Callie offers a therapeutic modality called Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical.
KAP is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible clients deepen their therapy sessions, experience more frequent breakthroughs, and enjoy sustained improvement in symptoms. Callie takes on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical’s medical team supports clients with all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes. Learn more about the partnership here.
KAP can be an effective option for people whose symptoms haven’t fully improved with traditional approaches. Research shows it may benefit individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mood-related concerns. By combining the therapeutic effects of ketamine with a supportive psychotherapy process, KAP can help clients gain new insights, reduce emotional distress, and move toward lasting change.
1. Initial medical consultation Schedule an initial telehealth evaluation with a Journey Clinical medical provider, who will review your medical and psychiatric history, provide treatment education, and assess eligibility for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). If eligible, the provider will create a personalized ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan. A prescription for two dosing sessions will be written, and a small amount of oral ketamine will be shipped to your home or a FedEx location, where an adult must be present to sign for the delivery.
2. Preparation session A preparation session needs to be scheduled and will occur prior to the first KAP dosing session, usually about 1-2 weeks beforehand. Some clients may need more than one preparation session. Preparation sessions are billed through insurance just like regular therapy sessions. The goal of the preparation session is to align on the process and set intentions for the KAP dosing session and integration phase.
3. KAP Dosing Session A typical ketamine dosing session lasts 2–3 hours and can take place in-person at the Rose Psychotherapy office or remotely via telehealth. Clients self-administer ketamine after taking their vitals, then usually recline with an eye mask and calming music, though each session may vary. Callie is present throughout to provide support as needed and meets briefly afterward to review the experience, with deeper processing taking place during a later integration session.
4. Integration Session An integration session must occur within 72 hours of the dosing session. This is typically scheduled along with the dosing session. The purpose of the integration session is to make meaning of the KAP dosing session. This might include reviewing the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during the dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session.
5. Follow-up medical consultations After the first 1-2 KAP dosing sessions, a follow-up with Journey Clinical’s medical team must occur to monitor outcomes and prescribe additional ketamine as appropriate. The frequency of follow-ups depends on each client’s unique treatment plan, but at a minimum of once per quarter.
Insurance + Private Pay:
Diagnostic Assessment (new clients only): Billed through insurance
Preparation Session: Billed through insurance
Dosing Session: First hour billed through insurance, additional two hours private pay ($450 total)
Integration Session: Billed through insurance
Private Pay:
Diagnostic Assessment (new clients only): $250
Preparation Session: $225
Dosing Session: $225/hour ($675 total for three hour dosing session)
Integration Session: $225
Journey Clinical's Pricing:
KAP intake with Journey Clinical: $362 (includes intake appointment plus ketamine for two dosing sessions)
KAP follow-up with Journey Clinical: $358 (includes follow-up appointment plus ketamine for up to six dosing sessions)
Find more information about Journey Clinical's costs and insurance coverage here.
What is ketamine? Is ketamine legal?
Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly acting antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within one to two hours after treatment and last for up to two weeks. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.
What is the neuroscience behind KAP?
Ketamine works by temporarily shifting several key brain systems to create a window of openness, flexibility, and healing. Here’s a simple breakdown using a garden metaphor: The Key Players: NMDA receptors: These act like “gates” that keep old emotional and thinking patterns in place, like compacted soil holding old roots. GABA and GABAergic interneurons: GABA is calming, and these interneurons help regulate activity, working like gardeners who keep everything balanced so one plant does not overgrow. AMPA receptors: These receptors encourage new growth between neurons, like sprinklers helping fresh seeds thrive. BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): A natural fertilizer that helps new neural pathways strengthen over time. What Happens in the Brain with KAP: During the session: The “soil” loosens as NMDA receptors quiet down, making space for new perspectives and emotional flexibility. Right after the session: AMPA receptors activate, helping new neural connections form. The brain becomes more teachable and responsive to therapeutic work. Within 72 hours: BDNF levels rise, adding “fertilizer” that supports growth. People often notice clarity, creativity, or relief during this window. Over the next two weeks: With therapy and integration work, these new neural “plants” begin to take root, leading to lasting shifts in mood and perspective. Long-term: With continued care, the brain’s garden reshapes over time. Old patterns loosen, healthier pathways strengthen, and emotional resilience grows.
