Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Depression

When Talking Isn’t Enough—This Treatment Can Help You Go Deeper

Depression doesn’t always respond to traditional talk therapy or medication. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it feels like you’re stuck in the same emotional loop, unable to move forward.

That’s where Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) comes in.

In cities like Phoenix, Gilbert, and Glendale, people are using KAP to go beyond surface-level symptoms and finally heal deep emotional wounds. It’s a breakthrough approach that combines the fast-acting power of ketamine with the insight and support of a trained therapist.

If you’re looking for a new way to work through depression, KAP could be the path you’ve been waiting for.

What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment that combines the psychedelic effects of ketamine with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Patients take a low dose of ketamine, often through an oral lozenge or intramuscular injection, during or just before a therapy session.

The ketamine helps quiet the inner critic and opens up emotional awareness, allowing people to:

Process trauma
Explore difficult feelings
Break stuck thought patterns
Connect with their authentic self

The therapist helps prepare you before and integrate what you experience after the session, making sure the insights gained during ketamine treatment lead to real, lasting change.

How Does KAP Work for Depression?

Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to build up in your system, ketamine can work within hours by acting on the brain’s glutamate system. This helps rewire neural pathways involved in mood, memory, and thought.

When combined with psychotherapy, ketamine puts your brain into a state of heightened neuroplasticity—which means you’re more open to change and growth.

In simple terms: your brain is more flexible, and therapy works better.

Patients often describe KAP sessions as:

Emotionally freeing
Spiritually grounding
Deeply reflective
A way to unlock what’s been “stuck” for years

What Happens During a KAP Session?

A typical KAP treatment plan includes three phases:

1. Preparation

You meet with your therapist to set goals, learn what to expect, and feel safe about the process. You might talk about past trauma, emotional blocks, or specific depression symptoms you want to address.

2. Dosing Session

On the day of the session, you take a low dose of ketamine under supervision. Most people use a lozenge (oral) or receive an IM injection. You lie back in a calm setting with an eye mask and music while the medicine takes effect. Sessions last 60–90 minutes.

You may experience:

Visual imagery
Emotional waves
A sense of being “outside” yourself
Peaceful or spiritual insights

Your therapist may speak with you gently or remain silent, depending on your comfort and the session goals.

3. Integration

After the session, you meet with your therapist to talk about what you experienced. This is where the real healing happens—connecting what came up during the session to your everyday life.

Is KAP Safe?

Yes, KAP is considered safe when provided by trained professionals in a structured setting. The ketamine dose is low, and patients are carefully screened beforehand.

You may not be a good candidate if you have:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Active psychosis or bipolar mania
A history of substance misuse without support
Untreated heart conditions

Side effects are generally mild and include:

Nausea
Dizziness
Mild dissociation
Fatigue after sessions

At Bella Vida TMS, we work with certified providers and partner clinics to ensure KAP is delivered responsibly and effectively.

How Is KAP Different from Other Ketamine Treatments?

KAP focuses on emotional insight, not just symptom relief. Here’s how it compares to other treatments:

Treatment Type	Goal	Ketamine Form	Therapy Involved
IV Infusion	Fast symptom relief	IV drip	❌ No
IM Injection	Fast symptom relief	Muscle injection	❌ Optional
Spravato®	Insurance-covered treatment	Nasal spray	❌ No
Oral Ketamine	Flexible home use	Lozenge/capsule	❌ Optional
KAP	Deep emotional healing	Oral or IM	✅ Yes

KAP is ideal if you want to understand and transform the root causes of your depression—not just feel better temporarily.

What’s the Success Rate?

Early studies show promising results for KAP:

Up to 70% of patients report reduced depression and anxiety
Many find therapy breakthroughs after just 1–3 sessions
Most benefit from 6–10 sessions with regular integration therapy

Like any treatment, success depends on your mindset, consistency, and support system. But for many, it’s the most impactful therapy they’ve ever tried.

Is KAP Covered by Insurance?

Currently, KAP is not covered by most insurance plans. Ketamine is considered off-label for depression when used in lozenge or injection form.

Costs vary depending on:

Dosing method (oral vs. IM)
Therapist’s time
Number of sessions

However, some clinics offer sliding-scale pricing or financing plans.

If you’re seeking a covered alternative, ask about Spravato® or TMS therapy—both of which Bella Vida TMS offers and are covered by most major insurance plans.

Who Is a Good Fit for KAP?

You may benefit from Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy if:

You’ve tried antidepressants with little success
You’re stuck in the same therapy loops
You want a deeper, more spiritual healing process
You’re emotionally ready to explore inner wounds
You have support during your healing journey

You don’t have to face this alone. Our team can help you find the best path forward.