Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a newer approach to mental health care that’s gaining attention for its potential to support healing from depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges.
If you’re considering KAP, one of the most important things you can do is learn about how it works and whether it might be a good fit for you.
Since ketamine is sometimes known as a street drug, it’s easy to misunderstand.
Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings as an anesthetic and pain reliever for decades. When paired with psychotherapy in a structured, supportive setting, it can also help people reconnect with themselves and move through emotional pain in new ways.
How KAP Supports Healing (and Affects the Brain)
Many people turn to KAP when they’ve tried other approaches, like talk therapy or antidepressants, and haven’t felt much relief. KAP can be especially effective for people living with long-term depression, complex trauma, or feelings of deep hopelessness.
Ketamine works on a part of the brain called the glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood and emotional regulation.
As a result, it can sometimes shift mood quickly and create space for new thoughts and perspectives.
It also helps the brain build new pathways, something called neuroplasticity, which may make lasting change feel more possible.
Some notice a sense of lightness or calm soon after treatment. However, the deeper benefits often come later, during what’s called integration.
These are sessions with a therapist where you can gently explore what came up during your ketamine experience.
You might reconnect with strong emotions or memories. With intentional care and support, you can begin to process and understand these experiences at your own pace.
This combination of medicine and therapy can create the conditions for meaningful healing, especially when traditional paths haven’t offered the support you need.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Useful for Everyone?
KAP is often suggested as a treatment option for those who might have already tried more traditional methods of managing depression.
If you don’t respond well to antidepressants or traditional modalities didn’t seem to work for you, KAP could be the next step.
Some studies have shown that KAP is effective in up to 60-70% of people who haven’t had success with traditional treatment methods.
One of the most powerful aspects of Ketamine-assisted therapy is that it can help people access parts of themselves that might feel hard to reach in everyday life.
Ketamine can soften the inner critic, allowing for more self-compassion and curiosity.
These subtle shifts can make it easier to explore painful thoughts or emotions without feeling overwhelmed or shut down.
When you’re not stuck in survival mode, therapy can feel safer to your nervous system.
Studies show that KAP has helped a majority of people who haven’t responded to more traditional treatments. For many, it opens a new path to self-understanding and connection.
Is KAP Right for You?
It’s important to note that KAP isn’t for everyone. There are significant factors to consider before undergoing this type of psychotherapy.
First, KAP is not yet FDA-approved. While that doesn’t impact the validity of the research that has already been done, that can be an issue for some people.
There are also some potential side effects involved with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy that you should be aware of ahead of time. Some of the most common include dissociation, nausea, and dizziness.
Finally, insurance costs for KAP can be limited. Talking to your provider ahead of time to ensure your treatment will be covered will offer you peace of mind before you make an appointment.
Most importantly, KAP is not a miracle cure or a one-size-fits-all approach. But for many people, it offers something they haven’t found elsewhere: the chance to reconnect with their inner world in a new and healing way.
If you’re wondering whether Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy might be a good step for you, you don’t have to figure it out alone – we can help!
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy at Denver Metro Counseling
At Denver Metro Counseling, we take a curious, gentle approach to incorporating ketamine assisted psychotherapy with those who may benefit from this approach.
When working with depression and suicidality, KAP can be very effective, especially when a client is receiving support from their therapist throughout the entire process – preparation sessions, presence during medicine sessions, and post ketamine sessions to process therapeutically the experience.
It’s important to note, when trauma and anxiety are present, the approach to KAP may be different than with with depression and suicidality.
Ketamine assisted therapy is not a miracle process for treating depression. However, it has become one of the most promising options in recent years, especially for those who have struggled with traditional treatments.
It’s completely understandable to have questions, and we’re happy to give you as much information as possible. Contact us today to set up a consultation!
