What is psychedelic assisted therapy? There are several medications used in the medical field that offer relief of symptoms or assist in the healing process of medically based ailments. The same is true for mental health. The brain (subconscious part) is the organ that is responsible for the recording and organizing of our experiences as well as igniting our stress response system that helps us to remain safe. Our mind is the conscious part of the brain that uses our past experiences as a guide to our current actions. There is expanding research that the use of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine ignite regions of the brain to help relieve symptoms of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. There is a lot of research on Ketamine assisted therapy (KAP).

Is KAP appropriate for everyone? No. KAP is a personal choice. Individuals will complete preparation sessions with a therapist, and speak with a KAP medical provider prior to being determined appropriate for KAP. Individuals with histories of dissociation disorders or recent drug use may not be determined to be appropriate.

What is the process? Anyone interested in this treatment will meet with a KAP trained therapist to review all aspects of the KAP treatment which includes symptoms of current distress, responses to prior treatment, diagnosis, and commitment. Your therapist will make a referral to a medical provider at Journey Clinical. You will then participate in an intake session with the medical provider and, if deemed appropriate, will be prescribed Ketamine. The medical provider creates the treatment plan and provides this to your therapist. Your therapist will assist in supporting you to prepare for the dosing as well as during the dosing. Your therapist provides integration sessions between prescribed dosing. Your therapist will also communicate with the prescriber helpful information about the experience.

Note that your medical provider/prescriber will have their own fee schedule. Your therapist will charge their hourly rate which may vary between therapist. Feel free to discuss your interests with your therapist.

Additional resources:

>What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

> Science behind ketamine and the brain

> The impact KAP has had in real people's lives

> Andrew Huberman’s 90 minute podcast into how KAP works

>Interview with Lauren Taus on how psychedelics are changing therapy

>Further personal experiences of some who tried ketamine