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.”

  • 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

      • The Empowered Postpartum Project is a novel research study lead by Michelle Hudasko that aims to examine the efficacy of KAP in the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS). If you are interested in learning more, becoming a participant, or donating to this work, visit the Empowered Postpartum website here.

    • 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.

  • *Financing options are available through Care Credit - Contact Michelle for more information

Importance of integration

During this time, many people can feel destabilized or disconnected when navigating between worlds as the lingering effects of the medicine remain present. This vulnerable time can also provide great opportunity for creating new neural pathways in the brain and healing deep wounds.

By integrating psychedelic experiences, individuals can improve the benefits of psychedelic use. Rather than simply experiencing a temporary shift in consciousness, integration allows for lasting changes in behavior and mindset. This can lead to improved mental health, increased creativity, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. Additionally, psychedelic integration can help individuals navigate difficult emotions or experiences that may arise during a psychedelic trip. By having a plan for integration beforehand, individuals can feel more prepared and supported during the experience and can more easily process and integrate any challenging emotions or insights that arise. Psychedelic integration is an important aspect of responsible psychedelic use and can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.