Are you feeling stuck in patterns that have been difficult to shift through traditional therapy alone? Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines psychotherapy with medically supervised ketamine treatment to help eligible clients explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences from a different perspective.

Aurora Sun Counseling offers KAP in partnership with Journey Clinical. Journey Clinical manages the medical evaluation, prescription, and ongoing medical oversight, while your Aurora Sun therapist provides preparation, support during dosing sessions, and integration therapy. 

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy combines ketamine treatment with psychotherapy.

Ketamine may temporarily affect perception, awareness, and emotional openness. In a supportive therapeutic setting, this experience may help some clients approach difficult emotions, memories, and patterns with greater flexibility.

KAP involves more than medication alone. Preparation sessions help you understand what to expect and identify your intentions. Integration sessions help you process the experience and apply meaningful insights to daily life.

KAP is not appropriate for everyone. Eligibility is determined through individualized medical and mental health assessments.

Is ketamine legal?

Yes. Ketamine is a legal prescription medication classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. It is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, while its use for mental health treatment is considered “off-label.”

Off-label prescribing means an approved medication is being used for a purpose other than its original FDA-approved indication. Licensed medical professionals may prescribe medications off-label when they determine that treatment is clinically appropriate.

Aurora Sun provides KAP through a collaborative care model with Journey Clinical. Journey Clinical’s licensed medical team is responsible for:

• Reviewing your medical and psychiatric history

• Determining whether ketamine is appropriate for you

• Discussing potential benefits, risks, and alternatives

• Creating your medical treatment plan

• Prescribing the medication

• Providing medication and safety instructions

• Monitoring your response to treatment

Your Aurora Sun therapist does not prescribe or dispense ketamine. Aurora Sun provides psychotherapy in coordination with Journey Clinical’s medical team.

How does KAP work?

KAP generally includes the following steps:

1. Initial consultation
You will speak with Aurora Sun Counseling about your interest in KAP, your therapy goals, and whether the service may be appropriate to explore.

2. Medical evaluation
You will complete a virtual consultation with a Journey Clinical medical provider. They will review your medical and psychiatric history, current medications, treatment goals, and other factors affecting eligibility.

If approved, Journey Clinical will create your treatment plan, issue your prescription, explain how to use the medication, and review safety requirements.

3. Preparation sessions
Before your first dosing session, you will meet with your Aurora Sun therapist to discuss what to expect, establish your intentions, review grounding tools, address concerns, and plan for a supportive experience.

4. Dosing sessions
During a dosing session, you will take a ketamine lozenge exactly as directed by Journey Clinical. You will rest in a comfortable position while your therapist remains present for support.

Some clients use an eye mask and music to create a calm, inwardly focused environment. Your blood pressure and other vital signs will be checked according to Journey Clinical’s safety protocols.

5. Integration sessions
After each dosing session, you will meet with your therapist to reflect on the thoughts, emotions, memories, images, or insights that arose.

Integration helps you connect the experience to your therapy goals and apply new perspectives to your everyday life.

6. Medical follow-up
Journey Clinical will meet with you periodically to review your progress, monitor your response, and adjust your medical treatment plan when needed.

What should I expect during a dosing session?

Ketamine experiences vary. You may notice temporary changes in awareness, your sense of time, physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, or perception of your surroundings.

Some people feel deeply relaxed or less connected to their usual worries. Others may experience imagery, memories, emotional insights, or shifts in perspective. Temporary dizziness, nausea, anxiety, confusion, fatigue, or emotional discomfort may also occur.

You will remain awake, although you may feel deeply relaxed and inwardly focused. Your therapist will remain present to support you and maintain a calm environment. Journey Clinical will review potential side effects, medication interactions, and safety considerations before approving treatment.

Note: KAP is not appropriate for everyone, and medical approval is required. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after each dosing session and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Follow all instructions from Journey Clinical and your therapist, including restrictions on driving, alcohol or other substances, and activities requiring coordination or concentration.

How much does KAP cost, and is it covered by insurance?

KAP includes separate psychotherapy, medical, and medication expenses. The amount you pay will depend on your treatment plan, insurance benefits, and the length of your dosing sessions.

• Aurora Sun Counseling fees: The first intake session is $170. Preparation and integration sessions are $150 each. The fee and billing structure for extended dosing sessions will be confirmed before treatment begins.

• Insurance coverage: Preparation and integration appointments are billed as standard psychotherapy sessions and may be covered when Aurora Sun is in network with your plan. Dosing sessions are longer and may be partially covered, entirely self-pay, or billed through a combination of insurance and out-of-pocket fees.

• Journey Clinical medical fees: Journey Clinical bills separately for the medical evaluation, treatment planning, follow-up appointments, and ongoing medical oversight. Journey Clinical will review your insurance information and provide an estimated cost before you begin treatment.

• Medication costs: Prescription and pharmacy expenses are separate from Aurora Sun’s psychotherapy fees. Your cost will depend on your treatment plan, pharmacy, and insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage is not guaranteed. We encourage you to confirm your medical and behavioral health benefits directly with your insurer.

Aurora Sun and Journey Clinical will explain the anticipated fees before treatment begins, and eligible self-pay clients may receive a Good Faith Estimate.

Please see our Rates & Insurance page for more information about plans accepted by Aurora Sun Counseling.

Where do dosing sessions take place?

Dosing sessions can take place in a therapist’s office or remotely when clinically appropriate. Available options will depend on Aurora Sun’s services, Journey Clinical’s recommendations, state requirements, and your individual safety needs.

How do I get started?

Contact us to schedule your initial KAP consultation.