Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines the medicinal value of ketamine and psychotherapy. A low to moderate dose of ketamine is taken with the intention of altering consciousness to facilitate psychotherapy.

In order to start any KAP program you first must complete the steps below.

Please note that Dr. Black and Dr. Dansky work in separate offices. Dr. Black practices in Santa Cruz and Dr. Dansky practices in Carmel. However, Dr. Black and Dr. Dansky are in regular communication about your care and any changes that may be needed. If you prefer both doctors present at any of the below appointments it can be arranged.

1. Psychological intake with Dr. Black
2. Medical intake with Dr. Dansky
3. Ketamine journey session lozenge only or lozenge and inter-muscular (IM) with Dr. Danksy and Mars Lang.
4. Integration session with Dr. Black
5. Follow-up with Dr. Dansky to discuss lozenge dose for KAP session
6. KAP session(s) start with Dr. Black and medication is adjusted as needed by Dr. Dansky
7. Optional additional journey sessions can arranged with Dr. Dansky

Average session length is about 45-55 minutes.

Journey dose – refers to a low to moderate dose of ketamine that allows you to enter into an altered state of consciousness. People often experience ego dissolution in this state and gain insight about patterns in their life from outside of themselves. This insight is then integrated through psychotherapy as the effects of the medicine wear off. These session are typically three to four hours long.

Psycholytic dose – refers to a low dose of ketamine that allows you to be present, aware, and talkative. This dose typically helps open you up to yourself, lowering your defenses so that therapy can be more productive. These session are typically two hours long.

For more in-depth information about the effects of ketamine on the body and KAP please see the psychedelic.support