Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Hara Health Center collaborates with Insight Psychiatry to offer clients access to legally sanctioned, medically supervised psychedelic ketamine treatment in Austin, Texas. Hara Health Center specializes in supporting clients through psychedelic preparation and integration, a unique form of talk therapy that follows a psychedelic experience. Meanwhile, Insight Psychiatry conducts comprehensive medical assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.

Mona Adamaszek, APRN, PMHNP-BC from Insight Psychiatry, is responsible for administering the intramuscular ketamine dose and overseeing medical monitoring throughout the session. Each medicine session is guided by therapeutic principles to create a supportive environment, thereby optimizing the overall experience for clients.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a safe and legally sanctioned medication commonly utilized in emergency rooms and on the battlefield as an anesthetic. At lower doses, it induces a dissociative psychedelic experience, allowing individuals to explore aspects of their psyche that may be challenging to access otherwise. This substance is also recognized for facilitating mystical experiences that can contribute to healing for some individuals.

Previously associated with recreational use, ketamine has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma when administered therapeutically, with a focus on the appropriate mindset and setting.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-assisted therapy is a treatment approach that integrates research-driven psychedelic medicine with personalized psychotherapy. During these sessions, clients enter an altered state of consciousness under the supervision of a trained practitioner, enabling them to access internal feelings and thoughts in a profound manner.

The insights gained from these experiences are incorporated into daily life as part of a customized plan developed collaboratively with the therapist. This approach aims to enhance overall well-being, foster a deeper connection to oneself, and promote sustained positive mental health outcomes, all while maintaining sufficient lucidity to engage effectively with the supervising therapist.

Why might I choose Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

There is increasing recognition that conventional mental health treatments, such as SSRI medications and traditional talk therapy, are effective for only a subset of the population. Research indicates that 75% of individuals do not adhere to antidepressant regimens, and between 40-71% experience relapse. For those who feel marginalized or overlooked within the mental health system, ketamine-assisted therapy emerges as a promising treatment for anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and trauma.

This therapeutic approach fosters a deeper connection to oneself and others, promoting greater self-fulfillment and empowerment. Over the past decade, a growing body of research has highlighted the benefits and potential of ketamine when paired with psychotherapy in enhancing mental health outcomes. Rather than merely addressing symptoms, this model adopts a bio-medical-psycho-social-spiritual approach, emphasizing that the most profound source of healing originates from within the individual.

Pigott HE. The STAR*D Trial: It Is Time to Reexamine the Clinical Beliefs That Guide the Treatment of Major Depression. Can J Psychiatry. 2015;60(1):9-13. doi:10.1177/070674371506000104

Who is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for?

If you are experiencing feelings of isolation, overthinking, anxiety, depression, or trauma, our personalized treatment program may be an ideal option for you. We empower clients to tap into their inherent capacity for healing with the support of our certified psychedelic practitioners. Those who have not achieved significant success with traditional treatments, such as talk therapy and medication, may find that psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a safe and effective alternative, particularly for treatment-resistant conditions.

Furthermore, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in prolonging addiction recovery, addressing eating disorders, and alleviating end-of-life anxiety. Please note that certain medical and psychiatric contraindications may apply. Feel free to contact me to discuss your eligibility for this transformative treatment.

How much does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy cost?

Scientific research has shown the greatest effects from a "loading" series of 6 ketamine journeys. Some people need less. Few need more than that. You and your treatment team will decide how many sessions and what kind of support is needed during your initial intake. Psychotherapeutically guided sessions (the journey sessions) cost $250 per session. Medical appointments with your prescriber and the prescription cost are separate. All in all, most clients end-up paying between $2400 and $3700 for a six-session course. For additional questions, please reach out to info@harahealthcenter.com.