Conditions we treat
All treatmentsTherapy alongside ketamine
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy pairs ketamine treatment with psychotherapists experienced with ketamine, for patients working toward a breakthrough in their mental health.
No obligation · No referral needed · We check your benefits up front
Overview
In short
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) pairs ketamine treatment with therapy from psychotherapists who know ketamine and its effects on the brain. It can happen at different times: during your IV infusion, in between infusions while your brain is neuroplastic, or with low-dose oral troches during talk therapy.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a specialized form of therapy that takes place during or in conjunction with IV ketamine infusions. It involves psychotherapists who have experience with and knowledge about ketamine and its effects on the brain.
At our Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC clinics, Avesta collaborates with mental health providers to administer safe, effective KAP infusions for patients struggling to achieve a breakthrough in their mental health.
Conditions & Concerns
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) pairs the neuroplastic effects of ketamine with structured psychological integration. We frequently support patients with:
Finding a Therapist
We do. Visit our resources page and share your information to review our full list of recommended KAP therapists.
Forms of KAP
A therapist at your side
A KAP-trained therapist accompanies you for your IV ketamine infusion. With their training, they provide emotional support for anything that comes up during the session. Processing typically happens in the 1-3 day neuroplastic window post-infusion.
Therapy in the neuroplastic window
Many patients relax and focus on the experience during treatments, and use the neuroplastic window in between infusions for therapy. You should undergo at least one preparatory session before your infusions, then meet your therapist for integration sessions to understand your experience and begin forming new thought patterns.
Low-dose, not during IV sessions
Some patients use very low-dose oral ketamine during talk therapy sessions to remove ego inhibitions and share thoughts more freely with their psychotherapist. This method, while not research-backed, focuses on healing via the talk therapy experience.
Avesta KAP offerings
Reach out to learn more about Avesta’s specialized KAP offering, in collaboration with WIMHS.
For patients who need additional support, having a therapist present during your IV Ketamine infusion or Spravato treatment can be helpful for facing what comes up.
We see the best results when patients process what came up during treatment in your peak neuroplastic window post-infusion.
Avesta has a strong network of Ketamine-familiar therapists to accompany you during sessions or help you integrate after.
A Patient’s Perspective
“Even after the first couple of infusions, they saw my light shining again. That felt amazing because it had dimmed quite a bit.”
Individual experiences vary. A patient story is not a guarantee of results.
Founder & Co-CEO · Georgetown University faculty
Dr. Eshkevari led a study with her Georgetown graduate students published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, supporting ketamine therapy for people living with treatment-resistant depression. She sets the clinical protocols used at every Avesta clinic.
Patient Experiences
Amy GutierrezAugust 18, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Wendy LaffermanSeptember 25, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
Kate GowingAugust 2, 2026Norfolk/Virginia BeachGoogle
Spencer AgostiniAugust 2, 2026TysonsGoogle
Matthew ConnorsSeptember 10, 2026Washington DCGoogle
Paul ThompsonJuly 3, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Toby KatesAugust 2, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
Carole WilkinsFebruary 10, 2026TysonsGoogle
Elsa AlaswadJuly 18, 2026Washington DCGoogle
D SMay 3, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Carolyn ErwinAugust 1, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
B CJanuary 16, 2026TysonsGoogleSafety & Side Effects
Ketamine is FDA-approved for general anesthesia. Racemic ketamine, which contains both S and R forms, has not been FDA-approved for mental health indications and is administered off-label for this purpose.
Known safety concerns associated with the use of ketamine products include sedation, dissociation, psychiatric events or worsening of psychiatric disorders, increases in blood pressure, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. These concerns are greatest when ketamine is used outside a clinical setting, without a clinician present.
The oral troche approach to KAP is not research-backed; it focuses on healing via the talk therapy experience.
Locations
Every Avesta location is staffed by a licensed clinician for every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that takes place during or in conjunction with ketamine infusions. It involves psychotherapists who have experience with and knowledge about ketamine and its effects on the brain.
It is important to find a specialist that you feel safe with and can agree on a treatment plan with prior to your first session. Look for therapists who have received special ketamine training and come recommended by loved ones or your mental health team.
Yes, Avesta provides a full list of recommended therapists. Fill out your information on their website to review the list.
Absolutely! We want you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible during your session. You are welcome to bring your own therapist, KAP provider or coach to sit with you during your session. Please note that bringing an external provider to practice in our space will require a nominal fee.
We do not provide low-dose Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as we specialize in in-clinic infusions or treatments. If you are a therapist looking for a prescriber for your patients, please reach out.
Book a free 30-minute consult. No referral needed, and we check your benefits before you commit to anything.