Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Get unstuck and experience long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
I offer a therapeutic modality called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical. 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. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical's medical team supports you on all medical aspects — including determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine, and monitoring outcomes.
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About the Medicine
Understanding Ketamine
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 hours 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.
How is it administered?
Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical, we only use the sublingual lozenge form.
How does Ketamine feel?
The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel 'far from' your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you'll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects have subsided, we'll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the session.
The Process
How KAP works
Step 1
Initial Consultation
An initial evaluation to go over your medical and psychiatric history, provide education on the treatment, and determine if you are eligible for KAP.
Step 2
Personal Plan
If you are eligible, we'll develop a personalized ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan. A small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home, enough for the first 2 KAP sessions. Journey Clinical's medical team will teach you to take your vitals and self-administer the ketamine lozenges in advance of our sessions.
Step 3
Preparation Sessions
Scheduled like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal is to align on the process and set intentions for our work together.
Step 4
KAP Dosing Session
A typical dosing session lasts 1-2 hours and can take place in-person at my office in Encinitas or remotely via telehealth. You'll be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. I will be present the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.
Step 5
Integration Sessions
After the dosing session, we meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts, and insights that arose, and to prepare for the next dosing session.
Step 6
Follow-Up Consultation
Journey Clinical's medical team schedules regular follow-ups to monitor outcomes and prescribe refills as appropriate, at a minimum of once per quarter.
Investment
What does KAP cost?
KAP 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.
First-Time Patients
- Initial medical consultation with Journey Clinical$250
- Cost of medication (enough for 2 sessions)$88
Ongoing Treatment
- Follow-up medical consultation (at least once per quarter)$150
- Cost of medication (enough for up to 6 sessions)$148
Our Medical Partner
What is Journey Clinical?
Journey Clinical is a platform for licensed psychotherapists to incorporate science-based psychedelic therapies in their practice safely and effectively. Journey Clinical's in-house medical team takes on patient eligibility, prescriptions, and outcome monitoring, while I take on the therapy. Their collaborative care model is designed to deliver personalized treatment plans and improve long-term outcomes.
Your Therapist
About Chrissy
I'm a trauma-informed licensed marriage and family therapist #84340. I'm trained in Experiential Therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Nonlinear Movement, and EMDR. I consider it my life's calling to hold space for people on their healing journey. What makes me unique is that I have been to my own dark places and I'm committed to learning and growing into my fullest self. I've found freedom and healing on the other side of pain and mental health issues and have learned I was never broken. You're not broken either. Your courage to heal is evidence of that.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Looking for an Immersive Experience?
Learn about the KAP Intensive weekend in Venice, CA.