504.913.6678
Counseling, Coaching, Consulting "To Go"
R Michelle Swanford, MSW, LCSW, MHM
​LICENSED in Louisiana and Oregon
Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP)
Exploring New Paths...
Many people come to therapy feeling a sense of lost purpose or a lack of joy, unable to pinpoint exactly how or why these feelings faded. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) offers a unique way to gently explore these deeper questions, opening doors to insights that may have been hidden beneath layers of routine, stress, or unresolved emotions. In a safe, supportive setting, KAP helps you reconnect with parts of yourself that seek fulfillment, meaning, and joy, reigniting a sense of purpose and instilling new hope for a path forward.
What exactly is KAP?
KAP is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine, a safe and clinically administered medication, with psychotherapy. The ketamine helps open up new perspectives and relaxes mental barriers, allowing clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories in a supportive, focused way. When combined with guidance from a licensed therapist, KAP can help clients achieve meaningful insights and long-lasting relief from symptoms.
Is Ketamine safe and legal?
Ketamine is a well-studied medication with a strong safety profile when administered in controlled, therapeutic settings by licensed medical professionals. In KAP, ketamine is given in low, carefully monitored doses to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Your therapist and medical team will thoroughly review your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking to ensure that KAP is safe for you. Ketamine use is legal when prescribed by a licensed medical progrssio
What can I expect?
In a typical KAP session, you’ll begin first by reviewing your intention for the session and doing a vital check. After getting comfortable, you will take the medication, and transition into a relaxed, altered state. This expansive state allows for openness in the exploration of thoughts and feelings. After about 45 minutes, you will gradually transition gradually back into a normal state of awareness and begin processing your experience with your therapist. The session can take 1-3 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of KAP sessions varies depending on individual needs and treatment goals. Some clients benefit from a few sessions, while others may require additional sessions for deeper exploration. Your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
What can KAP help with?
KAP has been shown to be effective for various behavioral health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and some types of chronic pain. It can also benefit people seeking personal growth, deeper self-understanding, or relief from emotional distress that hasn’t responded well to other therapies.
How does ketamine work in the brain?
Ketamine acts on specific receptors in the brain, primarily NMDA receptors, which play a role in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections. This can create an “open window” for new thoughts, insights, and emotional processing, helping to break through repetitive thought patterns or emotional barriers.
Will I lose control?
Most people remain aware and able to communicate during KAP sessions. While ketamine can create an altered state of consciousness, the goal is not to lose control but to create a relaxed state where it’s easier to explore thoughts and emotions without judgment. Your therapist will be there throughout the entire session to support and guide you.
How do I get started?
Your therapist will work with you to determine if KAP aligns with your needs, medical history, and treatment goals. A licensed medical provider will conduct a comprehensive review of medical and psychiatric history and complete in intake assessment. If KAP is deemed a good fit, then a collaborative treatment plan will be created.