Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Austin, TX

There are four main steps in the KAP Process. I have undergone 40+ hours of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy training, which has included multiple experiential opportunities to receive the ketamine myself, so I understand personally the way ketamine works and how it impacts the individual on a physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational level.

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. It is believed to work by temporarily blocking certain brain receptors, which can produce a sense of detachment from reality. This can allow patients to more easily explore their inner experiences and gain insights into their behaviors and emotions. Some research suggests that ketamine promotes neuralplasticity, thought to be an important mechanism of the healing process.
Ketamine causes glutamate to bind to AMPA receptors which releases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor [BDNF] in parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation, memory, executive functioning (“brain fertilizer”); an increased number of dendritic spines and mature dendrites.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a type of psychotherapy that uses ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, as an adjunct to therapy. The drug is administered under the guidance of a licensed therapist, who helps the patient explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is often used to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. The therapy is typically administered over several sessions, with the patient reclining in a comfortable position while the therapist guides them through their thoughts and emotions.
By utilizing a multi-modal approach, combining ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with other therapies can provide additional benefits, such as helping individuals to develop new coping skills, addressing underlying thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their mental health condition, and improving overall emotional regulation and well-being.

Ketamine’s effects on the brain:
- Enhanced neuroplasticity (ability to form new brain connections)
- Intrinsic antidepressant response
- Critical period allows for higher responsiveness to treatment
- Dissociation via Default Mode Network effects
The benefits of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may include:
- Rapid relief of symptoms: Unlike traditional psychotherapy, which can take weeks or even months to produce noticeable improvements, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may provide relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions within hours or days.
- Increased self-awareness: Ketamine can produce a state of dissociation, which can help patients gain insights into their emotions, behaviors, and patterns of thought.
- Enhanced therapeutic alliance: The close guidance and support of a trained therapist during the therapy sessions can help patients feel heard, validated, and supported, which can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and improve treatment outcomes.
- Long-lasting effects: Studies suggest that the effects of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may last for several weeks or even months after the therapy sessions have ended.
- Additionally, KAP often helps individuals to develop new coping skills, addressing underlying thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their mental health condition, and improving overall emotional regulation and well-being.
- Potential for lower doses and reduced side effects: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be able to achieve similar results with lower doses of ketamine than those used in traditional anesthesia, which can reduce the risk of negative side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of various mental health conditions and experiences, including:
- Treatment-resistant Depression
- Anxiety Disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Grief and Loss
- Chronic Pain
- Substance Use Disorders, including alcohol and opioid addiction
- Eating Disorders, such as Anorexia and Bulimia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder
- Perfectionism
- Stuckness and Aloneness
- Unhealthy patterns of attachment
*It is important to note that while ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of these conditions, it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and may not be effective for everyone. It is crucial to work with a qualified and experienced ketamine-assisted psychotherapist to determine if this treatment is appropriate for an individual's specific needs and circumstances.*
Those that have…
- Uncontrolled hypertension/ high blood pressure
- Unstable cardiovascular disease
- An unstable medical condition
- Active ketamine abuse or dependence
- Acute mania/ mixed state
- A history of primary psychotic disorders
- A ketamine allergy
- Who are pregnant
Ketamine might be an option even if you have…
- Glaucoma
- Thyroid disease
- A history of abuse or dependance
- Active suicidal ideation requiring inpatient hospitalization
- Active substance use disorder
- A personality disorder
When administered in a therapeutic setting by trained professionals, ketamine therapy is considered a safe and effective option for treatment for people seeking relief for things like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges.
Ketamine has been used in medical settings since the 1960’s and its safety profile is well-established when dosing. monitoring, and screening is done professionally and responsibly.
If you are interested in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, we start talking about safety from the start. Not only is physical safety incredibly important, but so is your emotional and psychological safety. I make sure that when talking about safety and consent, there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications. Building trust and rapport between the client, therapist, and medical professional is key.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy steps

Medical Evaluation

I provide Ketamine assisted psychotherapy in Austin, at Moonstone Counseling’s Westlake Office.
I currently work with Ashley Whatley, APRN, FNP, PMHNP with Sol Psychiatry as the KAP medical prescriber.
I will send Sol Psychiatry a referral for you and then you’ll fill out documentation, schedule, and receive a medical evaluation in order to determine if ketamine is right for you. Ashley will discuss dosing with you as well.
Once your medical evaluation is complete and you have been cleared to be prescribed ketamine, Ashley and I will coordinate the next steps with you and scheduling of a dosing session.
If you are receiving an intramuscular (IM) dose, then Ashley will be present in the office and administer the ketamine to you, with me by your side guiding your experience during the entire process.
If the prescriber accepts your insurance, the medical evaluation will likely be covered. If your prescriber does not accept your insurance, or you do not have coverage, they will charge you a cash pay rate. Medical evaluations are a one-time cost per prescriber.
Insurances Accepted:
Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare (Oscar/Optum/UMR), Cigna, Curative Health Care, Humana, Medicare, Sana, and some Aetna plans
Prescriber Cost
Initial 60-Minute Medical Evaluation:
In Network: Billed to insurance, if applicable, and your deductible, copay, or coinsurance will apply.
Private Pay: $250
3-Month Medication Management (Required for ongoing KAP treatment):
In-Network: Billed to insurance, if applicable, and your deductible, copay, or coinsurance will apply.
Private Pay: $175.

Preparation

Prep sessions are an integral part of KAP. Once you have your medical evaluation complete and the consent forms signed, you can start the preparation.
I will collaborate with you and your prescriber on your treatment plan. I’ll help you prepare for your dosing session, setting your intention, and answering questions you may have about the experience. During this time, we will cover safety, informed consent, and what items you may want to bring with you to your medicine session for you to feel comfortable and cozy.
These sessions are typically done virtually and are billed like a regular therapy session.
55-minute prep sessions are $185.
Please note: at least 1 prep session is required, but more may be needed.
If desired, I can provide a superbill for preparation sessions.

Integration Session

One to three days after your dosing session, we will meet for an integration session. Integration sessions always happen between dosing sessions. These sessions are meant to help you process your ketamine experience and integrate it into your life in a way that is consistent with your goals, intentions, and treatment plan.
These sessions are a critical component of the overall KAP process and will support the opportunity for you to integrate the prep, medicine, and post-medicine experiences in a way that hopefully culminates into new insight, understanding, awareness, and potential change or healing in your life.
These sessions are typically done virtually and are billed like a regular therapy session.
55-minute integration sessions are $185. There will be one integration session between every dosing session. If desired, I can provide a superbill for integration sessions.

Dosing Session

Location: Moonstone Counseling- Westlake location
Dosing Sessions are on:
Fridays
First and Third Monday of each month
Your dosing session is 3-hour block of time. During this dosing session, I will be with you the entire time and we will have time before and after the ketamine experience to process. If you are receiving IM ketamine, the prescriber will also be there to administer the shot and provide any other medical oversight needed. If you received lozenges, you will bring them with you from the pharmacy and self-administer when ready.
*You will need to make sure you have a ride home because you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day.*
The cost for each three hour dosing session is $550.
Additionally, the Prescriber cost for each three hour dosing session is $120.
These sessions are not covered by health insurance.
A standard course of treatment is 6-8 dosing sessions. However, this is not mandatory.
Note on Superbills
If desired, a superbill can be provided for one hour of the 3 hour KAP dosing session.