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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy 
Proud to be one of the first locations in Syracuse, NY offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

KAP is a holistic approach that combines the use of the psychedelic medicine, Ketamine, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. The adjective "psychedelic" describes anything that might be considered soul or mind manifesting, as the term derives from “psyche” (soul or mind) and “delia” (to manifest). It is my belief that all good therapy is psychedelic in nature in that it may assist you in seeing more and deepening your inner understanding. Sometimes, however, we find that our ability to look within, to feel our emotions fully, and to do all of this without attempting to suppress, distract, or escape, is incredibly difficult. What psychedelic work can offer is a safe, trusted space to be with your experience fully, without running from it or trying to change it, thus allowing for true healing to occur.  

 

Ketamine is unique in that it is a dissociative psychedelic, meaning that part of it's effect is often an experience of separation of mind and body. This creates a broadened perspective that can assist in giving insight into how you relate to you. It also allows for parts of the brain to communicate that don’t normally get to communicate, which can soften some of the rigidity in your current ways of thinking, and heighten your ability to learn and implement new patterns in your life. Studies have found it to be most effective for those experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. For more information on the process of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy please review the list of frequently asked questions below.  

  • How Does Ketamine Feel?
    The effects of ketamine last for approximately 45 minutes - 1.5 hours. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and creates shifts in your perception that can often feel expansive in nature. The inner experience is different for everyone and can be different every time you take it. Some people describe having autobiographical experiences with lots of memories, while others have a more dream like experience that feels non specific. Often there are experiences that involve symbolism, animals, archetypes, themes of nature/earth, and a connection to something "bigger." Typically it feels euphoric and calm, however, it is also important to note that sometimes experiences can have moments that feel dark, uneasy, or uncomfortable in some form. This is why the container of the therapy space and having a therapist with you to guide and make sense of things is important. During the experience you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position as your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced. Once these effects subside we’ll spend the remainder of our time together giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, individuals feel like the insights gained are, none-the-less, evident. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks.
  • What Happens After the KAP Dosing Session?
    ● Integration Sessions After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session, as appropriate. ● Follow-up consultations with Journey Clinical After our first KAP session, Journey Clinical’s medical team schedules regular follow ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at a minimum of once per quarter.
  • 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 client eligibility, prescriptions and outcome monitoring, while I take on the therapy. Their collaborative care model is designed to deliver personalized treatment plans to meet your individual needs and improve long-term outcomes.
  • How Do I Get Started?
    If you would like to explore the possibility of working with me on KAP, please e-mail me at megan@mindandbodyhealing.org to discuss eligibility and next steps.
  • What Can I Expect During the KAP Dosing Session?
    ● A typical ketamine dosing session lasts for 3 hours and can take place either in-person at my office, or remotely via telehealth. ● During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.
  • What is the Cost of Treatment?
    Consultation Session with Journey Clinical ● Free Journey Clinical Medical Costs ● Initial Medical Intake: $250 (one time fee, reimbursable through out-of-network insurance benefits) ● Follow-up Sessions: $150/session (minimum of 1/quarter, reimbursable through out-of-network) ● Cost of Ketamine Lozenges: $75 for approximately 4-6 lozenges (not covered by insurance) KAP Treatment ● Preparation & Integration Sessions: $150/55 minute session (or covered by your insurance if I am in network with your plan. Reimbursable through out of network) ● Medicine Sessions: 3 hour session at $180/hr ($540, total). 1 hour may be covered by your insurance or reimbursable through out of network
  • What are Preparation Sessions Like?
    Once you receive your ketamine lozenges, we will schedule time together for our KAP preparation, dosing and integration sessions. Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.
  • What is Ketamine?
    Ketamine is a synthetic compound that is safe and completely legal. It was widely used during the Vietnam War to offer pain relief to wounded soldiers on the battle field. Currently it is used in medical settings (often with children and other vulnerable populations) as an anesthetic and to provide pain relief. Ketamine has also been proven to be effective with a wide variety of mental health experiences, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors and 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 temporarily enhance overall neuroplasticity, meaning it increases the brain’s ability to take in new information (for up to two weeks!). Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical we currently only use the sublingual lozenge form.
  • What is the Consultation Process with Journey Clinical?
    ● You schedule an initial evaluation with a clinician from the Journey Clinical medical team via zoom. They will go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment and determine if you are eligible for KAP. ● If Journey Clinical’s medical team determines that you are eligible for KAP, they will develop a personalized Ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you. ● Journey Clinical’s medical staff will write a ketamine prescription for you, and a small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home, enough for the first 2 KAP sessions. You will be taught to take your vitals and self-administer the ketamine lozenges by Journey Clinical’s medical team in advance of our KAP sessions.
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