Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY
in Brooklyn, NY and Online
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a great alternative for people who haven’t gotten better with regular medication and treatments. Ketamine helps your brain think and feel in new ways, breaking you out of negative patterns. In a therapeutical setting it can bring significant improvements to your mood and daily life.
Understanding Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
The Science and Benefits
Ketamine was initially FDA-approved for use as an anesthetic and pain management medication. Extensive research supports its effectiveness, particularly for treatment-resistant depression.
Research shows ketamine can provide significant benefits for approximately 70% of people with depression, often working rapidly even when other treatments have failed. Current studies are also demonstrating promising results for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Existential distress related to chronic or terminal illness
How Ketamine Works
Ketamine operates through several mechanisms that make it unique among psychiatric medications:
NMDA Receptor Modulation
Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which affects glutamate signaling in the brain and can lead to rapid improvements in depression symptoms.
Neuroplasticity Enhancement
Ketamine helps your brain form new connections, giving you a better chance to learn healthier ways of thinking and coping during treatment.
Default Mode Network Modulation
Ketamine temporarily changes brain networks that control self-focused thinking, which can help break cycles of worry and negative thoughts about yourself.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Ketamine helps to reduce inflammation in the brain that's linked to stress and depression.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Before your first ketamine session, you’ll meet with your clinician to:
- Explore your history, challenges, and goals
- Discuss what to expect during ketamine sessions
- Address questions and concerns
- Establish intentions for your treatment
- Develop a therapeutic alliance that supports your journey
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Integration of Ketamine with Psychotherapy
We don’t view ketamine as a standalone treatment but as a catalyst that enhances the psychotherapeutic process. The medicine opens doors; therapy helps you walk through them.
Personalized Medicine Experience
Treatment is tailored to your unique needs, history, and goals, with adjustments to dosage, administration method, and therapeutic approach as appropriate.
Skilled Therapeutic Guidance
Our licensed clinicians are specifically trained in Ketamine Assisted Therapy and create a safe container for your experience.
Comprehensive Support
From preparation sessions before treatment to integration work afterward, we provide support throughout the entire process.
Focus on Lasting Transformation
Rather than simply treating symptoms, we aim to facilitate deeper healing and personal growth that leads to sustained wellbeing.
Research and Safety
Evidence-Based, Monitored Treatment
Ketamine’s effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression is supported by a substantial body of research published in prestigious medical journals. Studies consistently show rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms, often within hours or days rather than the weeks required for traditional antidepressants.
When administered in controlled medical settings by trained professionals, ketamine has an excellent safety profile. At Mind Body Psychiatry:
- All treatments are provided by licensed clinicians with specific training in ketamine therapy
- Comprehensive medical screening ensures ketamine is appropriate for your situation
- Vital signs are monitored during treatment as appropriate
- Treatment takes place in a controlled, comfortable environment
- Your clinician remains present throughout the entire experience
As with any medical treatment, ketamine may not be appropriate for everyone. Contraindications may include certain cardiac conditions, untreated hypertension, history of psychosis, pregnancy, or active substance use disorders. Your clinician will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if ketamine is safe and appropriate for you.
The Treatment Process
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Initial Inquiry
Contact our team to learn about treatment options, clinician availability, and pricing
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Complimentary Consultation
Schedule a no-cost 10-minute consultation with one of our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners to discuss your goals and determine if KAP might be appropriate
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Initial Evaluation
Complete a comprehensive assessment with your selected clinician to evaluate your suitability for ketamine treatment
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Preparation Session(s)
Engage in one or more preparation sessions to establish rapport, clarify intentions, and prepare for the ketamine experience
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Ketamine Treatment Sessions
Participate in a series of ketamine sessions administered by your clinician in our Brooklyn office
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Integration Sessions
Attend integration sessions between ketamine treatments to process experiences and apply insights to daily life
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Ongoing Support
Determine the need for maintenance sessions or continued therapy based on your response and goals
Throughout this process, your treatment plan will be continuously assessed and refined to maximize benefits while ensuring your comfort and safety.
