Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Although traditional talk therapy can be effective, the truth is that many clients get stuck with traditional approaches. All too often, the ego—or the “thinking” part of the mind—gets in the way of deeper healing. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP, is a therapeutic approach that safely harnesses the power of ketamine to quiet the ego and dive deep into the subconscious regions of the mind.
At Harmony Harbor, many of our clients consider Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy after other approaches have failed them or fallen short of their expectations. Ketamine therapy works extremely well with treatment-resistant depression, OCD, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. In fact, after KAP treatment, many clients who previously felt suicidal will say things like, “I can’t believe I ever felt that way,” because of how quickly this approach reorients their perspective. It’s that powerful!
If you’ve been disappointed by traditional therapy and psychotropic interventions in the past and you’re interested in doing some deeper, more exploratory work, KAP may be right for you. It is safe, research-backed, and effective for treating—and even healing—a wide range of mental health issues.
How Effective Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
There is so much research out there to support the use of ketamine as a healing agent, but there is also so much misinformation that needs to be addressed. Contrary to popular belief, ketamine is not a psychedelic; rather, it is actually a dissociative anesthetic. Approved by the FDA in 1970, ketamine is widely recognized for its efficacy in pain relief and its safety profile, making it a preferred medication for procedures. It is routinely utilized by doctors and paramedics in emergency settings, including ambulances and emergency rooms, and is often chosen for surgical use even with infants.
In fact, the numerous mood-enhancing effects of ketamine were discovered, in part, as a by-product for pain management after surgery and medical treatment. Now, after significant research, ketamine is known to increase neuroplasticity in the brain, enabling the brain to change and adapt over time. According to the National Library of Medicine, ketamine has been proven to effectively treat anxiety and depression when it’s used in a private practice setting. In fact, many studies have found that ketamine has the ability to reduce depression symptoms within hours—yes, hours—of treatment.
Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers ketamine essential medicine and acknowledges its effectiveness as a therapeutic treatment. Since January of 2025, ketamine, in the form of Esketamine or the brand name Spravato, has been FDA approved for treatment resistant depression (TRD) as a stand-alone intervention. Simply put, the evidence in ketamine’s favor is overwhelming and only growing larger by the day.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
As a provider offering psychotherapy services, Harmony Harbor works in collaboration with licensed psychiatrists who prescribe ketamine, determine the dosing, and offer medical clearance for clients to safely take the medicine. Our role as therapists is to help clients prepare for ketamine treatment, offer support during the medicine journey, and assist in integration through psychotherapy processes after taking the medicine. There are three parts to ketamine therapy, and each of them is outlined below:
The preparation phase is all about giving you the information you need to know about the KAP process and helping you set an intention for your medicine journey. For instance, you might say: “I want to feel more connected and trusting of myself,” or, “I want to feel more love in my life.” We will remind you of this positive mantra throughout your journey, using it as a source of motivation and purpose as your inner healer guides you.
After the ketamine has been safely administered, usually through rapidly-dissolving tablets or troches (a lozenge that dissolves quickly), you will begin your medicine journey under our gentle guidance and compassionate supervision. It will take place in a deeply relaxing, spa-like atmosphere (we call it our “Zen Den”) with electric recliners, soundproof walls, and peaceful lighting. You’re welcome to incorporate any calming elements of your choosing, such as listening to music, lighting a candle, or having a picture of a loved one with you.
During the medicine journey, there may be times when you feel as if you’re floating in space, or outside of your body, but your therapist will be with you the whole time to support you and answer any questions or concerns. Your therapist can even hold your hand if you’d like (although physical contact is always up to you).
All told, the medicine journey will be about 45 minutes to an hour, although we generally block off three hours of scheduled time to allow you to settle in at the beginning and recuperate at the end.
The integration phase is often the most important part of treatment, because the effects of the ketamine are still in your system and your subconscious is usually still speaking to you in a powerful way. We generally caution against drawing too many set-in-stone connections for the next 72-hours. Ketamine often leaves people in a state of wonder, and we encourage you to stay within that state—letting your subconscious marinate, allowing your curiosity to reveal itself over time, and resisting the temptation to intellectualize the process. This way, genuine insights can come forward and new connections can form organically.
We will plan a follow-up psychotherapy session with you within the next 3 days. During that time, we will further explore what may have come up for you and focus on integrating the things you learned during the medicine journey.
All in all, we usually recommend six KAP sessions, although there are times when clients only need one session and other times when they may need more than six. Before each KAP session, it’s very important that you have transportation planned out ahead of time, as you won’t be able to drive yourself home after taking ketamine.
