Frequently Asked Questions about KAP

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly- acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment. 

Ketamine works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. 

Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement. 

In my work with Journey Clinical we only use the sublingual lozenge form. 

The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on the dosage. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature.

Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subside, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. 

While it may feel hard to articulate what happens during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are clear. 

Every individual's experience with ketamine differs and part of the preparation for ketamine dosing sessions is being open without expectation.

First, you and I will meet to begin to establish a therapeutic relationship that will be the foundation upon with KAP will occur. 

Next, you will complete an initial consultation with a psychiatric nurse practitioner. You'll undergo an eligibility check and if, upon screening, the prescriber concludes you are eligible, you will receive your prescription for ketamine.

You and I will continue to meet in preparation for our first dosing session. These preparation sessions are important to setting intentions for the KAP dosing sessions and to ensure you are comfortable with the plans for your dosing session. 

KAP dosing sessions last between 1.75-2.5 hours and can take place both in-person or remotely. 

During your dosing session, you will self-administer the ketamine lozenge. You will check your own vital signs as directed by your prescriber. 

During the dosing session, you will be in a comfortable, reclining position, wearing an eye mask and listening to relaxing music. 

Although KAP may be a largely internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to provide support and hold space with you through whatever may arise during session.

After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration sessions to review the thoughts, insights, and experiences you had during your dosing session. We will also prepare for your next dosing session.

After your first KAP session, you should schedule regular follow ups with your CNP with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at minimum once per quarter or otherwise planned upon by you, your CNP, and I. 

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Preparation and Integration sessions:  $140 per therapeutic hour

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Dosing session: $450 

CNP Costs vary per practitioner 

It is possible to do a KAP dosing session via telehealth. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to complete KAP via telehealth including being the state of Colorado, having a chaperone who is in the same residence as you for the entire journey, and having access to monitoring your own vitals (Blood Pressure and Heart Rate via automatic BP Cuff).