The Ketamine Session
- Setting and Support: Treatment takes place in a comfortable, private room with your clinician present throughout the entire experience.
- Administration Options: Ketamine may be administered orally or via intramuscular injection, while Spravato is administered intranasally, based on your preferences and clinical considerations.
- Session Duration: Each session lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing time for the medicine experience and brief discussions before and after.
- The Experience: While each person’s experience is unique, ketamine typically induces a non-ordinary state of consciousness that may include shifts in perception, enhanced imagery, emotional release, and new insights.
- Therapeutic Guidance: Your clinician provides support and guidance throughout the session, helping you navigate the experience.
Where Mental Wellness Meets Lasting Change
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary consultation.
Ketamine Treatment Options and Pricing
We offer several ketamine treatment options to accommodate different needs and preferences:
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
- 1 preparation session
- 4-8 ketamine treatment sessions
- Integration sessions between treatments
- Starting at $495 per ketamine session (varies by provider)
Spravato
1 intake session
- Weeks 1-4: Twice weekly
- Weeks 5-8: Once weekly
- Week 9+: As needed once weekly or every other week
Maintenance Treatment
- Periodic ketamine sessions after initial series
- Frequency determined by individual response and needs
- Ongoing integration support
Spravato (esketamine) is a groundbreaking treatment approved by the FDA specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This innovative solution offers hope to individuals who haven’t experienced relief from traditional antidepressants.
What Is Spravato?
A Different Form of Ketamine Treatment
Unlike injectable Ketamine, Spravato is administered as a nasal spray. Spravato (esketamine) is a groundbreaking treatment approved by the FDA specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This innovative solution offers hope to individuals who haven’t experienced relief from traditional antidepressants.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be particularly beneficial if you:
- Have tried traditional treatments for depression or anxiety with limited results
- Are looking to break through entrenched patterns or psychological blocks
- Are ready to engage actively in your healing process
- Have support systems in place for your therapeutic journey
- Are willing to integrate insights and make changes in your life
KAP is not appropriate for everyone. During your initial evaluation, your clinician will help determine if this approach is suitable for your specific situation, or if another treatment modality might better serve your needs.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Book a Spravato Consultation
Don’t wait any longer to find relief. Schedule your Spravato® consultation today through our website or call our friendly team. Your path to better mental health begins at Mind Body Seven.
What to Expect During Spravato Treatment
Initial Dosing and Observation Protocol
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a controlled clinical setting. Sessions typically last around two hours, during which safety and symptom responses are carefully monitored.
Treatment Schedule
The treatment usually begins with twice-weekly sessions that taper down as you progress. This schedule supports gradual improvement while allowing your care team to continuously evaluate and adapt your plan.
Follow-Up Care
After each session, we assess symptom relief and adjust your treatment as needed, ensuring you receive the most benefit from Spravato®.
Begin Your Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Journey
Taking the First Step
If you’re interested in exploring whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy might be helpful for you:
- Complete our inquiry form below, and a member of our administrative team will reach out to you
- Schedule a complimentary 10-minute consultation to discuss your needs
- Meet with one of our KAP-trained clinicians for a comprehensive evaluation
or call us at 212.621.7770 or email us at info@mindbody7.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens during a ketamine session?
When you arrive for your ketamine session, you'll spend about 20-30 minutes with your clinician discussing your current state, reviewing intentions, and addressing any questions. After taking the medication (either orally or via intramuscular injection), you'll recline comfortably with an eye mask and headphones playing carefully selected music. The ketamine effect typically begins within 5-15 minutes and lasts about 45-75 minutes, during which your clinician remains present to provide support if needed. Most people experience a non-ordinary state of consciousness that may include perceptual changes, vivid imagery, emotional insights, or a sense of expanded awareness. As the effects gradually subside, you'll have time to discuss your experience briefly with your clinician before departing. We recommend having someone accompany you home after the session and keeping the remainder of your day free for rest and reflection.
How does ketamine differ from traditional antidepressants?
