Have You Tried Everything?

Explore the transformative potential of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to address depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment through various studies for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, chronic pain, Complex or Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or Acute Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. By combining the therapeutic benefits of ketamine with Jungian or Depth Psychotherapy techniques, KAP aims to facilitate deeper emotional processing and promote healing.

Research indicates that low dose ketamine administered in a therapeutic environment can reduce mental health symptoms and improve therapeutic outcomes. The goal is to help clients gain new perspectives, access and integrate repressed memories, and enhance their overall well-being. Here are links to several articles published in scientific journals, including a study examining clinical outcomes in 3 large practices, effectiveness in treating depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder. Access to other peer-reviewed articles can be provided upon request.

Lucid Awakening LLC offers both sublingual and intramuscular (IM) Ketamine-assisted Treatment options. The sublingual route of administration may be a gentler introduction to the medicine as the bioavailability is 25-40% and peak effect is experienced in 20-30 minutes, while the IM route of administration provides around 90% bioavailability and peaks in 5 minutes. Both options demonstrate effectiveness in treating mental health disorders and offer potential benefits.

Treatment is provided in a warm comfortable safe space with carefully selected music with both the client and therapist collaborating to create a playlist that will provide an optimal healing experience. During sessions, a board-certified psychiatric provider will remain on-call and work in collaboration with your therapist who maintains an active CPR and BLS certifications throughout the treatment. This ensures you are medically monitored and therapeutically supported during your experience.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples, including Tohono Oo’dham and Pascua Yaqui. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize the ongoing impact of colonization. We strive to create a space that respects and celebrates Indigenous cultures and wisdom. In this spirit, we are grateful for the teachings and guidance of our Indigenous spiritual teachers, Wolf and Lisa Wahpepah who share their wisdom through the non-profit organization Descendants of the Earth. Their insights into healing, Indigenous spirituality, sweat lodge, vision quest, and Sun Dance ceremonies, as well as their connection and respect for other cultures, animals, and the Earth profoundly inform our approach to therapy and wellness. https://descendantsoftheearth.org

KETAMINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY SPACE

Populations we help

Adults who have not responded to previous behavioral health treatments (treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD)
Adults suffering from chronic pain.
Adults with symptoms related to traumatic stress (e.g. history of assault, first responders, healthcare providers & veterans).
We are an open, safe, LGBTQIA+ friendly practice.

Treatment modalities

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Somatic therapy
Jungian/Depth therapy approaches
Integrative modalities

Conditions we treat

PTSD
Complex Trauma
Chronic Pain
Depression
Insomnia or disrupted sleep related to trauma
Anxiety
Relationship or attachment issues
Anxiety related to a terminal diagnosis
Mild to moderate obsessive-compulsive disorder

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine was created in the 1960s and approved for use by the FDA in 1970. It has traditionally been used in higher doses as an anesthetic (for surgery) with children and adults. It has also been used during war times as an effective pain medication. In recent years, ketamine has been administered as an “off-label” treatment for psychiatric disorders that have not responded to either medications or psychotherapy.

Research indicates that ketamine has been found to provide rapid and sometimes long-term relief of symptoms, including major depressive disorders, chronic suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety disorders, complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or acute Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. While Ketamine-assisted Therapy is not a magic bullet treatment, it can greatly reduce symptoms, improve resiliency, and help reduce fight, flight, freeze response in clients. Each client will receive an individualized treatment plan based upon their own symptoms, personal history, goals, and sensitivity to medication.

What is Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy like?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, which usually creates a feeling of calm, relaxation, while others might have a more expansive state that leads to awareness outside of one’s physical body. Ketamine disrupts the default mode network, which is a region of the brain that includes the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex and controls sensory and motor functions. This is important, because it appears to facilitate a disruption in negative thoughts related to autobiographical information, self-reference, and emotions related to oneself. In other words, it allows an individual to temporarily disengage from frequent negative or automatic thoughts or integrate traumatic experiences. It also appears to help provide relief from painful emotional states with some degree of permanence.

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FAQ

How is KAP different from traditional therapy?

KAP allows for greater in-depth therapeutic processing, integration of traumatic memories, and fosters increased self-compassion and acceptance. KAP often serves as a catalyst helping clients access repressed emotions, change habitual thought patterns, negative core beliefs, and create new neural pathways in a safe, controlled environment. Traditional psychotherapy may allow clients to remain on the periphery of their core wounding, while KAP allows individuals to access deep feelings and memories often critical to facilitating greater self-awareness, understanding, and wholeness.

Who can benefit from KAP?

KAP can be beneficial for individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, Complex PTSD, chronic pain, mild obsessive-compulsive disorder, terminal illness, or those looking for a catalyst for their own healing journey.

What should I expect during a session?

During your session, you will receive a low dose of ketamine in a comfortable setting. After the administration, your therapist will guide you through a conversation, helping you process your experiences and emotions. Sessions typically last 2-2 1/2 hours with the medication taking effect between 30 minutes to 1 hour).

Are there any side effects?

A low dose of ketamine is considered safe, but some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or disassociation. Your therapist with the assistance of on-call prescriber will monitor you closely to ensure your safety and comfort.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies by individual and treatment goals. However, research indicates that between 6-10 sessions on a weekly basis promotes the best outcomes. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized plan based on your needs based upon your reaction to the medication, time or financial constraints, and other lifestyle factors.

Is KAP covered by insurance?

Ketamine sessions are not yet covered by insurance. However, most major insurance is accepted for intake assessment, preparation, and integration sessions.