Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Oral Tablet

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a short-term at-home treatment combining talk therapy with medically prescribed ketamine oral tablets. Its mechanism allows for inner exploration of barriers to healing and can improve mental wellness.

Tracy Santomarco Trauma Informed Psychotherapist | Licensed in CA | EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Somatic Therapy | Specializing in Healing from Narcissistic Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD | Oral Ketamine Tablets

How will it help me?

Past traumas or current life stressors can affect the brain’s ability to break free of unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns. Ketamine helps to re-engage the parts of the brain that are stuck in a loop of negative behaviors and restores its ability to better regulate stress and enhance mood especially when combined with psychotherapy. 

Ketamine assisted therapy and its rapid effect on depression and the increase of neuroplasticity in the brain

The Science

Ketamine is FDA-approved as a dissociative anesthetic and is prescribed off-label to address numerous symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, negative thought patterns, and many more. While research is ongoing, it was found to be often more effective than many anti-depressants as it targets a different neurochemical called Glutamate and works as a glutamate receptor modulator, specifically targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. By blocking these receptors temporarily, ketamine enhances the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or what is commonly referred to as “brain fertilizer,” fostering neural connections and promoting neuronal growth. This process reinvigorates neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change) and helps repair and strengthen brain circuits associated with mood regulation and resilience.

What is the process like?

Typically 2-6 dosing sessions are needed

  • Intention Setting

    Meet with me to explore your focus for healing and receive protocol instructions to prepare for upcoming ketamine sessions.

  • Medical Assessment

    Meet with my medical provider to ensure you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy and receive your proper dosage

    (Typically reimbursable through out-of-network insurance)

  • Dosing Session

    I will be present online with you and your chaperone for your first 1-2 dosing sessions to ensure a productive healing journey.

    Remaining sessions can be completed after a 30-minute prep session with me and your chaperone.

  • Integration

    Integration sessions occur the day following dosing to discuss insight gained and how to use it to create lasting change.

Find out more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.