Ketamine Therapy in Portland, OR
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a powerful therapeutic approach that integrates the use of ketamine with psychotherapy to help individuals access deeper layers of healing. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with fast-acting antidepressant properties, can create a shift in consciousness that allows for insight, emotional processing, and relief from treatment-resistant mental health challenges.
In a safe, structured, and supportive environment, KAP can help you work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and patterns that feel stuck, allowing you to reconnect with your authentic self in a new way.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
How does it work?
Ketamine works by disrupting rigid thought patterns and opening access to subconscious material that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone. When combined with psychotherapy, the medicine serves as a catalyst for deeper self-exploration, emotional release, and healing.
During a KAP session:
You are guided into an altered state of awareness through a carefully dosed administration of ketamine.
In this expanded state, you may experience new perspectives, emotional shifts, or the release of past trauma.
I provide grounding, guidance, and therapeutic support to help you process and integrate your experience in a way that feels safe and meaningful.
Following your journey, we engage in integration work—helping you make sense of insights, emotions, and sensations that arose, ensuring lasting therapeutic benefits beyond the session.
How I can help
What Can Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Help With?
KAP is a promising approach for those struggling with:
Depression & Treatment-Resistant Depression – Ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, especially in cases where traditional treatments have not been effective.
Anxiety & PTSD – By helping to disengage from rigid fear-based patterns, KAP can support healing from trauma and persistent anxiety.
Emotional & Existential Exploration – KAP can offer deep self-inquiry, emotional breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of meaning.
Self-Compassion & Personal Growth – Ketamine is a useful tool for building a more compassionate relationship with yourself, as it allows for accessing a greater sense of acceptance and empathy.
My Approach
As a trauma-informed therapist with training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic healing modalities, I provide a deeply supportive, client-led experience. I combine KAP with parts work, experiential processing, and integration practices to ensure the medicine’s insights translate into meaningful, lasting change.
I believe in the importance of preparation and integration—helping you set clear intentions before your session and providing structured support afterward to weave your experience into daily life. My role is to create a safe, attuned space where you can explore, process, and make sense of what arises with compassion and curiosity.
Frequently asked questions —
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KAP is often beneficial for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. It can also support personal growth and existential exploration. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions. A thorough screening process is required to determine eligibility.
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When administered in a controlled setting with proper medical oversight, ketamine is considered safe. It has a well-established safety profile but may have temporary side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or dissociation during and shortly after a session
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The immediate effects of ketamine typically last between 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, the therapeutic benefits—such as mood improvement and new perspectives—can extend well beyond the session, especially with ongoing integration work.
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The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs. Some people experience significant shifts in just a few sessions, while others benefit from a structured series over time. Integration therapy is key to maximizing long-term benefits.
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I have partnered with Synaptic Institute, a non-profit integrative clinic located in the Irvington neighborhood in NE Portland. Synaptic specializes in providing comprehensive care through naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and counseling services.