In recent years, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) has emerged as a powerful new treatment option for Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While ketamine therapy has shown rapid-acting antidepressant effects, combining it with psychotherapy can deepen emotional healing and support long-term recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is, what to expect during a session, how it differs from ketamine-only treatment, and what you need to know about insurance coverage and finding a qualified provider in the Washington, D.C. area.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a mental health treatment that combines the use of low-dose ketamine with structured psychotherapy. While ketamine itself is a dissociative anesthetic, at sub-anesthetic doses, it can induce an altered state of consciousness. This altered state helps create psychological flexibility and a reduction of defenses allowing patients to explore trauma, confront painful emotions, and gain new perspectives under the guidance of a licensed therapist.
What Happens Before a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?
At your initial meeting with WIP, you will meet with a therapist to discuss your objectives, mental health background, and what you hope to achieve. This discussion will help the therapist assess if Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is appropriate for you.
If both you and the therapist decide to proceed with KAP, you will then consult with one of our experienced psychiatrists. They will review your medical history, help your further understand how ketamine functions as well decide if you are an appropriate candidate. They will also explain how ketamine is administered, potential side effects, and the expected mechanisms of action for your treatment. If necessary, they will also coordinate with your existing healthcare team. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and will be scheduled for further meetings with our psychiatric team. They will also be in close collaboration with your KAP therapist. We strongly believe having experienced psychiatrists who are highly trained in mental health conditions is crucial to this treatment.
What Happens During a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?
At our clinic, your KAP treatment will incorporate three main stages: preparation, ketamine administration (medicine session), and integration.
Stage 1: Preparation
Before beginning ketamine sessions, you’ll participate in one or more preparation sessions with your therapist. These are a crucial part of the therapeutic process and are designed to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Goals of Preparation Sessions:
- Build rapport: Establish trust and connection with your therapist so you feel supported during your journey.
- Clarify intentions: Together, you’ll explore your current struggles, goals, and hopes for change. You’ll identify what you’d like to focus on during your ketamine sessions.
- Set expectations: Your therapist will explain what ketamine treatment feels like, including common experiences and possible side effects. You’ll also discuss how to work with altered states of consciousness.
- Develop grounding tools: You’ll learn techniques to stay centered and safe during your session, including breathing exercises, mindfulness strategies, and how to navigate challenging material if it arises.
- Create a safe container: Your therapist will guide you in preparing your mindset (“set”) and the physical/emotional environment (“setting”) to support a meaningful and healing experience.
What You Might Discuss:
- Continue conversation on past trauma, major life events, and patterns you want to break
- Further expand on your psychiatric and psychological history
- Previous experiences with altered states (if any)
- Your fears, hopes, and questions about ketamine treatment
- A plan for integration – how you’ll reflect on and apply insights from your sessions
Stage 2: Ketamine Administration
For KAP, ketamine is typically administered through intramuscular injection. This route of administration allows for more freedom of movement during the 3 hours of KAP treatment. IV infusion is also an option but the attachment to the IV can be a limitation to KAP. These routes will be thoroughly discussed in your meeting with our psychiatric team. As the medicine takes effect (usually within 5–10 minutes), you’ll enter a dissociative or dream-like state.
During this time, a therapist will gently guide the session or allow you to explore your inner experience. Your vitals will also be monitored by our skilled nursing staff during this session to ensure your utmost safety while receiving ketamine.
Stage 3: Integration
Once the acute effects of ketamine wear off (usually after 20–60 minutes), you’ll transition into the integration phase. This is where much of therapeutic work happens. You’ll start to process insights, emotions, and experiences from the session. Integration may occur immediately afterward as well as in follow-up integration sessions as neuroplastic changes in the brain can extend well beyond the medicine session.
You and your therapist will work together to determine the best approach and frequency for your treatment’s integration process. Patients often report feeling more open, emotionally grounded, and less defended during and after these sessions, making it easier to work through difficult psychological material.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy vs. Ketamine-Only Treatment
While standalone ketamine treatments, such as intravenous (IV) infusions, can offer rapid and enduring relief from conditions like depression and anxiety, their benefits may be limited when addressing deeper psychological issues, such as trauma. Without the guidance of psychotherapy, individuals might find it challenging to explore and process underlying emotional conflicts, potentially restricting the depth and longevity of healing.
In contrast, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) integrates the physiological effects of ketamine with structured therapeutic support. This combination not only alleviates symptoms but also facilitates profound psychological exploration, allowing individuals to confront and work through the root causes of their distress. Research indicates that this integrative approach can lead to sustained symptom improvement, enhanced emotional insight, and a better overall quality of life.
By pairing the neuroplastic effects of ketamine with psychotherapy, KAP offers a holistic treatment modality that addresses both the mind and body, providing a pathway to comprehensive and lasting recovery.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Currently, most insurance providers do not cover the full cost of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, as it is still considered an “off-label” use of ketamine. However, some aspects, such as preparatory and integration therapy sessions with a licensed clinician, may be reimbursable under out-of-network benefits.
It’s always best to check with your insurance provider directly and ask your Washington, D.C., ketamine clinic for a superbill, which can be submitted for potential partial reimbursement.
How to Find a Provider for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Washington, D.C.
Choosing the right provider for KAP is essential for both safety and therapeutic success. Look for a mental health clinic in Washington, D.C. that:
- Is staffed by licensed mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists)
- Offers both ketamine administration and integrated psychotherapy
- Takes a personalized, trauma-informed approach to care
- Provides adequate medical screening and follow-up support
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we offer evidence-based Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy tailored to your unique mental health needs. Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists who specialize in guiding patients through the KAP process with compassion and clinical precision.
Ready to Learn More About Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Washington, D.C.?
If you’re considering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as a treatment option, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if KAP is right for you. Our team currently services residents of the DMV area. For our KAP service, all appointments are conducted at our D.C. ketamine clinic.
