:
🫚 Ginger, especially fresh or juiced, is most helpful when used preventively. Peppermint—tea, oil, or lozenge—can also ease nausea during recovery. Ginger chews post-session may be a gentle support, too.

For Sleep:
🌙 Light doses of melatonin (1–3 mg) and magnesium glycinate (same protocol as described above for headache) may help support restful sleep the night of a journey.

For Post-Ketamine “Hangover” or Fog:
💊 NAC (N-Acetylcysteine), a powerful antioxidant, may support detoxification and mood stabilization. Some folks take 900–1800 mg daily starting two days before a session through the day after. Start low and monitor for GI upset.

Always consult your medical provider before adding new supplements to your routine—especially if you're managing other health conditions or medications.

My formal training in psychedelic-assisted therapy includes ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, although ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is the only psychedelic medicine service I currently advertise and offer through my practice.

I also recognize that people may encounter or explore altered states in a variety of contexts. I welcome honest conversations about psychedelic use without judgment and can provide education, harm-reduction support, and therapeutic support around making sense of these experiences and their place in your life.

If you have questions about a particular situation, feel free to reach out!