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Sometimes you have to drop your guard so your heart can breathe.

~ Emma Xu

What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.

How is Ketamine administered? Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including intravenous (IV) infusion, intramuscular (IM) injection, nasal spray, and sublingual (under-the-tongue) lozenges. At Authentic Therapy, in partnership with Journey Clinical, we use sublingual ketamine lozenges exclusively. This method is effective, convenient, and allows for treatment in both office and virtual settings under the guidance of your therapist.

Do I have to receive Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in the office? No. Depending on your treatment plan and clinical recommendations, KAP can be provided: In our office Virtually from your home As a self-guided ketamine experience with scheduled preparation and integration sessions Your therapist will review each option with you and help determine which approach is the safest and most appropriate for your needs.

What does ketamine feel like? Most clients describe the ketamine experience as calming, pleasant, and introspective. The medication's primary effects typically last 45–60 minutes. During the experience, you may notice: A sense of being detached from your body or everyday thoughts Changes in perception or awareness Deep relaxation and increased openness to insight Reduced ability to move or speak comfortably, which is why you'll remain in a safe, comfortable position throughout the session Once the medication wears off, you'll spend time with your therapist processing the experience and exploring any thoughts, emotions, or insights that emerged. Although some parts of the experience can be difficult to put into words, many clients report meaningful emotional shifts and increased clarity afterward. Research also suggests ketamine may promote new neural connections and improvements in mood that can continue for days or even weeks following treatment.

What does the process look like? 1. Schedule a Consultation Contact Authentic Therapy to schedule an initial consultation. Phone: 815-201-5552 Email: hello@authenticpllc.com Consultations are available in person or virtually. If KAP appears to be a good fit, we'll guide you through the next steps with Journey Clinical. 2. Medical Evaluation with Journey Clinical You'll meet virtually with a licensed medical provider from Journey Clinical for a comprehensive evaluation. During this appointment, they will: Review your medical and psychiatric history Explain the treatment process Determine whether KAP is appropriate for you If approved, Journey Clinical will create your personalized treatment plan, prescribe your ketamine lozenges, and arrange for your medication to be shipped directly to your home. 3. Preparation Sessions Before your first dosing session, you'll meet with your Authentic Therapy clinician for one or more preparation sessions. These sessions help you: Learn what to expect Set intentions for treatment Build comfort and confidence with the process Develop strategies for making the most of your experience 4. Ketamine Dosing Session Your dosing session typically lasts 1–2 hours and may take place either in our office or remotely via telehealth. During the session: You'll self-administer your prescribed ketamine lozenge. Your therapist will remain with you throughout the experience, offering support while allowing space for your internal process. You'll relax in a comfortable environment while the medication takes effect. 5. Integration Sessions Following your dosing session, you'll participate in at least one integration session. Integration is a key part of KAP and provides an opportunity to: Process your experience Explore insights and emotions that emerged Connect those insights to your therapeutic goals Plan for future sessions, if appropriate 6. Ongoing Medical Follow-Up Journey Clinical's medical team will continue to monitor your progress through scheduled follow-up appointments. These visits help ensure your treatment remains safe and effective and allow for medication adjustments or prescription refills when appropriate.

What Does KAP Cost? KAP therapy sessions are covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS IL). For clients who are uninsured or whose insurance is out of network, sliding-scale options are available, and we can check your out-of-network benefits to help determine your estimated cost. Journey Clinical, our medical partner, is in network with BCBS of Illinois, Aetna, Cigna, Enthea, and UnitedHealthcare. The ketamine medication itself is not covered by insurance. The cost is $88 for a supply that provides two ketamine dosing sessions. Because coverage and out-of-pocket costs can vary based on your insurance plan and treatment needs, you can contact our intake team before beginning treatment to receive an estimated cost and better understand your coverage and payment options.

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