Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and postpartum 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 with Releaf Physicians, Choose Your Horizon, and Skylight Psychedelics, only the sublingual lozenge form is utilized.

The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45-75 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 subsided, Dominique will spend the remainder of your appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, clients feel like the insights gained are none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the ketamine experience.

Initial Medical Consultation with the Prescriber:

• Dominique is certified to facilitate Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy by ReLeaf Physicians, Choose Your Horizon, and Skylight Psychedelics. You may choose any of those prescribers, based on your personal preferences, and inform Dominique of your choice. She will have a member of their medical team schedule an initial evaluation with a prescriber via Zoom. That prescriber will review your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment, and determine if you are eligible for KAP.

• If the medical team determines that you are eligible for KAP, they will develop a personalized Ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you.

• The medical staff will write a ketamine prescription for you, and the doses of sublingual ketamine will be sent directly to your home. You will be taught to take your vitals and self-administer the ketamine lozenges by your prescriber's medical team in advance of your KAP sessions with Dominique.

Preparation Sessions:

• Once you receive your ketamine lozenges, Dominique will schedule time together for your KAP Preparation, Dosing and Integration sessions. Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for your KAP sessions.

KAP Dosing Session:

• Dominique will block 2.5 hours for your dosing session(s), which can take place either in-person at the Integrative Healing Counseling Services office, or remotely via telehealth. Dominique recommends, but does not require, that the first dosing session be conducted in-person.

• During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge, either in the office or in your home. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position, wearing an eye mask, and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, Dominique will remain present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed.

Integration Sessions:

• After your KAP dosing session, you will meet with Dominique for integration therapy session(s) to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session.

Follow-up Consultations with Your Prescriber of Choice:

• After your first KAP session, your prescriber's medical team will schedule follow-up meetings with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow-ups depends on your unique treatment plan.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an affordable, accessible modality. Although the medical intake, follow ups, and dosing sessions are not billed directly insurance, they are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company to learn more about your policy's out-of-network coverage and reimbursement steps.

Integrative Healing Counseling Services KAP Costs:

• Preparation and Integration sessions are scheduled as a standard 50-minute counseling hour, and are billed at the standard rate of $150 per session. These sessions can also be billed directly to insurance, if you have Oxford, Oscar, or United Healthcare coverage. If your insurance is with a different company, you will be charged the out-of-pocket rate, but will receive a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement based on your out-of-network coverage.

• Dosing sessions are 2.5 hours in length and cost $375. A $150 deposit is required to hold the time for you, but that amount will be applied to the total. The remaining $225 must be paid prior to you self-administering your ketamine lozenge, in order to ensure sober consent. Dosing sessions are not billed directly to insurance, but you will be provided with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement based on your out-of-network coverage.

Medical Costs:

• The cost of all medical evaluations, follow-up appointments, and medication doses are managed directly by your prescriber of choice - ReLeaf Physicians, Choose Your Horizon, or Skylight Psychedelics. Integrative Healing Counseling Services is not involved with the price-setting or fee-collection related to these medical services.

• The price of these medical services depends on how many dosing sessions you participate in, and which prescriber you choose. This information is available by contacting the prescriber directly.

• Some of this cost may be reimbursable by your insurance company, based on your out-of-network coverage. Integrative Healing Counseling Services recommends consulting with your insurance company for your full list of benefits, before completing the medical evaluation.

Dominique works with Oxford, Oscar, and United Healthcare insurance. Preparation and Integration sessions can be billed directly to your insurance company. Dominique will also provide a superbill to submit to any insurance company for reimbursement based on your out-of-network coverage.

Dosing sessions are not billed directly to insurance, however, Dominique will provide you with a superbill to submit to any insurance company based on your out-of-network coverage.

If you intend to use insurance, you should consult with your insurance company prior to starting any new treatments to confirm your coverage.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a specialized treatment that can benefit individuals facing various mental health challenges. At Integrative Healing Counseling Services, KAP is available for:

1. Clients with Treatment-Resistant Conditions: KAP can be particularly effective for individuals who have not responded well to traditional therapies for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, and more.

2. Those Seeking Rapid Relief: If you are looking for a treatment option that may provide rapid relief from symptoms, KAP could be a viable choice.

3. Individuals Open to a Holistic Approach: KAP integrates pharmacological support with psychotherapeutic processing, offering a holistic approach to healing.

4. People Committed to Personal Growth: Whether you are navigating trauma recovery, exploring consciousness, or seeking personal growth, KAP can support you in achieving your therapeutic goals.

If you have questions about whether KAP is right for you, please reach out. Together, Dominique will address your individual needs and determine the best course of treatment.

Combining the use of ketamine with psychotherapeutic techniques to facilitate healing and personal growth, is at the heart of the therapeutic approach to KAP. At Integrative Healing Counseling Services, you can expect the following from KAP sessions:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans: Before starting KAP, Dominique will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs and goals. Your treatment plan will be tailored to address these individual factors. Additionally, Dominique is happy to consult with your primary therapist if you are simply looking to participate in short-term, adjunctive KAP treatment.

2. Safe and Supportive Environment: Sessions are conducted in a safe, comfortable, and confidential setting. We prioritize creating a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and emotions.

3. Integration of Ketamine and Psychotherapy: Ketamine is self-administered under controlled conditions, allowing for altered states of consciousness that can enhance therapeutic insights and processing during psychotherapy sessions.

4. Emotional Processing and Insight: KAP can facilitate deep emotional processing and insights into patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. This can help in resolving trauma, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and promoting overall mental well-being.

5. Guidance and Support: Throughout your KAP journey, Dominique will provide guidance and support in both ketamine self-administration and psychotherapy. She is committed to assist you in navigating your inner experiences and achieving your therapeutic goals.

6. Ongoing Assessment and Adjustment: Dominique continuously monitors your progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed to ensure you are receiving the most effective care possible.

Dominique is dedicated to helping you achieve healing, growth, and improved quality of life through integrative therapeutic approaches.

I work with three partner programs for prescribing and administering ketamine: ReLeaf Physicians, Choose Your Horizon & Skylight Psychedelics, depending on your preference. The medication will be ordered by your prescriber of choice, and shipped directly to you from their partner pharmacy.

Yes, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is legal when conducted by licensed healthcare professionals in compliance with state and federal regulations. Integrative Healing Counseling Services adheres strictly to the laws and guidelines set forth by the State of Florida and relevant regulatory bodies.

Dominique is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (Lic. #MH11026) who is certified in KAP by Fluent and Skylight Psychedelics. Dominique adheres to best practices to ensure your safety, comfort, and legal compliance throughout your treatment journey.

If you have any questions about the legality of KAP or how it can benefit you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your well-being and compliance with legal standards are top priorities at Integrative Healing Counseling Services.