• Is Ketamine Legal in Georgia? Yes, ketamine is legal and FDA-approved for specific uses, including treatment-resistant depression.

  • Is Ketamine Safe? Ketamine has one of the longest and most well-documented safety records of any anesthetic in medicine. It was approved by the FDA in 1970 and has been used continuously in clinical settings for over fifty years.- even with infants and young children. The World Health Organization includes it on its List of Essential Medicines. That is a significant safety credential. With that said, like any medication, ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, some cardiovascular conditions and a history of psychosis are the primary concerns that make ketamine inadvisable. The prescribing physician I work closely with requires a thorough medical and psychological screening to make sure ketamine is a safe and appropriate medicine for those seeking KAP under my care.

  • Is Ketamine Considered a Psychedelic? Ketamine has psychedelic properties but differs from classic psychedelics. It fosters open, non-judgmental exploration.

  • How Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Different than the Ketamine Therapy a Person Might Receive in a Ketamine Clinic? Ketamine therapy in a medical clinic is typically centered on the drug’s neurochemical effects with the goal of providing rapid symptom relief. The medicine is usually delivered through an IV infusion, and the emphasis is on the stand alone benefits of the medicine itself. In contrast, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) uses ketamine as a catalyst within the psychotherapy process and usually takes place at the therapist’s office. The ketamine acts an accelerant to the therapeutic process that includes preparation, a guided experience, and integration. This approach supports clients in accessing the unconscious mind, processing emotional material, and translating insights into meaningful, lasting change with the guidance of a trained therapist. While both approaches can be beneficial, KAP emphasizes insight, emotional healing, and transformation, whereas clinic-based treatment centers more on stabilization and reduction of symptoms.

  • Do People Experience Loss of Control with KAP? Unlike some of the classic psychedelics, with ketamine at the dosages used for KAP, you can be aware of who and where you are. I liken the experience to being in an engrossing movie - if necessary you can turn your attention away from the movie at will and remember you are in a theater simply watching a movie, but… you generally don’t want to. Engaging in KAP with a therapist you trust ensures your physical and emotional safety through the process.

  • Is Ketamine Addictive? While ketamine has the potential for misuse and dependency when used recreationally, when used in a therapeutic context with therapeutically prescribed doses, ketamine has an extremely low potential for dependency.

  • Can People with Addiction Use KAP? If you have history of addiction or wondering if ketamine might potentially help you overcome your addiction, your ketamine prescriber will carefully evaluate your medical and personal history to determine whether KAP is appropriate for you.

  • Is KAP Expensive? KAP is an investment in your healing process. The medicine itself and the experiential sessions are not covered by insurance, but the medical evaluation by the psychiatrist, the preparation and integration sessions can all be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement will be dependent upon your individual policy. Here is a breakdown of expenses:

  • Medical Evaluation (to obtain a ketamine prescription) approximately $250.00

  • Ketamine Prescription approx. $75.00

  • Therapy Fees: My standard psychotherapy rate is $195.00 per hour. KAP will include:

    • 2-3 Preparation Sessions (1 hour each)

    • 3-5 Experiential Sessions (approx 2 hours each)

    • 1-5 Integration Sessions (1 hour each)

If you have questions about costs or insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.