Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

I offer a therapeutic modality called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with a local physician, Julia Bramwell, MD. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Dr. Bramwell manages the medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes. Below is more information about KAP to help you navigate if it may be a good fit for you.

create relieving lasting change

Ketamine is an FDA-approved psychedelic medicine that has been shown to have tremendous benefits for certain mental health conditions, particularly when combined with psychotherapy.

Clients with PTSD and depression often describe a “rigidity” in their pattern of thinking.  Change, therefore, becomes difficult.  Ketamine facilitates new learning because the medicine enhances neuroplasticity. This is another way of saying “new learning” can more easily occur.  When this medicine is woven into a treatment plan with a safe, supportive therapist, the “new learning” from KAP sessions can create relieving lasting change.

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Works

  • 1. Initial Consultation with Julia Bramwell, MD:

    You will schedule an initial evaluation with Dr. Bramwell. She will go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment and determine if you are eligible for KAP.

    If Dr. Bramwell determines that you are eligible for KAP, she will develop a personalized Ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you.

  • 2. Prescription:

    After the initial assessment with Julia Bramwell, MD, she will write a ketamine prescription for you. Dr. Bramwell and I will collaborate together to determine the most appropriate ketamine dose to support your psychotherapy. The prescription can be filled at a local compound pharmacy near my office in Summit, NJ.

  • 3. Preparation sessions:

    Once you complete your initial evaluation with Dr. Bramwell, we will schedule time together for our KAP preparation, dosing and integration sessions. Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together.

  • 4. KAP Dosing Session:

    A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 1-2 hours and will take place in my office.

    You will self-administer your oral ketamine in my office. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.

  • 5. Integration Sessions:

    After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session.

  • 6. Follow-up consultations with Dr. Bramwell:

    After our first KAP session, Dr. Bramwell and I will collaborate to determine when evaluation and refill is indicated. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan.

FAQs

  • 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 and last for up to 2 weeks. It 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 (new learning) for lasting symptom improvement.

    Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges.

  • The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. 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. Some clients want to talk during Ketamine sessions, and others prefer to remain quiet. There is some variability. Once medicine 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 happened during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an affordable, accessible modality. Although the medical intake and follow ups are not covered by insurance, they are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement.

    • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: My typical hourly rate is $225/hr

    • Dr. Bramwell sets her own fees for the intake and on-going evaluations. They are commensurate with local mental health professionals.

    • Follow-up Sessions: $150/Session (minimum of 1/quarter, reimbursable through out-of-network)

    • Cost of oral Ketamine : $75 for approximately 4-6 lozenges (not covered by insurance)

  • 1. Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAPS

    2. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy - research study by Jennifer Dore et al, 2018

    3. Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders by Erica Zelfand, ND for Townsend Letter

    4. Ketamine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression by goop

    5. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Jonathan Sabbagh of Journey Clinical - Psychology Talk Podcast

  • "My ketamine assisted therapy session with Laurie was incredibly beneficial. Laurie provided a safe and welcoming atmosphere that allowed the Ketamine to bring up and release powerful emotions. Throughout the session, Laurie remained by my side, gently guiding me through the session. The Ketamine session was a safe and effective way to make contact with traumatic experiences. Laurie’s knowledge on Ketamine surrounding music, physical comfort, and safety added to the positive experience I had. I look forward to my next Ketamine session with Laurie."

    -Z