Understanding Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine’s reputation as a rapid-acting antidepressant has grown dramatically over the past decade, but some patients experience only partial or temporary benefit when ketamine is used as a standalone biological intervention. The chemistry may change, while patterns that contribute to distress can remain difficult to address.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP, pairs ketamine with intentional, structured therapeutic work. The goal is to help patients prepare for treatment, process their experience, and apply meaningful insights to their daily lives.
At Albany Ketamine Infusions, KAP is one of the modalities we offer for patients whose presentations are best served by this integrated approach.
What Ketamine Can Feel Like During Treatment
At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine can produce an altered state of consciousness that is often described as dissociative. Some patients describe a loosening of rigid thought patterns or an increased ability to observe their thoughts with curiosity rather than immediate reactivity.
Every patient’s experience is different. Ketamine treatment is not recreational use, and it takes place within a medically supervised setting designed around safety, preparation, and individual care.
Some research suggests that ketamine may temporarily influence neural plasticity and emotional processing. In a KAP setting, that experience is paired with therapeutic support rather than treated as an isolated event. To understand more about what happens in the brain during treatment, see our overview of what ketamine infusion therapy does to your brain.
The Three Parts of a KAP Program
A KAP program generally includes preparation, the ketamine session itself, and integration afterward.
Preparation
The preparation phase may include one or more conversations with a therapist or collaborating clinician. Patients discuss treatment goals, psychological history, concerns, and intentions they may want to bring into the experience.
Preparation is not casual. It helps establish a framework for the work ahead and gives patients an opportunity to ask questions before treatment begins. Our overview of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Albany explains more about what this process can involve.
The Ketamine Session
During the ketamine session, the patient receives treatment according to their individualized care plan. In KAP, the session is not simply an infusion the patient completes while waiting for the medication to work.
A therapist or trained support person may be involved in coordination with the treatment plan, offering grounding, support, and therapeutic guidance when appropriate. The ketamine used in our KAP program may be IV or sublingual, depending on the patient’s program and clinical context.
At-home ketamine used in a KAP context remains an off-label, controlled-substance treatment requiring full medical supervision. Eligibility is assessed individually.
Integration
Integration takes place after the ketamine has fully cleared the system. During integration sessions, patients work with a therapist to reflect on what arose during treatment, including thoughts, emotions, memories, or new perspectives.
Integration is an active process. It can help patients connect their experience to the concerns that brought them to treatment and consider how new insights may apply to current relationships, coping patterns, and goals.
Who May Consider KAP?
Research into KAP is still developing, but the approach has been explored in the context of treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, and addiction. These concerns can involve both biological and psychological factors, including entrenched patterns of avoidance, distress, trauma-related responses, or negative self-narratives.
At Albany Ketamine Infusions, we evaluate each patient individually. We do not assume that KAP is the right fit for everyone, and we do not promise outcomes.
Patients interested in trauma-focused care can also learn more about our approach to ketamine treatment for PTSD.
KAP Requires Active Participation
KAP can be more demanding than standard ketamine infusions. It may require additional preparation, therapeutic engagement, and follow-through after treatment.
Patients who are not currently working with a therapist and are interested in KAP should discuss options with our team. We maintain collaborative relationships with licensed therapists in the Albany area and can help patients explore what therapeutic support may be appropriate before treatment begins.
KAP is not limited to people with extensive therapy experience. What matters most is a willingness to participate honestly in the preparation and integration process.
Cost and Practical Considerations
KAP programs can require more time and resources than a standalone infusion series. Cost and scheduling can be real barriers, and we discuss them openly during consultation.
In some cases, patients may be able to continue integration work with an existing therapist while receiving the ketamine component of care separately. The right structure depends on the patient’s clinical needs, therapeutic support, practical limitations, and treatment goals.
For eligible patients, at-home ketamine therapy may also be part of the conversation. However, at-home KAP is not appropriate for every patient and requires careful screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional practical information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need to have a therapist already to do KAP at Albany Ketamine Infusions?
Not necessarily. Having an existing therapeutic relationship can be helpful, but we can discuss options for connecting with licensed therapists who are familiar with the KAP model. We address therapeutic support during consultation so that patients have an appropriate structure in place before beginning.
How is KAP different from regular ketamine infusions?
Standard ketamine infusions focus primarily on the medication and medical monitoring. KAP adds structured therapeutic work before, during, and after treatment, including preparation and integration.
Research on whether psychotherapy extends or enhances ketamine outcomes is still developing. We discuss the potential role of KAP based on each patient’s history, goals, and level of therapeutic support.
Is there research supporting KAP as a treatment approach?
Yes, although the evidence base is still evolving. Current reviews describe promising findings across several psychiatric conditions while also noting substantial variation in ketamine protocols, psychotherapy models, and study design. Larger, well-controlled studies are still needed.
How long does a full KAP program take?
The timeline varies based on the patient’s presenting concerns, therapeutic goals, ketamine route, and integration needs. A program may include preparation sessions, a series of ketamine sessions, and integration work afterward. We discuss the anticipated structure during consultation.
Can KAP be done with at-home ketamine?
Yes, for appropriate candidates. At-home ketamine used in a KAP context is an off-label, controlled-substance treatment requiring full medical supervision. Candidacy depends on the individual patient’s clinical needs, home environment, support structure, and treatment plan.
Key Takeaways
- KAP combines ketamine treatment with structured therapeutic work before, during, and after treatment.
- Preparation helps patients clarify goals and understand what to expect.
- Integration gives patients space to reflect on their experience and connect it to ongoing therapeutic work.
- Both IV and at-home ketamine may be considered in a KAP context for appropriate candidates.
- Results vary by individual. Discuss with your provider whether KAP is an appropriate approach for your clinical situation.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy is not only about medication. For some patients, it can also create an opportunity to reflect on longstanding patterns, emotions, and treatment goals with structured therapeutic support.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is our way of helping patients make thoughtful use of that opportunity. If you are in the Albany area and want to explore whether KAP may be right for you, we invite you to learn more about starting treatment at a ketamine clinic or schedule a consultation with our team.
About Dr. Philip Hansen
Dr. Philip Hansen is a board-certified anesthesiologist who trained at Albany Medical Center. He established Albany Ketamine Infusions in partnership with Dr. Brooks, building on his training at NY Ketamine Infusions. Dr. Hansen graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and holds membership in the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Medical Association, and the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists. He provides medical oversight for both in-office IV ketamine infusions and at-home telehealth ketamine programs for patients across New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.
Works Cited
Drozdz, S. J., Goel, A., McGarr, M. W., Katz, J., Ritvo, P., Mattina, G. F., Bhat, V., Diep, C., & Ladha, K. S. (2022). Ketamine assisted psychotherapy: A systematic narrative review of the literature. Journal of Pain Research, 15, 1691–1706. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S360733
Joneborg, I., Lee, Y., Di Vincenzo, J. D., Ceban, F., Meshkat, S., Lui, L. M. W., Fancy, F., Rosenblat, J. D., & McIntyre, R. S. (2022). Active mechanisms of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 315, 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.030
Kew, B. M., Porter, R. J., Douglas, K. M., Glue, P., Mentzel, C. L., & Beaglehole, B. (2023). Ketamine and psychotherapy for the treatment of psychiatric disorders: Systematic review. BJPsych Open, 9(3), e79. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.53
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment outcomes vary by individual. Results may vary. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Discuss with your provider whether this treatment is appropriate for you.