Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Harm Reduction & Integration Therapy

Across time and cultures, humans have used psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ibogaine as tools for emotional and spiritual growth. Recently, interest in psychedelics has experienced a resurgence thanks to scientific advancements in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, increased media attention, and changes to legal restrictions. More and more people are seeking psychedelic experiences to foster personal growth and healing, though laws prohibiting psychedelic use makes this difficult to do safely and effectively.

Research shows that psychedelics frequently lead to deeply meaningful experiences that can catalyze new and healthier ways of living and personal transformation. Without adequate planning or support, however, psychedelic experiences can be frightening, confusing, or overwhelming and for these reasons, as well as the use of psychedelics is best approached with careful consideration. Preparation includes assessing the risks and safety of use and learning methods for incorporating lessons learned into daily life. Psychotherapy is one way to do this. Not only can it can help you prepare for psychedelic experiences (thereby reducing the risk of unsettling outcomes), it can also help maximize benefits by helping you effectively integrate the insights and wisdom gained and create lasting change.

What is psychedelic integration?

Following a psychedelic experience, many ask, “Now what?” Others worry that their newfound insights are slipping away. Psychedelic integration can help you make sense of a psychedelic experience and integrate its most valuable teachings into your day-to-day life. The process of taking an experience encountered in one state of consciousness and then trying to fit it into a sober or familiar one can be challenging. For some, this experience is magical and healing and yet others may leave the experience confused and unsure about how to make sense of it. And, like a dream, the benefits bestowed by psychedelic experiences can fade if you don’t somehow express and examine what happened in the experience soon after it’s over. The experiences that emerge in a psychedelic experience aren’t always easy to understand. This is where integration can help — together, you and your therapist will walk through your experience, explore the most important facets, and help you make sense of them. By integrating these insights, you are better equipped to put into action what you learned from your experience.

What kind of person is psychedelic safety and integration suited for?

Integration work is for anyone interested in using psychedelics for healing and growth. People already well-versed in psychedelics can use integration work to enhance on-going self-actualization and bolster life-transformation. Those new to psychedelics can use psychedelic safety and integration to explore psychedelic options, learn how to navigate experiences, and maximize benefits.

* DISCLAIMER: We do not provide psychoactive or illicit substances. We do not conduct or promote psychedelic psychotherapy outside of approved clinical trials, and we do not provide referrals to “underground” (illegal) psychedelic services.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine holds significant promise in the field of mental health, particularly for individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. The mechanism by which ketamine operates involves the blockade of NMDA receptors in the brain, coupled with the activation of AMPA receptors. These actions facilitate the creation of new synaptic connections, subsequently promoting enhanced neural circuits that play a vital role in managing stress and mood.

Additionally, ketamine's ability to foster neuroplasticity contributes to enduring improvements in symptoms. By enabling the brain to adapt more effectively, ketamine therapy provides a unique avenue for those seeking relief from persistent mental health issues. As research continues to unfold, ketamine's role in therapeutic contexts suggests a transformative potential in mental health treatment, offering hope to many.

Ketamine creates a temporary altered state of consciousness that promotes neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to form new pathways and connections. This makes it possible to explore thoughts and emotions from fresh perspectives, shift entrenched patterns, and develop more constructive inner dialogue. Ketamine's unique action offers a transformative mental health approach by enhancing synaptic growth and connectivity. This can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, providing relief from the inner critic. Clients often gain insights that promote deeper understanding and healing. The potential for emotional freedom paves the way for meaningful changes in overall well-being, making Ketamine Assisted Therapy a valuable therapeutic option.

How Does Ketamine Feel

The effects of ketamine, which most clients find pleasant, typically last for about 45 minutes. During this time, you may feel a sense of detachment from your body, leading to shifts in perception that can be expansive in nature. It is important to note that your motor and verbal abilities will be diminished; therefore, you will be comfortably lying down throughout the experience.

Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

• Rapid Relief: Many clients report significant reductions in symptoms after just one session, providing fast-acting relief compared to traditional therapies.

• New Perspectives: The altered state of consciousness can lead to new insights and perspectives that may not be accessible in typical therapy settings.

• Emotional Processing: Ketamine can help facilitate emotional processing, assisting clients in confronting painful memories and experiences in a supportive environment.

By blending Ketamine with therapy, we can leverage the neuroplasticity that Ketamine creates. Neuroplasticity involves gaining new insights into old behaviors and patterns, leading to the discovery of new ways of thinking and behaving. Through a well-supported Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy program, individuals can upgrade their self-talk and shift out of entrenched patterns, enabling the creation of new self-dialogue and enhancing emotional responses and behaviors. As a result, individuals may begin to feel safer, experience reduced anxiety, and create a more enjoyable life. In our experience, this transformative journey typically takes about three months.

Two Models of KAP

• Individual KAP: Focused, one-on-one support for healing and growth. Sessions integrate ketamine experiences with therapy, giving you practical tools to build resilience and emotional stability.

• Group KAP: A safe and compassionate space to share experiences with others. Group members support each other, cultivating belonging, validation, and collective healing.

The KAP Process

1. Initial Consultation with a Medical Provider

   • Conducted via Zoom with our partners at Journey Clinical or independent providers.

   • Includes a review of your medical/psychiatric history and education about the process.

   • If eligible, you’ll receive a personalized prescription. Oral ketamine lozenges will be shipped to your home with instructions for safe use and monitoring.

2. Preparation Session(s)

   • Scheduled before your first dosing session.

   • Focused on setting intentions, clarifying goals, and preparing for your experience.

3. Dosing Session (~2 hours)

   • In-person at the office, at your home, or via telehealth.

   • You’ll self-administer your ketamine lozenge while reclining with an eye mask and calming music.

   • The experience is mostly internal; I remain present throughout to provide support and guidance.

4. Integration Session(s)

   • After dosing, we meet to process the insights, emotions, and memories that arose.

   • Integration ensures you can apply lessons from the session into daily life.

5. Ongoing Medical Follow-Ups

   • Your prescribing medical team schedules quarterly (or more frequent) check-ins to monitor progress and refill medication as needed.

Cost of Treatment

• Preparation & Integration Sessions: $200 (50 minutes)

• Dosing Sessions: $200/hour (office-based)

• Medical Costs: Intake and follow-ups billed separately by the provider (sometimes insurance-covered).

Packages

Trial KAP Package – $1,300 (save $100)
Perfect for those curious but not ready to commit to a full protocol. Includes:

• 1 preparation session ($200)

• 2 dosing sessions ($400 each)

• 2 integration sessions ($200 each)

Standard Psycholytic Protocol – $4,800 (save $200)
Based on research protocols for lasting change. Includes:

• 1 preparation session ($200)

• 8 dosing sessions ($400 each)

• 8 integration sessions ($200 each)

Group Options are available and significantly reduce costs (see “Retreats” tab).

✨ Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy offers a unique path to healing and transformation—grounded in compassion, science, and safety.