Psychedelic Therapy
Ketamine-Assisted
Psychotherapy
A legal, evidence-based approach that pairs the neuroplasticity-enhancing effects of ketamine with deep psychotherapeutic work — for lasting relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and existential distress.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective medicine — on the WHO list of essential medicines — used to treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Its rapid-acting antidepressant effects can begin within 1–2 hours of treatment and last up to two weeks.
It works by modulating NMDA and AMPA receptors, promoting new synaptic connections and enhanced neuroplasticity. In our work we use only the sublingual lozenge form, in partnership with Journey Clinical.
What does it feel like?
The effects last approximately 45–60 minutes and are generally described as pleasant — a sense of being "far from" the body, with expansive shifts in perception. Motor and verbal abilities are reduced; you'll recline comfortably with an eye mask and music.
After the experience subsides, we spend time together processing whatever arose. The insights tend to feel clear even when they're hard to put into words. Neurological and mood benefits can persist for up to two weeks.
"KAP pairs the expansive nature of the ketamine experience with a tight therapeutic container — together they open doors that talk therapy alone sometimes cannot."
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Part of the broader psychedelic renaissance, KAP has reemerged over the last two decades as a highly effective modality for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery. The framework tightly couples the expansive, neuroplastic window opened by ketamine with skilled psychotherapeutic technique — amplifying both the medicine's effects and the depth of therapeutic work.
What clients commonly report
While every experience is unique, KAP clients often describe:
- A "time out" from ordinary mind and reality
- Decrease in negative or obsessive thoughts and self-talk
- Profound shifts in perspective on self, relationships, and worldview
- A more positive outlook on challenging situations and relationships
- Increase in self-esteem and self-compassion
- Enhancement of creative problem-solving abilities
- Greater motivation for lifestyle and behavior change
- Relief from existential distress
- The potential for a spiritual or mystical experience
How it works
I collaborate with a local clinician for all medical components. The therapeutic journey unfolds in four phases.
Medical Assessment
A local clinician reviews your medical and psychiatric history, provides education on the treatment, and determines eligibility. If approved, they develop a personalized ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan, and teach you to self-administer the sublingual lozenges.
Preparatory Sessions
Before your first journey we meet for one or more preparation sessions — scheduled like regular therapy — to align on the process, build the container, and set intentions for your KAP sessions together.
KAP Journey Sessions
Each dosing session lasts 2–3 hours, either in person at my Santa Cruz office or via telehealth. You'll self-administer your lozenge, recline comfortably with an eye mask, and listen to curated music. I hold space and offer support throughout the entire experience.
Integration Sessions
Within 24–72 hours of each dosing session we meet to process the memories, thoughts, and insights that arose, and prepare for what comes next. Integration is where the real transformation takes root.
The 6-Week Protocol
A standard series of 3 KAP journeys unfolds over 6 weeks.
Intakes
Medical & Psychological Assessment
Preparation
Prep Session #1 — set intentions, build container
Journey #1
Journey · Integration #1 · Prep #2
Journey #2
Journey · Integration #2 · Prep #3
Journey #3
Journey · Integration #3
Closing Integration
Final integration session & review
Investment
Medical intake and follow-ups are not covered by insurance but are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement, as are individual therapy sessions. Coverage varies — always verify with your plan.
Psychotherapy Costs
- Psychological Intake $250
- Preparatory / Integration Sessions (5) $1,000
- Journey Sessions (3 × $600) $1,800
- Total $3,050
- Sliding Scale $2,500 – $3,000
Medical Costs
- Medical Intake (one-time, OON reimbursable) ~$250
- Ketamine Lozenges (4–6 lozenges, not covered) ~$75
- Total ~$325
Actual fees may vary by treatment plan. All medical costs are paid directly to the MD or pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Email us at kap@naturalbridgestherapy.com to discuss eligibility and next steps.
Do you offer IM (intramuscular) administration?
Yes. IM can be a preferred route for some clients and works well within a KAP framework. It does involve an additional cost for the medical practitioner who administers it.
Can I continue taking antidepressants?
Ketamine can be safely combined with many SSRIs. The medical team will assess your specific situation before, during, and after treatment. Many clients find they are able to reduce or discontinue medications after completing a KAP series — though any changes are guided by your prescriber.
Where are sessions held?
Initial series are held in person at my office in Downtown Santa Cruz. After completing an in-person series, remote sessions via telehealth may be an option.
What about music and ceremony?
Music is central to set and setting. You can explore journey playlists on my Spotify profile. We also welcome mindfulness practices and any ceremonial elements that feel meaningful to you — we'll discuss all of this in prep sessions.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes. Sliding scale for psychotherapy fees ranges 20–50% off the full rate. Note that all medical costs (intake and lozenges) must be paid directly to the MD or pharmacy.
Further Reading
- 1. Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment
Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAPS
- 2. KAP: Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes
Jennifer Dore et al., 2018
- 3. Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders
Erica Zelfand, ND — Townsend Letter
- 4.
- 5. KAP with Jonathan Sabbagh of Journey Clinical
Psychology Talk Podcast
Ready to explore KAP?
Reach out directly to discuss eligibility and what the process might look like for you. No commitment required.