Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy combines ketamine with psychotherapy. A low dose of ketamine is administered through carefully monitored intramuscular injections or oral lozenges called troches. KAP may be considered for people who have not responded to traditional treatments.

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants and affects glutamate signaling in the brain. KAP pairs the medication experience with preparation, psychotherapy, and integration. Our healthcare professionals monitor its use to support safety and determine whether it is appropriate for each patient.

KAP may be considered for depression and other mental health conditions when previous treatments have provided limited relief. Whether it is appropriate depends on an individualized medical and psychological screening.

KAP is an office-based outpatient treatment offered at our Marin location. A session begins with preparation alongside a KAP therapist. Patients may use eye shades and music, and ketamine may be administered by intramuscular injection or oral lozenge. Medication effects commonly last about 40–90 minutes. Monitoring and follow-up integration are part of the treatment process.

Short-term effects can include dissociation, nausea, blurry vision, tiredness, grogginess, or dizziness. Patients are monitored by our clinical team and must be cleared before leaving. Individual risks and possible side effects are reviewed during screening.

KAP includes psychotherapy alongside ketamine treatment, including preparation and integration. Ketamine treatment without psychotherapy is a different approach that may also be used for depression.