Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used “off label” to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.

Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In my work I only use the sublingual lozenge form.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidenced based treatment designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories or distressing experiences. It involves a structured approach where the therapist guides the client to focus on specific memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, including eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation. This process aims to help the brain reprocess the memories, reducing emotional distress and promoting healthier coping mechanisms. EMDR is commonly used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has also been helpful for anxiety, depression, and other health conditions. For more information, please visit EMDRIA.

Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ is an innovative therapy that combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with the administration of low-dose ketamine to enhance trauma processing. Developed by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, this approach leverages ketamine’s ability to promote neuroplasticity and reduce emotional defenses, making it easier for clients to access and reprocess traumatic memories during EMDR sessions. While research on this specific combination is still emerging, early pilot studies and clinical reports suggest promising outcomes, with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. However, more large-scale, peer-reviewed research is needed to firmly establish it as an evidence-based practice. More information is available at their website.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is emerging as a promising treatment for several mental health conditions, particularly those that have not responded well to traditional therapies or medications. It involves the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant effects, in combination with psychotherapy to enhance emotional processing. Here are some conditions KAP is effective in treating:

1. Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant effects, especially for people who haven't had success with conventional antidepressants.

2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ketamine's ability to help individuals confront and process trauma in a safe and controlled setting makes it beneficial for PTSD treatment.

3. Anxiety Disorders: It can be effective for those with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorders, often helping to break through persistent negative thought patterns.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Ketamine can help reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in some patients.

5. Bipolar Disorder (with depression): Particularly for bipolar depression, ketamine has shown benefits in alleviating symptoms, although it is used cautiously due to its potential to induce manic states in some individuals.

6. Chronic Pain Conditions (such as Fibromyalgia): Some chronic pain conditions with a psychological component may benefit from KAP due to ketamine’s ability to impact both physical pain perception and mood.

7. Substance Use Disorders: Emerging evidence suggests ketamine may help reduce cravings and emotional distress related to addiction recovery, particularly when paired with psychotherapy.

8. Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine's fast-acting nature has been found to help reduce suicidal thoughts in patients with severe depression.

Because KAP combines both ketamine and psychotherapy, it can allow for a deeper emotional exploration that may be more challenging under typical therapeutic conditions alone.

The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. A low “psycholytic” dose of ketamine creates a gentle loosening of the mind, making emotions more accessible without causing full dissociation. People often feel deeply relaxed, introspective, and slightly detached from regular thoughts, with mild body sensations. Insights may arise more naturally, allowing for meaningful exploration while staying present and able to communicate. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the ketamine experience.

Some of the costs may be reimbursable for insurance benefits. A portion of the appointments may be eligible for utilizing your out of network insurance benefits, including our initial session, preparation, and integration sessions. The dosing sessions may not be billable to insurance because ketamine is considered an “off label” treatment and extended session times may not be covered.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) appear to be highly synergistic because both aim to address and heal trauma, but they do so through complementary approaches that enhance each other’s effectiveness. Ketamine may reduce emotional reactivity and create a sense of safety and detachment, which can help clients approach distressing memories with less fear or overwhelm. While EMDR targets the cognitive and emotional processing of trauma, ketamine works on a neurochemical level to promote neural plasticity, which helps to make it more receptive to healing. Together, these therapies seem to accelerate recovery by supporting both the mind and brain in new, adaptive ways. Combining these two interventions is new approach to the treatment of trauma that will hopefully be better understood by future research.

Yes! There are many creative solutions that have been developed since the COVID pandemic to make EMDR accessible online. I have resources for remotely providing the “bilateral stimulation” used during EMDR therapy. This is easy to set up from your mobile device and will be done in our preparation sessions. Read more about doing EMDR online on a blog post I wrote on this topic.

All of my services are offered online over HIPPA compliant technology. I use a high speed wired internet connection and top notch technology to provide a reliable and secure experience for all of my clients. I’ve been conducting all of my sessions online since 2020 and am skilled at helping my clients navigate technology to have a good experience with online therapy.

When you do a KAP session remotely, you can participate from the safety and comfort of your home. Unlike an office visit, you don’t have to arrange transportation to and from the appointment, which can make for a more relaxing experience for you. You can also set up the area for your session in a way that is more personalized for your needs.