Unlike conventional antidepressants that typically take weeks to show effects and focus primarily on neurotransmitters like serotonin, ketamine works through different mechanisms and can provide rapid relief—often within hours or days. Ketamine affects glutamate signaling and promotes neuroplasticity (the growth of new neural connections), potentially allowing for rapid shifts in mood and thinking patterns. Traditional antidepressants are generally taken daily for months or years, while ketamine is administered intermittently in a clinician's office. Perhaps most significantly, ketamine is often effective for people who haven't responded to multiple traditional antidepressants, offering hope for treatment-resistant conditions. At Mind Body Psychiatry, we view ketamine not just as a medication but as a catalyst for psychological work within a therapeutic relationship.
Will I remain conscious during the ketamine experience?
Yes, you remain conscious throughout the ketamine experience, though your state of consciousness is temporarily altered. Most people describe a dreamlike state where they're aware of their surroundings but less focused on them. You'll be able to communicate with your clinician if needed, though many people prefer to remain silent and focus inward during the experience. At the doses used for mental health treatment, ketamine rarely causes complete dissociation or "loss of consciousness" in the traditional sense. Your clinician carefully calibrates your dose to provide a therapeutically meaningful experience while ensuring you remain safe and able to process the experience. This conscious awareness is an important part of the therapeutic process, allowing you to actively engage with and later remember the insights that emerge.
Is ketamine therapy safe?
When administered in a controlled medical setting by trained professionals, ketamine has an excellent safety profile. At Mind Body Psychiatry, we take multiple precautions to ensure your safety:
- Comprehensive medical screening before treatment begins
- Administration only by licensed clinicians with specific training
- Careful dosing based on your individual needs
- Continuous monitoring throughout the session
- A controlled, comfortable environment
Ketamine may temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate, which is why we conduct thorough medical screening. Most side effects are mild and transient, potentially including nausea, dizziness, or mild perceptual changes that resolve as the medication wears off. Unlike some substances, ketamine has low potential for physical dependence when used in controlled medical contexts. Your clinician will discuss potential risks and benefits in detail during your evaluation to help you make an informed decision about treatment.
How many ketamine sessions will I need?
Most research protocols and clinical experience suggest an initial series of 4-8 ketamine sessions, typically scheduled over 3-12 weeks. This initial series helps establish whether ketamine is effective for you and allows time to work with the experiences in psychotherapy. Some people find significant and lasting relief after the initial series, while others benefit from periodic maintenance sessions (ranging from monthly to every six months) to sustain improvements. The exact number and frequency of sessions is individualized based on your response, goals, and clinical presentation. During treatment, your clinician will continuously assess your progress and discuss recommendations for continuing or concluding treatment. Our goal is to provide enough sessions to create meaningful change while avoiding unnecessary treatment.
Will ketamine therapy cure my depression permanently?
While ketamine can provide significant relief from depression, it's not typically described as a permanent "cure." For some people, a series of ketamine treatments leads to lasting improvements without the need for ongoing medication. Others experience a return of symptoms over time and benefit from periodic maintenance sessions. The durability of ketamine's effects varies between individuals and may depend on factors like the chronicity of depression, lifestyle factors, ongoing stressors, and whether the insights gained during treatment are integrated into daily life. At Mind Body Psychiatry, we emphasize the importance of combining ketamine with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to maximize long-term benefits. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting improvement, whether that means freedom from symptoms or better management of your condition with less intensive support over time.
What's the difference between ketamine treatment and recreational ketamine use?
Medical ketamine treatment differs fundamentally from recreational use in several important ways:
- Setting and purpose: Treatment occurs in a controlled clinical environment with therapeutic intent, not in social or party settings
- Dosing: Medical protocols use precisely calculated doses specifically for mental health benefits, typically lower than recreational doses
- Purity and safety: Pharmaceutical-grade ketamine ensures purity and accurate dosing
- Professional guidance: Treatment includes preparation, support during the experience, and integration afterward
- Legal status: Medical ketamine is legally prescribed and administered by licensed clinicians
Recreational ketamine use carries significant risks including potential contamination, unpredictable effects, legal consequences, and possible development of tolerance or urinary tract problems with frequent use. The therapeutic benefits of ketamine are maximized when used within a structured treatment program that includes skilled psychological support. At Mind Body Psychiatry for Integrative Health, we take seriously our responsibility to use this medicine ethically and safely.
