Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
A carefully screened, physician-guided approach.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be considered for selected patients who may benefit from ketamine as part of a broader therapeutic process.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at this practice is not a stand-alone procedure or quick intervention. It begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, thoughtful screening, informed consent, preparation, monitored treatment, and integration afterward.
At every step, the medication is considered within a broader psychiatric and psychotherapeutic process. The goal is to support safety, meaning-making, emotional processing, and lasting integration into daily life.
Careful screening
Ketamine is considered only within a broader treatment plan.
Evaluation, preparation, monitored treatment, and integration help determine whether this approach is appropriate and safe.
Candidacy
Who ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be for
Ketamine may be considered for selected adults after a full psychiatric evaluation and safety review.
Depression that has not responded adequately to prior treatment
Anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, or emotional rigidity
Patterns of disconnection, avoidance, or feeling “stuck”
A desire to combine biological treatment with deeper psychotherapeutic work
Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. Suitability is determined through a full psychiatric evaluation, review of medical history, medication history, safety considerations, and treatment goals.
Psychiatric care, not a quick clinic model
What makes this different from a ketamine clinic?
At this practice, ketamine is considered within the context of psychiatric care and psychotherapy. The focus is not only on the medicine itself, but also on preparation, meaning-making, emotional processing, and integration into daily life.
Psychiatric evaluation
Medication review
Psychotherapy
Preparation sessions
Ketamine-assisted sessions when clinically appropriate
Integration sessions after treatment
Ongoing treatment planning
Process
What to expect
A thoughtful process helps determine whether this treatment is clinically appropriate and how it should fit into your overall care.
Evaluation
Care begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This includes your current symptoms, mental health history, medical history, medications, prior treatments, substance use history, and goals for care.
Screening and consent
If ketamine may be appropriate, Dr. Zelisko will review potential benefits, limitations, risks, alternatives, and safety requirements. Not every patient who asks about ketamine will be a candidate.
Preparation
Preparation helps clarify your intentions, expectations, support needs, and therapeutic focus before a ketamine session.
Treatment session
Ketamine sessions are structured and monitored. The experience may involve changes in perception, emotion, memory, body awareness, and sense of self.
Integration
Integration is a key part of care. These sessions help connect insights or emotional experiences from treatment to your relationships, habits, choices, and ongoing healing.
Safety and candidacy
Ketamine may not be appropriate for people with certain medical or psychiatric histories. This may include, but is not limited to, certain cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, active psychosis or mania, some substance use concerns, or other safety considerations.
A full evaluation is required before ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be offered.
Important practical details
Is ketamine offered in-office?
Details about treatment setting are reviewed during evaluation and depend on clinical appropriateness, safety needs, and the current treatment model.
What route is used?
Route of administration is discussed only after evaluation. Treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives are reviewed before any treatment plan is offered.
Do I need a ride home?
Patients should plan for transportation after ketamine treatment and should not drive after a session. Specific requirements are reviewed before scheduling.
How long is each session?
Timing may vary based on preparation, monitoring, and integration needs. Session length and expectations are reviewed before treatment begins.
How many sessions are typically considered?
The number of sessions depends on diagnosis, response, goals, safety considerations, and the broader care plan.
Is ketamine covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Preparation, treatment, and integration may have different billing considerations. Fees and insurance details should be reviewed before beginning care.
Can new patients start ketamine immediately?
No. The first step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Ketamine is only considered after careful screening and informed consent.
Next step
Interested in whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be appropriate for you?
The first step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Ketamine is only considered after careful screening and discussion of your treatment history, goals, risks, alternatives, and overall care plan.
Schedule a New Patient Evaluation