How is ketamine administered?
Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. Journey Clinical only prescribes ketamine as a sublingual lozenge via a rapidly dissolving tablet (pictured above) using the "swish and spit" method. The tablet is placed under the tongue and will cause salivation. Clients then swish the saliva in their mouth for a short period of time (determined by the medical provider) and this is how the ketamine is absorbed. The saliva is then spit out and the mouth rinsed with water. The absorption rate is estimated to be about 15-30% using the "swish and spit" method.
How does ketamine feel? How long does ketamine last?
The effects of ketamine, which most clients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make clients feel "far from" their body and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so most clients lay in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subside, the remainder of the appointment is spent giving space to process and discuss the experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, clients believe the insights gained are clear. Studies have shown the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the ketamine experience. Clients have reported experiencing benefits such as improved mood, reduced anxiety, or relief from depression for weeks or months afterward.
Why is integration so important?
Ketamine temporarily enhances the brain's flexibility, initiating a surge of neuroplasticity that can last up to two weeks after the KAP dosing session. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury. During the integration period, the connections a person actively engages such as exploring emotions in therapy, practicing self-compassion, or adopting new thought patterns become stronger. Conversely, unused rigid patterns, like self-criticism or trauma loops, may begin to diminish. Benefits of KAP do not solely take place during the dosing session and it is important to leverage the brain's newfound flexibility to foster lasting change.
How can I make the most of my integration?
Maximizing the benefits of KAP involves actively engaging in integration practices following a KAP dosing session. This period is crucial for solidifying the insights gained and fostering lasting change. Strategies to enhance integration include journaling, practicing mindfulness and meditation, accessing therapeutic support, connecting with others, spending time in nature, and lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. By actively participating in these practices, clients can help ensure the changes initiated during KAP sessions are sustained and integrated into daily life.
Is ketamine a psychedelic?
Ketamine is often described as a "psychedelic-adjacent" medication. While it does produce altered states of consciousness at therapeutic doses, it works through a different receptor system (NMDA antagonism) than classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA. During KAP, these altered states are used intentionally alongside psychotherapy to support healing.
Can ketamine work for OCD? What else can ketamine help?
Research on ketamine for OCD is emerging and shows promising, but preliminary results. Some studies suggest ketamine may rapidly reduce OCD symptoms, but more evidence is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness. Beyond OCD (and depression, anxiety, and PTSD), KAP is being researched for various conditions, including chronic pain and substance use disorders. Studies suggest ketamine may provide short-term pain relief in conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Additionally, preliminary studies suggest ketamine may aid in reducing cravings and preventing relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. While these applications are promising, ketamine's use for these conditions is still being researched and it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine its appropriateness for specific situations.
Who is eligible for KAP? Who is not eligible for KAP?
Eligibility for KAP depends on a person's medical and mental history. Generally, adults with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD, or other qualifying conditions may be candidates. Those with unstable medical conditions, uncontrolled substance use disorders, and other contraindicated psychiatric disorders and likely not eligible for KAP. These may include uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled glaucoma/pressure in the eye, severe breathing problems, ketamine allergy or sensitivity, active ketamine use disorder, acute mania or mixed state, history of primary psychotic disorder, or other unstable medical conditions. A thorough medical and diagnostic evaluation is required to ensure safety and determine if KAP is appropriate.
Is ketamine covered by Medicaid or other insurance companies?
Is ketamine covered by Medicaid or other insurance companies? Coverage for ketamine treatments varies widely by state and insurance plans. Most state Medicaid programs do not currently cover ketamine for mental health conditions because they are considered off-label. However, most of the therapy sessions during the KAP process may be covered by Medicaid or other insurance companies. Additionally, Journey Clinical can help clients submit out-of-network claims. Clients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider or Journey Clinical regarding their specific benefits.