Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in New York
When talk therapy alone isn’t creating the shift you’re hoping for
Many people who explore ketamine-assisted psychotherapy are thoughtful, reflective, and committed to their own growth. They’ve done therapy. They understand their patterns, and they may even feel relatively stable in their day-to-day life. And yet, certain beliefs, emotional reactions, or states of mind remain stubbornly in place, especially around depression, anxiety, grief, or long-standing trauma.
I offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) intensives as an option for moments like this, when insight is present, real effort has already been made, and yet something deeper still feels hard to reach or shift.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines carefully prescribed ketamine with structured psychotherapy to support deeper emotional access and perspective.
Ketamine is a legally prescribed medication that has been used in medical settings for decades. In lower, therapeutic doses, it can temporarily quiet rigid thought patterns and reduce the intensity of self-critical or hopeless loops.
For some people, this creates a brief window in which emotions, memories, and beliefs are easier to approach with less fear or resistance. The psychotherapy (before, during, and after the ketamine session) is what helps make sense of the experience and translate it into meaningful change.
What I Mean By A KAP Intensive
A KAP intensive is an intentionally structured session that includes preparation, a supported ketamine dosing experience, and integration.
Rather than treating ketamine as a stand-alone intervention, I work with it as part of an ongoing therapeutic process. The intensive format allows enough time to prepare thoughtfully, remain supported during the dosing experience, and reflect afterwards without rushing.
I offer KAP intensives virtually, in collaboration with a licensed medical provider, and they are available to adults across New York State.
Situations Where KAP Intensives Can Be Helpful
KAP intensives may be a good fit for adults who:
Feel stuck in depression or anxiety despite having tried therapy before
Experience long-standing or treatment-resistant depressive symptoms
Carry unresolved grief or loss that feels too heavy or painful to approach directly
Hold deeply rooted beliefs about themselves that continue to shape how they see and treat themselves
Notice rigid thought patterns or emotional shutdown that make it hard to access feelings
Live with the effects of trauma, including racial or identity-based trauma
Feel disconnected, numb, or emotionally flat even when they want to feel more
Feel open to exploring a different therapeutic approach with support and structure
Some people seek KAP to work with a specific issue. Others come because they sense there is more beneath the surface than they’ve been able to reach through talk therapy alone.
How KAP Differs From Weekly Therapy
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not a replacement for weekly therapy, and it isn’t right for everyone. In my practice, KAP is most often used as an adjunct, something woven into an existing therapeutic relationship rather than a stand-alone solution.
Weekly therapy remains important for building insight, stability, and continuity. A KAP intensive offers a different structure, one that can soften habitual defenses and create a temporary shift in perspective, which we then explore together through psychotherapy.
What A KAP Intensive Typically Includes
Each KAP intensive is individualized, but generally includes:
Preparation
Clarifying intentions, discussing concerns, and making sure you feel informed and grounded before the dosing session.
The Ketamine Session
Ketamine is taken in a prescribed, low-dose lozenge form. You remain conscious and able to communicate throughout the session. I am present to support and respond as needed.
Integration
After the effects of the medication subside, we reflect on what stood out and how the experience connects to your broader therapeutic work.
Readiness & Safety
KAP intensives require a basic level of emotional stability, external support, and openness to the process.
Because sessions are offered virtually, you will need to have a trusted adult nearby during the ketamine dosing session for safety and support. This person does not participate in the therapy session and does not need to be in the room, but should be available if support is needed. Medical eligibility and prescribing are handled by a licensed medical provider, and I collaborate closely with that provider to ensure coordinated care.
These intensives are not recommended for people in active crisis or for those who feel unable to regulate overwhelming emotions, even with support. Part of my role is helping you determine whether this is the right option now or whether another approach within my practice would be more supportive.
Important Note About Fees & Insurance
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy includes both insurance-eligible and private pay components. In some cases, preparation and integration sessions may be covered by insurance, depending on your plan. Medical services and medication are typically out of pocket. We can talk through fees, coverage, and logistics during a consultation so expectations are clear before moving forward.
Choosing Between A KAP Intensive & An EMDR Intensive
People sometimes wonder which approach makes more sense. EMDR intensives are often a good fit when there is a specific memory, experience, or belief you want to work through directly.
KAP intensives may be more helpful when you feel emotionally blocked, shut down, or stuck despite insight and effort. Neither approach is better or more advanced. We can talk through what you’re noticing in yourself and decide together what feels most accessible and supportive right now.
Training, Experience & Scope
KAP requires careful clinical judgment, especially when working with trauma or long-standing mental health concerns.
My approach integrates ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with EMDR, parts work (IFS-informed), and cognitive therapy, with close attention to how trauma and mood symptoms show up emotionally and physically. Ketamine is never used in isolation; the psychotherapy is central to the work. This integration and pacing are especially important in an intensive format.
Practical Details
Format: Virtual (New York State)
Structure: Preparation, dosing session, and integration
Medical care: Provided through a collaborating prescriber
Cost: KAP intensives are a non-insurance, out-of-pocket service
If you’re considering an EMDR intensive and would like to explore whether it’s a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out for a consultation.
Considering a KAP Intensive?
The first step is a conversation.
A consultation allows us to talk through what you’re hoping to address, your therapy history, and whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy makes sense for you at this point.
If KAP isn’t the right option, I’ll be honest about that and help you think through alternatives. Reach out to schedule a consultation and learn more about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in New York.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Intensives FAQs:
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KAP combines prescribed ketamine with psychotherapy to support deeper emotional access and perspective. The medication is one part of a structured therapeutic process.
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When prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical provider and combined with psychotherapy, ketamine can be a safe option for some people. Medical screening is required.
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Yes. Ketamine is used in low, therapeutic doses. You remain conscious and able to communicate throughout the session.
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Ketamine is sometimes described as psychedelic-assisted therapy, but in this context it is used in a medical, structured, and carefully supported way.
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KAP has shown promise for people whose depression has not responded to talk therapy or medication alone, though it is not appropriate for everyone.
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This varies. Some people benefit from one or two ketamine sessions, while others may choose to do a short series (often around 4 to 6 sessions) as part of a broader treatment plan.
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Yes. KAP intensives are offered virtually to adults in New York State, in collaboration with a medical provider.
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The psychotherapy portion may be eligible for insurance coverage depending on your plan, while medical services and medication are typically out of pocket. We can discuss details during a consultation.
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A consultation is the best way to determine fit. We’ll talk through your history, goals, and current support to decide whether KAP is an appropriate option.
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EMDR intensives are often a good fit when there is a specific memory, experience, or belief you want to work through directly. KAP intensives may be more helpful when you feel emotionally blocked or stuck despite insight and effort. A consultation helps determine which approach makes the most sense for you right now.
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Yes. Because KAP intensives are offered virtually, you’ll need to have a trusted adult with you during the ketamine session. Their role is to be present for safety and support while the medication is active. We’ll talk through these details ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.
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Yes. Ongoing communication with the prescribing provider is an important part of the process. Medication monitoring and follow-up are managed by the medical provider, while therapy continues with me. This coordination helps ensure safety and consistency throughout treatment.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete the contact form to start the therapeutic process.
