What is ketamine and how does it work?

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 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks.

Ketamine 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.

What happens in a KAP session?

Before KAP begins, you will first meet with me for two to three preparation sessions where we discuss your concerns, goals, and therapeutic history.

I will then refer you to a medical provider for a comprehensive medical screening to discuss your medical history, current medications, and psychological concerns. If your provider deems ketamine to be a safe and appropriate treatment, you will be prescribed the medication in lozenge form to be sent to your home.

A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 2-3 hours and can take place either in-person at my office in Las Vegas, Nevada, or remotely via telehealth. During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge either in my office or in your home. 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.

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.

How does ketamine feel?

The effects of ketamine, often described as calming, expansive, or even pleasant; typically last around 45 minutes. During this time, you may feel a sense of being “far from” your body, accompanied by shifts in perception that can allow for deeper emotional insight. Because your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, you’ll be lying down in a safe, supported space throughout the experience.

Once the active effects subside, we’ll use the remaining time in session to begin gentle integration, giving space to reflect, ground, and process what came up. While it can sometimes be difficult to put the experience into words, many clients report that the insights feel meaningful and clear. Research shows that the benefits of ketamine on mood, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation can continue for up to two weeks following each session.

How frequently will I need to attend Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Current research suggests that a series of 8 ketamine dosing sessions, each followed by a dedicated integration session, can lead to meaningful and lasting therapeutic change. These sessions are typically spaced about two weeks apart, allowing time for the nervous system to process and integrate the experience.

In integration sessions, I draw from EMDR, Brainspotting, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients make sense of insights that arise during dosing, resolve unresolved trauma, and anchor new emotional patterns. This multimodal approach supports deeper healing and a more embodied sense of transformation.

After the initial series, many clients return for periodic booster sessions every few months to maintain their progress and continue their growth.