Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
“My ketamine experience felt like a journey through my own mind, where I encountered beautiful visuals and accessed difficult areas of my life from a new angle. It was as if I was floating outside my body, leaving my habitual state of mind behind, and opening myself to new possibilities.”
Kaia Roman - mindbodygreen.com
February 9, 2021
Ketamine is often grouped into the class of psychedelics when being utilized in psychotherapy, however, it has been used for many years during surgeries for anesthesia and post operatively for pain management. Researchers have found that in much smaller doses, ketamine has psychedelic-like effects on people that have been shown to improve some mental health conditions.
In recent years, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, offering new hope to individuals who have not found relief through conventional therapies. This innovative approach combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy to address a range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy involves the administration of a carefully controlled, low dose of ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapeutic support. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to months to produce noticeable effects, ketamine often induces rapid and robust improvements in mood and cognition. The psychotherapeutic component helps patients integrate and make sense of their ketamine experiences, facilitating long-term healing and personal growth.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is best utilized in conjunction with long term psychotherapy. It is highly recommended to either continue to work with Michelle Hudasko for ongoing integration therapy for several weeks afterwards, or to utilize KAP therapy as a compliment to the therapy you have done/will continue to do with your established therapist.
KAP treatment generally consists of 3 preparation sessions, one or more dosing sessions, and 3 or more integration sessions depending on your therapy treatment plans afterwards
Prior to beginning KAP treatment, you will be referred to Michelle’s partnered Psychiatrist who will perform a full medical intake to assess whether you are a good candidate for this treatment. If there are no medical concerns, you will be prescribed ketamine through this provider
Preparation sessions $150: During these 45 minute talk therapy sessions with Michelle, you will have an opportunity to learn more about KAP therapy, ask questions specific to you, provide a brief history of your presenting concerns, and work to set intentions for your treatment.
Dosing sessions $150/hr: Dosing days consist of a 3 hour window during which you will either take ketamine by one of the modes listed below, coupled with psychotherapy before and after dosing. You will need transportation home from all dosing sessions.
Oral ketamine - Doylestown office = $150/hour x 3hours
Oral ketamine - in home (postpartum mothers) = $200/hour x 3 hours
For more information, visit Mental Health — Empowered Postpartum
Intravenous, Intramuscular, and Intranasal ketamine - Clinic, Voyage Healing, located in Mount Airy (Philly suburbs) = $200/hour x 2 hours. *Intranasal/Spravato may be covered by your insurance
Integration sessions $150: During these 45 minute talk therapy sessions with Michelle, you will process and integrate the experiences from your ketamine sessions into your daily life. From here you will return to your prior therapist or continue working with Michelle if you do not have an established therapist.