Ketamine Assisted Treatment (KAT)
Ketamine-assisted treatment is a breakthrough approach for individuals struggling with mood conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional burnout—especially when traditional treatments haven’t provided relief. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now widely recognized for its powerful therapeutic effects on the brain. Unlike standard antidepressants that may take weeks to work, ketamine can create rapid shifts in mood and perception, often within hours or days.
Ketamine works by targeting the brain's glutamate system, helping to reset neural pathways that have been affected by chronic stress or trauma. In a safe, structured environment with professional support, this treatment can create a window of neuroplasticity—allowing the brain to form new connections, access deeper insight, and release long-held emotional patterns. Many people report feeling a renewed sense of clarity, calm, and connection after just a few sessions. When paired with integrative support and therapy, ketamine can be a powerful catalyst for lasting emotional healing.
Ketamine Assisted Treatment (KAT)
A Comprehensive Guide for Clients
Treatment Schedule & Pricing
1. Intake & Medical Screening
Duration: 50 minutes
During this appointment, we review your health history, medications, and any conditions that might contraindicate KAT. These include:
Hypertension
History of stroke or seizures
Psychosis
Sleep apnea
At times, we may request medical clearance from your cardiologist, neurologist, or another specialist before proceeding.
Existing Clients: If you’ve already completed medical screening, you may skip this step.
2. Preparation Sessions
A ketamine preparation session is a 50-minute telehealth appointment where you meet with your provider to discuss your goals, set intentions, and review what to expect during treatment. You’ll learn grounding techniques and coping strategies to help you feel safe and supported during your ketamine sessions. This step ensures you are mentally and emotionally prepared, creating a foundation for the most effective and meaningful experience.
3. Loading Dose Series
This is the most effective course, modeled after clinical trial protocols. During the ketamine loading dose series, ketamine works to “reset” the brain by helping it form new connections and pathways that have been affected by stress, trauma, or persistent mood challenges. This process, called neuroplasticity, allows the brain to break free from stuck thought patterns, improve mood regulation, and respond more flexibly to challenges. With repeated sessions over 2–3 weeks, these changes are reinforced, creating longer-lasting relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional burnout — giving you a renewed sense of clarity, calm, and balance.
Ketamine can be given nasally using a medical-grade nasal spray, which delivers a precise, controlled dose into the nasal passages. From there, it is absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream, allowing it to reach the brain quickly and start working on the glutamate system. Nasal administration is supervised and clients typically lay down and are comfortable in my office couch. To ensure safety, Megan will monitor your response.
Example schedule: Tuesday and Thursday sessions for three weeks.
For clients choosing a shorter series (4 sessions), treatment occurs twice a week for two weeks.
4. Integration Sessions
KAT integration sessions are therapeutic follow-ups that help you process and make sense of the insights, emotions, and experiences that arise during your ketamine sessions. These sessions support lasting change by translating your experiences into practical strategies for emotional growth, clarity, and well-being.
These sessions are typically scheduled at a ratio of 1 integration session per 2 ketamine sessions.
5. Ongoing Ketamine Maintenance
After completing the Loading dose series, many clients transition to maintenance sessions every 3 weeks for approximately 6 months.
After 6 treatments, most clients experience symptom relief lasting about 3 weeks. Around the 6-month mark, the brain has typically undergone meaningful neuroplastic changes, leading to more stable benefits.
Beyond this point, clients often schedule annual maintenance sessions, though individual needs vary.
6. Costs & Insurance Coverage
Covered by insurance (for most plans):
Intake & Medical Screening
Preparation Sessions
Integration Sessions
See what insurances we accept on our Rates page.
The complete KAT Loading Dose Series is $3600.00.
Single KAT Session is $675.00
KAT sessions are not covered by insurance and superbills are not provided. If you are not in need of a loading dose series as you have completed this with another provider, please let us know. You also may not need this series if symptoms have already begun to decrease. If you plan to submit for reimbursement using a Superbill, please discuss this before starting treatment. (We do not offer discounted cash rates for those requesting reimbursement.)
Payment must be received in full prior to session
7. Ketamine Lozenges
For clients working with an established therapist, ketamine lozenges may be prescribed as part of the therapeutic process.
Cost: Typically $40–$60 for six sessions
Lozenges are an out-of-pocket expense and not covered by insurance.
Important Notes
All KAT sessions are in person at my office on SE Division.
Telehealth is only available for non-medication sessions (such as Preparation and Integration).
How long are sessions? Session one is often 3 hours. Subsequent sessions are up to 2 hours. Some clients sober faster and are able to leave earlier, but do plan on 2 hours until we have a sense of your tolerance.
Megan also offers in-person KAT in Washington. Please inquire if you’re interested.