Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) is a clinical approach that combines the use of ketamine — a legal, FDA-approved medication — with psychotherapy to help individuals process trauma, alleviate depression, and facilitate emotional breakthroughs. The medicine can allow the brain to shift out of stuck patterns and access new perspectives, often making psychotherapy more effective.

Ketamine affects glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood and cognition. It promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to create new connections and pathways. This means it may help loosen the grip of entrenched negative beliefs and thought patterns — offering a “reset” that allows for deeper emotional healing.

When administered in a controlled, therapeutic setting under the care of a trained professional, ketamine is considered safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are typically mild and temporary — such as dizziness, nausea, or dissociation — and are closely monitored. A thorough intake process ensures that ketamine is appropriate for you.

Ketamine is most commonly used to support individuals with:

• Treatment-resistant depression

• PTSD and trauma

• Anxiety

• Chronic stress or burnout

• Existential distress or loss of meaning

It may also support people who feel “stuck” in talk therapy and are ready for deeper emotional work.

The session typically begins with intention-setting and grounding. Once ketamine is administered (orally, via lozenge or under the guidance of a prescribing partner), we enter the EMDR process with gentle guidance. EMDR allows the brain to reprocess stuck trauma memories while ketamine opens a neuroplastic, receptive state. You remain in control and conscious throughout the experience, though in an altered state.

No. Ketamine used in this setting produces a dissociative, but conscious state. You may feel detached from your normal sense of self or body, which can allow emotional material to surface safely. Most people describe feeling relaxed, introspective, and calm — not “high” or out of control.

We begin with a comprehensive intake to assess your mental health history, current needs, and overall wellness. Ketamine is not a good fit for everyone (such as those with certain medical conditions or active substance misuse), and this will be discussed in depth to ensure your safety and readiness.

The number of sessions varies by individual. Many people experience meaningful shifts within 3–6 sessions, but others may benefit from more. Integration sessions between ketamine experiences help consolidate the insights and healing, which is essential for lasting results.

Ketamine therapy is often considered an out-of-pocket investment, though some components (like EMDR therapy) can be covered by insurance. I can provide a superbill for those with out-of-network mental health benefits seeking reimbursement.

Ketamine is not physically addictive in a therapeutic setting. It is used intentionally and infrequently, with clear protocols and therapeutic support. Its purpose is to facilitate inner healing — not to escape emotions or create dependence.

After each session, we hold an integration session to help you process insights, emotions, and somatic experiences. Integration is where the true healing unfolds — connecting your ketamine experience to your goals, relationships, and daily life.

That’s exactly why this option exists. Many people who pursue ketamine-assisted therapy have been through years of talk therapy or medication without the relief they hoped for. Ketamine may allow you to experience your emotions from a new angle — without the usual fear, shame, or resistance — so you can finally move through what’s been stuck.