Welcome to your KAP journey!

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a unique approach to traditional talk therapy. It combines the therapeutic effects of the medicine ketamine with the supportive structure of psychotherapy. In this approach, ketamine is used as a bridge within the therapy session to deepen self-exploration, process emotional pain, and create new pathways for growth.

Ketamine is considered a “dissociative anesthetic” due to its ability to produce an expanded state of consciousness. At low doses, it can help create distance from your usual patterns of feeling and experiencing—offering access to new perspectives on life concerns and relief from the worries and anxieties of ordinary mind-states. Pairing psychotherapy with ketamine offers real-time reflection during this experience to enhance growth and change.

Ketamine is currently the only legally available medication in Iowa for use in psychedelic-assisted therapy. It is one of the most widely used drugs in modern medicine and is included on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Developed in 1963 and approved in 1970, ketamine was quickly adopted by hospitals and medical providers due to its rapid onset, proven safety profile, and short duration of action. Over the past two decades, ketamine has increasingly been used at sub-anesthetic doses as an off-label treatment for a range of chronic, treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Issues that may respond well to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) include, but are not limited to: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, depression, anxiety, unresolved childhood experiences, grief and loss, distress related to end-of-life, and the emotional challenges of re-engaging with life after a major loss or illness.

What does Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) look like?

Before engaging in KAP sessions, we will meet at least twice to ensure you are prepared for this work. These sessions provide time to explore intentions and expectations, discuss informed consent, and gain familiarity with the space.

KAP sessions will be scheduled 1x/week for 6-8 weeks. KAP sessions are scheduled for 3 hours to allow for time before, and after, for discussion and to reduce any perceived stress of feeling rushed. Your therapist is with you for the entirety of your KAP experience. Integration begins during the KAP session as you enter back into an ordinary state of awareness. This time allows for exploration of the experience and establishing supportive practices to deepen the insights gained in session.

How will Ketamine be administered?

In this setting, clients self-administer ketamine using sublingual (oral) dissolving tablets. This method supports the therapeutic process by allowing for engagement in psychotherapy during the experience and is often more comfortable for those who prefer to avoid injections. I work closely with your prescribing provider to develop a personalized treatment plan—tailoring dosage, session frequency, and timing to meet your individual needs.

Does ketamine have any side effects?

Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and tend to pass shortly after the session ends. You may experience sensations such as light nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, or a temporary sense of disconnection from your surroundings. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve on their own. You will be asked to have a support person drive you home or we will arrange transportation like Lyft or Uber. Once at home, it is recommended that you rest or take it easy for the rest of the day. Most people find any side effects are gone within a few hours after their KAP session.

Why ketamine? How does it work in the brain?

Ketamine supports healing in the brain through several important pathways. One of its main effects is increasing activity in a brain chemical called glutamate, which plays a key role in mood, learning, and memory. This increase can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even lessen certain cravings. Ketamine also promotes the growth of new connections between brain cells—a process called neurogenesis—and helps reduce inflammation in the brain and body. These changes may make it easier to shift out of stuck emotional patterns and support lasting change. Many people find that this translates into a greater sense of well-being, deeper connection in relationships, and a renewed ability to experience joy.

Check out this 2 minute video that briefly describes the neuroscience of Ketamine:

Additional Information

I’ve put together this document to help answer any additional questions you might have and to give you a clear overview of the process. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot — there's no need to absorb everything at once. If anything’s unclear, I’m here to help. When you’re ready to take the first step, just follow the instructions below.

Getting Started

  1. Submit a referral form.
    - If you are a provider and are referring a current patient:
    PDF Form Word Document Form

    - If you are referring yourself:
    PDF Form Word Document Form

  2. Once the referral form is received, I will send you a email response to confirm receipt and provide an approximate timeline for service availability. We will schedule an initial brief meeting to determine suitability.

  3. If suitability for KAP services is determined, I will refer you to a collaborating professional for the medical evaluation and prescription.

  4. At least two (2) preparation sessions will be scheduled with me before your first session with the medicine. Each preparation session is generally 45-60 minutes long. I can offer some flexibility in the date/time for these appointments.

  5. KAP sessions + Integration will be scheduled 1x/week for a period of 6-8 weeks. It will be important for you to commit to these appointments for the length of the KAP treatment. You will need to make appropriate accommodations at work/school/home to allow for this.

Group KAP

Group KAP offers a small, supportive setting (typically 3–5 participants) where the benefits of ketamine, group connection, and shared integration come together.

Each group cycle includes preparation, guided ketamine sessions, and post-session integration work. The number of sessions generally ranges from 3 to 6, depending on the group’s shared goals and intentions.

During ketamine sessions, participants self-administer the medicine at the same time and are encouraged to turn inward for a personally guided experience. Afterward, we come together for reflection and group integration—a space to share insights, deepen understanding, and feel supported by others on a similar path.

Group KAP offers the unique healing potential of community and connection.