Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy near Syracuse

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines psychotherapy and ketamine within an ongoing therapeutic process. CNY Psychiatry's KAP service description outlines a psychodynamically oriented approach and identifies Georgian Mustata, MD, for psychotherapy coordinated with ketamine treatment. Contact the office to confirm current program availability and clinician arrangements in Marcellus.

Unlike IV ketamine used primarily as a biological treatment, KAP places the psychotherapy relationship at the center of preparation, the ketamine experience and integration. Ketamine supports the therapeutic process; it is not the therapy itself.

Who may benefit from considering KAP?

KAP is an option for selected patients, not a standard recommendation for everyone who has had difficulty with treatment. Suitability depends on diagnosis, previous treatment, current symptoms, goals and existing care relationships. A psychiatric consultation helps determine whether KAP or another approach makes more sense.

The work can explore emotions, relationship patterns, internal conflicts and experiences connected to your goals. A particular ketamine experience, insight or outcome is not promised.

Preparation and the session

Preparation gives you space to discuss goals, questions and concerns with the clinician. The ketamine experience is considered within the broader psychotherapy process rather than as a stand-alone event. Your team discusses individual arrangements, safety and what to expect before treatment.

Experiences vary. A particular degree of dissociation or perceptual change is not the goal. Psychotherapy provides a framework for exploring what arises and how it may relate to your life and treatment goals.

Integration and continuing therapy

Integration means reflecting in psychotherapy on the experience and whether anything from it connects to your ongoing work. It does not require a specific insight. Preparation, ketamine and integration are parts of continuing care, not a guarantee of a quick resolution.

You do not have to transfer an established therapist relationship to receive ketamine treatment. With your permission, CNY Psychiatry welcomes coordination with outside therapists. Discuss the best fit for your current care and confirm program availability with the office.

Safety and realistic expectations

Ketamine's psychiatric use is off-label. It can affect blood pressure, alertness and perception, and it has abuse and misuse potential. Your clinician reviews risks and whether treatment is appropriate for your circumstances. KAP cannot guarantee improvement.

Patients cannot drive themselves home following ketamine treatment. Arrange transportation and follow the team's safety instructions. For infusion timing, monitoring and self-pay information, see the separate IV ketamine infusion page below.