Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in
Placer County & California
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at Placer Therapy is a trauma-informed, integrative approach that combines psychotherapy with medically prescribed ketamine to support emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and deeper therapeutic work.
KAP is provided in collaboration with a licensed medical provider for medication management, while psychotherapy is delivered by a licensed California therapist (LMFT) under the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and CAMFT ethical guidelines.
Why People Use Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, particularly when traditional treatments like standard antidepressants or talk therapy have not been effective. It works by using low doses of ketamine to induce a brief period of heightened neuroplasticity and lowered psychological defenses, allowing patients to process difficult emotions and memories more effectively.
KAP may support adults experiencing:
Depression and treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety and chronic stress
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Emotional numbness or disconnection
Grief and unresolved loss
Feeling stuck in traditional therapy
Our Integrative Approach: KAP + IFS + EMDR
This integrative approach—often referred to as KAP + IFS + EMDR synergy—is a powerful model for treating complex trauma (C-PTSD) and treatment-resistant conditions. By combining these three modalities, therapists aim to address the emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological layers of trauma simultaneously
KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy):
Acts as the biological “door-opener.” Ketamine increases neuroplasticity and temporarily quietens the brain’s “Default Mode Network” (where negative self-narratives live). This creates a “therapeutic window” where the brain is more flexible and less emotionally reactive to painful memories.
IFS (Internal Family Systems):
Provides the compassionate framework. IFS views the mind as having different “parts” (like a “protector” or an “inner critic”). In this integrative model, ketamine helps “unblend” these protective parts, allowing the client’s core “Self” to safely access and heal wounded parts that were previously too guarded to reach.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):
Serves as the processing engine. Once the ketamine has lowered defenses and IFS has identified the relevant “parts,” EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) to reprocess and neutralize traumatic memories. Core Benefits of this Synergy
What A Session Looks Like
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, particularly when traditional treatments like standard antidepressants or talk therapy have not been effective. It works by using low doses of ketamine to induce a brief period of heightened neuroplasticity and lowered psychological defenses, allowing patients to process difficult emotions and memories more effectively.
Intake Session (Therapist, 50–60 min)
Clinical assessment, treatment planning, and KAP readiness.
Medical Consultation (External Provider)
Independent licensed medical provider completes evaluation and prescribes ketamine if appropriate. (Separate service and fee.)
Preparation Session
Establish goals, safety, and emotional grounding for the medicine experience. Medicine Session (Approx. 2 hours)
Medicine Session (Approx. 2 hours)
Conducted with prescribed ketamine in a supported setting. Therapist provides emotional support and may use IFS- or EMDR-informed interventions when appropriate. Client must have a safe ride home and cannot drive afterward.
Integration Session (50–60 min)
Processing insights, emotional experiences, and applying changes to daily life.
Safety, Medical Oversight & Compliance
Ketamine is a prescription medication used off-label for mental health treatment. All medical care is provided by a licensed prescribing clinician. Psychotherapy is provided separately by a licensed California therapist in accordance with BBS regulations and CAMFT ethical standards.
Clients are carefully screened, and informed consent is required prior to participation.
Find Out If KAP Is Right for You
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be appropriate if you are seeking deeper trauma work, relief from persistent symptoms, or new pathways when traditional therapy has felt limited.