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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Mission Viejo, CA

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If you experience mood disorders like depression or anxiety, or if you need relief from trauma, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy might be your answer. Licensed ketamine-assisted psychotherapist Maria Lloyd, LMFT, at Therapy with Maria: Maria Lloyd, LMFT, has the expertise to facilitate lasting relief. Maria sees patients in person out of her Mission Viejo, California, office and offers telehealth appointments to individuals throughout California. Call today to book a free consultation, or use the online scheduling tool at any time to find out if ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is right for you.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Q & A

What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a type of treatment that uses psychotherapy in combination with ketamine, a drug used for anesthesia and pain relief. This type of treatment has gained popularity in recent years as a form of psychotherapy that can have rapid and long-lasting effects.

Maria partners with Journey Clinical as a ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, providing a safe, at-home experience that supports your mental health.

How does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy work?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that temporarily blocks NMDA receptors in the brain, which can induce hallucinations, altered consciousness, and feelings of detachment from reality. 

It causes you to feel separated from your body or physical environment. These effects have been found to be useful in helping individuals work through difficult psychological or emotional experiences. 

When used in a controlled setting with Maria’s professionally trained guidance and help, ketamine can allow you to process traumas or other issues that have been difficult to address through traditional talk therapy alone.

Before a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session, Maria first refers you to a doctor through Journey Clinical to determine if the treatment is right for you. If approved, the treatment involves giving you a measured dose of ketamine under careful supervision. Then, she guides you through your experience, helping you navigate any intense emotions or sensations that may arise. 

The use of ketamine is not a stand-alone treatment. Instead, it is used as a supplemental therapy to traditional psychotherapy.

What does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treat?

While more research is needed, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is currently being studied for its potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance misuse disorders
  • Treatment-resistant depression

Maria uses this unique approach to help you explore your authentic self and provide healing.

Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy right for me?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not appropriate for everyone and should only be conducted under the supervision of a trained professional like Maria. Several factors can affect whether this treatment is suitable, including medical conditions, pregnancy, and personal history of substance misuse. 

Before considering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, schedule a consultation with Maria, who is knowledgeable about this type of treatment and can help determine if it is right for you.

To book a free consultation with Maria, call the office or book online today.