Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative and evidence-based treatment option for individuals struggling with persistent mental health conditions.
Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services offers KAP as an in-person service at our offices in Monmouth County, located in Manasquan, NJ, and Ocean County, located in Brick, NJ.
This therapy is particularly beneficial for those experiencing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health challenges.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP is a unique therapeutic approach that combines the administration of ketamine with psychotherapy to promote emotional healing and cognitive restructuring. Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been safely used in medical settings for decades. Recent research has demonstrated its effectiveness in rapidly alleviating depressive symptoms, regulating mood, and enhancing neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new, healthier thought patterns.
By facilitating an altered state of consciousness, ketamine allows individuals to access deeper emotional insights, break free from negative thought patterns, and gain new perspectives on their mental health struggles.
Who Can Benefit from KAP?
Many individuals can benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), particularly those who have found limited success with traditional therapy methods. This includes individuals experiencing:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD and trauma-related conditions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Emotional processing challenges
KAP can also be used in couples therapy and group therapy settings to promote emotional healing and personal growth. However, certain individuals may not be eligible for treatment, including those with psychotic disorders, uncontrolled blood pressure, or thyroid conditions.
How Does KAP Work?
KAP is a structured therapeutic process that consists of three key phases:
1. Preparation Session
Before beginning KAP, clients undergo a preparation session with their therapist. This session involves setting intentions for treatment, discussing what to expect during the ketamine experience, and ensuring the client is mentally and emotionally prepared.
2. Ketamine Dosing Session
The dosing session lasts approximately three hours. Clients self-administer a prescribed ketamine lozenge while being guided by their therapist in a calm and controlled environment. During this experience, clients wear an eye mask and listen to soothing music to help facilitate relaxation and self-reflection.
Ketamine produces a dreamlike, expansive, and sometimes out-of-body experience, often leading to increased self-awareness, emotional clarity, and relief from distressing thoughts. Many clients report a reduction in negative thinking patterns and an increased ability to process their emotions.
3. Integration Session
Several days after the dosing session, clients participate in an integration session. This phase is crucial in helping individuals process their experiences, apply insights gained from their journey, and incorporate them into daily life. The therapist works closely with the client to support long-term healing and positive behavioral change.
The Science Behind Ketamine in Mental Health Treatment
Ketamine’s effectiveness in treating mental health conditions is linked to its impact on neuroplasticity. Mental health disorders, particularly trauma-related conditions, often cause rigid and maladaptive neural pathways that reinforce negative emotions and thought patterns. Ketamine helps by expanding neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new, healthier connections.
Research shows that ketamine can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms—often within hours—while promoting long-term emotional and cognitive healing. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks or months to show results, ketamine therapy can offer noticeable improvements in mood and stress regulation after just a few sessions.
Is Ketamine Safe?
Ketamine has been safely used in medical settings for decades, and its application in mental health treatment is supported by extensive research. When administered in a controlled therapeutic setting under the supervision of a trained clinician, ketamine is considered safe and effective for treating various mental health conditions.
As with any treatment, there are potential risks, which is why a thorough medical evaluation is conducted before starting KAP. At Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services, we partner a selection of medical providers specializing in ketamine therapy. They conduct comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility, prescribe ketamine lozenges, and monitor progress throughout the treatment process.
Getting Started with KAP in Monmouth and Ocean County, NJ
KAP is offered as an in-person service at Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services office locations and via telehealth throughout New Jersey. Our offices are in Manasquan, NJ, or Brick, NJ, for in-person support to participate in this therapy.
If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent mental health challenges and are interested in learning more about KAP, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. Our certified KAP practitioners are here to provide guidance, answer any questions, and help you explore whether this innovative treatment approach is right for you.
Take the next step toward healing and transformation with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.