Why Should I Choose Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
At our practice, we’ve found that ketamine pairs well with approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). We often use it as an adjunct to psychotherapy, leveraging it to support the process of trauma healing and the cultivation of new perspectives in clients’ lives.
Many times, KAP has helped clients who feel blocked or stuck in their healing process, allowing them to step back and see their lives from a bird’s eye view. Instead of getting hung up on the little things, they’re able to see their problems from a more grounded and cosmically oriented perspective. This can lead to a heightened sense of connection to the universe, to others, and even to themselves. In some ways, it can even help clients see the humor in things, since they’re able to view the bigger picture and recognize the smallness of day-to-day stressors.
What’s more, there’s often a deeply spiritual component to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. It can help people open their minds to new possibilities and ways of seeing the world. It can also help them develop a clearer sense of purpose, since they’re able to quiet the internal chatter and noise often created by life’s daily distractions.
Experience The Mind-Expanding Power Of KAP For Yourself
At Harmony Harbor, many of our therapists are trained to provide Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. We’re even able to provide KAP in a small group setting (four clients and two therapists). Our practice founder, Dr. Stacy Louk Walker, who oversees the KAP program and practitioners at Harmony Harbor, studied directly under KAP pioneer Karen Smith (LCSW), who wrote the book Prepare Yourself, Your Clients, and Your Practice for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. In this time, she learned the invaluable benefits of KAP and became motivated to educate and support others—including colleagues and clients—through this unique treatment option.
Yet, the most influential people for Dr. Stacy—as her clients know—are her own clients. From her role as a psychotherapist of 25+ years, Dr. Stacy has personally witnessed the transformational impact of KAP as a change-agent in her clients’ lives. From this vantage point, KAP is also a change-agent for Dr. Stacy and Harmony Harbor.
Clearly, we are deeply passionate about the life-affirming, mind-expanding power of KAP. If you’re interested in learning more about this proven therapeutic approach, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us!
Common Questions About KAP- Understanding the Journey
Sessions usually last 2 to 3 hours, including preparation, the ketamine experience, and a time to reflect afterward.
Yes. Most people remain awake and aware, though the experience can feel dreamlike or different from everyday consciousness. The medicine experience is usually about 45 minutes. Your therapist is with you every step of the way.
Everyone’s healing journey is unique. Some notice benefits after one session, while others find a series of sessions most helpful. The recommended treatment is 6 to 8 medicine sessions every 2 weeks, but often people do less or allow for space between sessions. You and your therapist will discuss and decide what’s right for you.
Yes, it is legal, FDA-approved, off-label use for treatment resistant depression and anxiety. When provided in a proper therapeutic and supportive setting with trained professionals, KAP has demonstrated remarkable outcomes including anti-suicidal effects and significant anxiety relief. We carefully monitor your well-being throughout the session and will be taking your blood pressure before and after the session.
People experience a range of sensations—from gentle shifts in perception to deep emotional insights. Some side effects, like dizziness or mild nausea, can occur but are temporary and can be mitigated with anti-nausea medication, if needed.
Yes. Because ketamine can affect coordination and focus, you’ll need a trusted adult to bring you home safely.
- Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs for 24 hours before.
- Eat a light meal a few hours ahead.
- Bring an open mind and curiosity for the process. Be mindful of how you are spending your time before and after the session.
- Your medication provider will guide you on what medications are safe to take alongside ketamine and what is the proper dose of ketamine for you.
After each experience, you’ll meet with your therapist within 72 hours after a KAP session to reflect and integrate insights. Journaling, mindfulness, or other self-care practices can be helpful in between sessions.
KAP has demonstrated improvement for adults with depression– including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and trauma-related challenges, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. We’ll carefully review your health and goals to ensure it’s a safe fit. Keep in mind, it is important to manage expectations. KAP is not a cure or quick fix. It is a tool that may assist your healing journey, but it does not work for everyone. Sometimes it requires a couple sessions to get the right dose and response.
Your first step is an intake assessment with a KAP-trained clinician. Together, we’ll create a safe, personalized plan for your healing journey.
The cost for a KAP session is $600. This includes preparation, a medicine journey, and support after the medicine with your clinician present the entire time.
Come comfortable and bring anything that comforts you like a personal journal, touchstone, picture, blanket, or pillow. You may also bring your own headphones and an eye mask. We will also provide headphones, eye masks, and blankets. Since you should not eat 2 to 3 hours prior to your KAP session, please feel free to also bring a snack for after your medicine journey.
Ketamine Assisted Therapy Blog Posts
2201 Cantu Ct, Suite 104
Sarasota, FL 34232
We are located in the Live Oak Office Building