Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy · KAP Sessions

Psychedelic assisted therapy involves the use of psychedelic substances in conjunction with psychotherapy. This typically involves ketamine, psilocybin, or MDMA. Currently, the only legal and FDA approved form of psychedelic assisted therapy (in Maryland) is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP. Research has shown that psychedelic assisted therapy has the potential to help individuals cultivate profound healing, specifically for trauma, by allowing them to review or think about painful memories or events without feeling as attached to them. 

That's amazing! KAP is often a short term treatment in which you work with your KAP provider for preparation, medicine sessions, and integration sessions. It is highly beneficial (and recommended) that you engage with long term therapy post-KAP treatment. If you do not currently have a therapist, we can recommend providers to you for after the completion of your treatment. 

• Prior to your treatment, consider that your mindset is an important factor. As much as possible, it is recommended that you avoid social media and news at least 24 hours ahead of treatment in order to cultivate a calm mindset and create space for your own healing. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol and other substances 48 hours before and after your session. 
• Do not eat for at least 4 hours prior to your session. It is also recommended that you do not drink anything 1-2 hours before your session (although you should hydrate properly before that).
• Pack a KAP bag and lay out your clothes the night before your treatment. Plan to wear comfortable clothes to your session. Bringing a bag is optional, however if you choose to do so, your KAP bag can include anything you would like to bring with you. Some people bring a comfortable blanket and/or pillow, along with any items that they find comforting. Although completely optional, some clients choose to bring items such as photos of a loved one or of themselves, or sacred/meaningful items. An eye mask will be provided to you, but if you would like to bring your own you are welcome to do so. 
• Make sure that you have a ride home planned. You can have someone pick you up, or plan to take an Uber/Lyft. You should not drive after your treatment. 

• If you picked up a prescription for your treatment, please remember to bring it with you to your session. 
•  An eye mask will be provided to you, but if you would like to bring your own, please do so. 
• You may want to bring a blanket or pillow (this is optional - blankets and pillows will be provided). 
• Some clients like to bring sunglasses for after treatment, as you may feel a bit sensitive to light after your session.

No, you should not drive after your session. Please arrange for a ride or plan to take a Lyft or Uber. If you are not local to Frederick and desire assistance in finding accommodations, please reach out and I can assist you. 

The course of treatment will vary from patient to patient. Preparation and integration sessions are $160, and KAP Sessions are $475. Insurance may cover preparation and integration sessions, depending on your insurance plan and benefits. If you would like to use insurance for treatment and have questions, please reach out and I will be happy to assist you. 

Treatment is highly individualized. Some patients see symptom relief after one session, and others complete 3-6 KAP sessions. 

In order to move forward with your treatment, you will need to complete a medical evaluation. Mind Body Wellness collaborates with a provider who is in network with most insurance plans. 

Here is a sample of treatment sequence and costs for one KAP session:

Total: $955

For three KAP sessions:

Total: $2225

Preparation and integration sessions may be covered by insurance depending on your plan. 

I am currently in network with United HealthCare and Cigna. Preparation and Integration sessions may be covered by insurance, however KAP sessions are not. 

If you are out of network, I can provide a superbill to you for preparation and integration sessions. 

In order to receive KAP, you must first meet with a prescriber. You will be referred to a collaborative prescriber for a medical evaluation, which is a separate fee.

If you're not local and are planning to travel from out of state, you can book a KAP intensive. This consists of two or three sessions in a week, with integration sessions on alternating days. 

For example: Monday, Wednesday, Friday KAP sessions, Tuesday, Thursday, Monday integration sessions;

or Tuesday, Thursday KAP sessions, Wednesday, Friday integration sessions.

Intensives are also a great option for folks who want to do intensive work in a shorter amount of time. 

Each course of treatment is highly individualized. Some clients complete one session and experience relief in their symptoms, and others continue treatment for 3-6 sessions, along with periodic booster sessions. You will collaborate with your provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.

First, you will complete a Screening Form. Upon completion of this form, I will connect with you to set up your intake appointment if KAP appears to be an appropriate treatment modality for you. You will then complete a medical evaluation with a collaborating provider to confirm eligibility for treatment. 

You will then complete a preparation session to discuss treatment goals and intentions, address safety, and prepare for your session. 

You will then schedule your KAP session along with your integration sessions. 

Ketamine treatment can take place at your home or in a medical center, and involves receiving ketamine as a medication without psychotherapy. You may have an option to meet with a therapist, however it is not required. 

At Mind Body Wellness, psychotherapy is an integral part of psychedelic work. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy involves working closely with your therapist to complete preparation, medicine sessions, and integration sessions as an essential part of your treatment. I believe that preparation and integration are invaluable aspects of psychedelic work and set the stage for profound healing to occur. 

KAP is contraindicated for the following: 

• Schizophrenia
• Current mania or psychosis
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Untreated high blood pressure or hypertension
• Active addiction
• Severe heart disease
• Caution with history of stroke or cerebral vascular disease