Ketamine works by blocking the brain's NMDA receptors while stimulating AMPA receptors, which helps improve brain flexibility. After taking ketamine, antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects begin within 1-2 hours. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.
Curious about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
A person in your life thought you might benefit from Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Keep reading to learn how you can get started.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) pairs ketamine treatment with dedicated psychotherapy sessions for more deeper therapy, more frequent breakthroughs, and better clinical outcomes.
87% report clinical improvements after 2 medical consultations
How does ketamine work for mental health?
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a widely-used, FDA-approved medicine prescribed off-label for mental health with a long track record of clinical safety. Beyond its original use as an anesthetic and analgesic, ketamine is also prescribed off label for the treatment of depression and anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Is the therapy portion of treatment necessary?
Journey Clinical Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy protocols include psychotherapy before, during, and after the dosing session. Preparation, therapist support, and integration help patients process experiences safely and translate insights into lasting change.
How does ketamine feel?
The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel "far from" your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you'll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subside, we'll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happens during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are clear.
The Expert Medical Team Behind Your Care
Our psychedelic-informed prescribers work directly alongside your therapist, handling every medical aspect of your treatment so your therapist can stay focused on you.
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Dr. Kyle Lapidus
MD, PhD
Dr. Lapidus earned his BA magna cum laude from Harvard University and his MD and PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completing his residency at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine where he conducted cutting-edge research on ketamine. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, he continues to advance novel treatments for mood and anxiety disorders through clinical research and innovative care delivery.
Dr. Brigitte Gordon
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Gordon is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in adult and geriatric psychiatry with a focus on integrative care. She earned her DNP from Columbia University, where she is also an assistant professor at the School of Nursing. She has contributed to research with MAPS, one of the leading organizations in psychedelic medicine, and is the founder of Hudson Mental Wellness, her private practice in Dobbs Ferry, NY.
Feeling one or more of the following symptoms?
You're here for a good reason.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) has helped thousands of patients achieve the relief they've been working towards. Keep reading to learn how it works.
How Journey Clinical Works
Step 1
Choose Your Therapist
Find a therapist based on your insurance, modality, and therapeutic specialty preferences.
Step 2
Receive Your Care Plan
Meet with our medical team to assess your eligibility and receive your prescription.
Step 3
Begin Treatment
Start Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with your dedicated care team.
See exactly what KAP would cost you based on your coverage and treatment plan. We handle the paperwork, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Most patients save over $1000 with insurance.
Ready to transform your mental health?
Connect with a therapist in your area and take the first steps towards a better way of being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine safe?
Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years as an anesthetic. When administered under medical supervision at therapeutic doses for mental health treatment, it has a strong safety profile. Our medical team screens all patients carefully and monitors sessions to ensure safety.
How long does treatment take?
A typical course of KAP treatment includes 6 ketamine dosing sessions over 2-3 months, along with preparation and integration sessions with your therapist. Many patients begin to notice improvements within the first few sessions, though individual results vary.
Will my insurance cover KAP treatment?
Journey Clinical is in-network with most major insurance plans including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. When you create your patient portal, we'll run a real-time benefits check to show your estimated cost before you commit to anything.
How is Journey Clinical different from other ketamine providers?
The most important difference is the therapy component. Journey Clinical is not just a ketamine treatment provider. Every patient works with a licensed, KAP-trained therapist who guides them through preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. This structure is what allows patients to fully capitalize on the neuroplastic benefits of ketamine and achieve lasting results rather than temporary symptom relief. 87% of Journey Clinical patients experience improvement in their anxiety and depression clinical scales after completing a full course of treatment. We also provide ongoing medical oversight, personalized therapist matching, and a collaborative care model designed to support you at every step of the process.