Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Prepare, Integrate, and Heal
The ketamine assisted psychotherapy program (KAP) at Calliope Health is designed to help you get the most out of the “window of neuroplasticity” that ketamine can powerfully provide during treatment. We believe that better outcomes with ketamine may be the direct result of getting into an open and curious mindset before the treatment. This is accomplished in our preparation and integration therapy sessions.
Ketamine + Psychotherapy (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP)
We recommend scheduling your first four sessions with us after your medical assessment is complete. One ketamine infusion per week is typical, but in some cases we will recommend twice per week. Keeping up with the schedule and frequency of ketamine assisted therapy sessions is your responsibility. You will be charged only after services are provided, based on the following rates (read more about financing ketamine treatment):
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- 30-minute psychiatric assessment: $250 – video call
- 45-minute therapy session (no medicine) – $225
- Ketamine infusion $325 – in-office
- Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays
If you are already working with your own therapist you may schedule integration therapy sessions with your therapist, later in the day of your infusion, or the next day, preferably. If you don’t have a therapist to work with, we recommend that you work with one of our therapists during your treatment.
BREAKDOWN OF THE KAP SESSION (2 hours total):
Based on our experience for optimal results, we prefer offering IV (intravenous) for all KAP sessions. In some cases it is necessary or preferred to give an intramuscular (IM) injection, instead of IV. The IM injection is similar to flu shot and the medical effects of IV vs IM ketamine are nearly identical.
You will be given instructions to avoid food 6 hours before treatment. To prevent nausea, a common side effect for some people, we provide an anti-nausea tablet to consume prior to receiving your infusion.
Hour 1 = Ketamine injection is given and you have a private, quiet room to yourself for 60 minutes of inward “journey,” or meditation. Eye shades and a weighted blanket are provided and highly recommended. Headphones or ear-buds with a pre-arranged music selection are encouraged. Some people find that having a friend or loved one to sit quietly with you can be helpful, especially in the first few sessions. Having a “sitter” is not required. You will be able to ring a bell and medical staff will attend to you. Medical staff with periodically monitor and make sure you are comfortable.
Hour 2 = Talk therapy for 45 minutes. Optional quiet recovery in lounge. Leave when you are ready after you confirm with staff that you are not driving yourself.
FINANCING KETAMINE TREATMENT AND MAKING CLEAR DECISIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH
At this time we do not know of any insurance companies that cover ketamine treatments. We will give you a statement you may submit, and some procedure cost may be covered. Our psychotherapy service is usually covered by insurance. We are out-of-network. You may submit the statement and get reimbursed often at 40-60% of the allowed rate for therapy.
Like getting braces or having a corrective vision surgery, ketamine treatments can be life-changing. Our ideal outcomes are those that are able to continue weekly treatments of ketamine plus therapy until remission of symptoms, and continue maintenance sessions as needed. This cost is between $3,000-$5,000. Read more about our thoughts on responsibly financing ketamine treatment, and get good counsel from your family and friends.
Ketamine treatment is not a cure for depression, but it is our most powerful tool. It could be a game-changer for you or you may have mixed or less-than-expected results. Whether its ketamine treatment or other forms of therapy for depression, the key to success is trying new things and finding ways to stick with the plan.