How does KAP differ from ketamine infusions offered at clinics?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at Mind Body Psychiatry differs from the infusion model used at many ketamine clinics in several key ways:
- Psychotherapy integration: We emphasize the therapeutic relationship and psychological processing as central to healing, not just the biological effects of ketamine
- Clinician presence: Your therapist remains with you throughout the entire ketamine experience, providing support and guidance
- Preparation and integration: Significant attention is given to preparing for sessions and integrating insights afterward
- Administration methods: We typically use nasal spray (Spravato), oral, or intramuscular ketamine rather than IV infusions, creating a different experience profile
- Therapeutic framework: The ketamine experience is approached as an opportunity for insight and transformation, not solely as a medication treatment
While infusion clinics focus primarily on ketamine's direct biological effects on depression, our approach recognizes that lasting change often requires processing and meaning-making within a therapeutic relationship. Research suggests that combining ketamine with psychotherapy may lead to more durable improvements than medication alone. Our approach may be particularly beneficial for those seeking deeper healing and personal growth beyond symptom reduction.
Can I try just one ketamine session to see if it works for me?
While we understand the desire to "try out" ketamine before committing to a full treatment series, research and clinical experience suggest that a single session is generally insufficient to determine ketamine's full therapeutic potential. Some people experience significant benefits after one session, but for many, the cumulative effect of multiple sessions—along with the integration work between them—is what creates lasting change. Additionally, some people may need dosage adjustments after their first experience to optimize benefits. We typically recommend committing to at least 2-3 sessions before evaluating effectiveness. That said, if your first ketamine experience is extremely uncomfortable or you feel strongly that this approach isn't right for you, we respect your decision and will discuss alternative treatment options. Our consultation process is designed to help determine if KAP is likely to be beneficial before you begin treatment.
Will insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Currently, most insurance companies do not cover ketamine treatment for mental health conditions because this use is considered "off-label." At Mind Body Psychiatry, we are an out-of-network provider for ketamine services. However, some clients may be able to receive partial reimbursement for the psychotherapy portions of treatment through their out-of-network benefits. We provide detailed superbills with appropriate procedural and diagnostic codes to support insurance submission. We're committed to making this treatment as accessible as possible and offer various pricing options, including some lower-cost treatment opportunities. During your consultation, we can discuss costs in detail and explore options that might work within your budget.
Do I need to stop my current medications before ketamine treatment?
In most cases, you can continue your current psychiatric medications during ketamine treatment. Some medications may slightly reduce ketamine's effectiveness, but this doesn't usually prevent beneficial results. Certain medications, particularly some types of benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Klonopin), may more significantly diminish ketamine's effects, and your clinician might recommend temporarily reducing these medications if safely possible. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) require special consideration due to potential interactions. During your evaluation, please provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you're taking. Your clinician will review these carefully and discuss any recommendations for adjustments. Never stop or reduce prescribed medications without consulting the prescribing physician. If needed, our team can collaborate with your current providers to ensure coordinated care.
How do I prepare for a ketamine session?
Proper preparation enhances the therapeutic potential of your ketamine experience. We recommend:
In the days before treatment:
- Reflect on your intentions and what you hope to explore or address
- Maintain good sleep, nutrition, and hydration
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
- Practice any mindfulness or relaxation techniques you find helpful
- Complete any preparatory exercises suggested by your clinician
On the day of treatment:
- Stop eating 2-3 hours before your session
- Stop drinking fluids 1 hour before
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Arrange for transportation home afterward
- Bring a journal for post-session reflections
- Leave your schedule open after the session for rest and integration
During your preparation session(s), your clinician will provide detailed guidance specific to your situation and answer any questions you may have. The most important preparation is cultivating an attitude of openness, curiosity, and willingness to work with whatever emerges during your experience.