Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in Pittsburgh

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an integrative treatment approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other concerns that may not have responded adequately to traditional therapy alone. At Iterations Counseling, KAP is offered as part of a thoughtful, carefully paced therapeutic process in partnership with Journey Clinical, with an emphasis on safety, preparation, and meaningful integration.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Iterations Counseling is provided by Justin Knizek, MS, LPC. KAP is offered in collaboration with Journey Clinical, which provides medical evaluation, prescribing when appropriate, and ongoing medical oversight.

How KAP Is Approached at Iterations Counseling

At Iterations Counseling, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is offered within a collaborative, evidence-based, and intentionally paced therapeutic framework. The process emphasizes preparation, coordination with a medical provider, and integration work designed to support lasting psychological growth rather than symptom relief alone.

Rather than viewing ketamine as a stand-alone treatment, KAP is approached as one component of a comprehensive therapeutic process that helps clients translate meaningful experiences into lasting psychological and behavioral change.

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Works

Before beginning KAP, we first determine whether this approach is an appropriate fit for you. This includes reviewing your personal history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and overall readiness, while coordinating with Journey Clinical for a comprehensive medical evaluation.

The process generally includes:

• Medical partnership through Journey Clinical, including medical evaluation, prescribing when appropriate, and ongoing medical oversight

• Preparation sessions focused on education, intention-setting, and readiness for the ketamine experience

• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions conducted in-office or virtually, depending on clinical appropriateness

• Integration sessions designed to help process insights, reinforce therapeutic gains, and support meaningful, lasting change

KAP is not intended to replace psychotherapy. Rather, it may serve as a catalyst that may enhance the therapeutic process when combined with careful preparation, guided support, and thoughtful integration.

KAP May Be Helpful For

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

• Treatment-resistant depression

• Anxiety disorders

• PTSD and trauma-related conditions

• Grief and loss

• Emotional numbness or disconnection

• Existential or spiritual distress

KAP is not appropriate for everyone. Before treatment begins, each client completes a comprehensive psychological and medical evaluation to determine whether this approach is safe and clinically appropriate.

My Approach to KAP

My approach to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is grounded in the same relational, integrative, and evidence-based philosophy that guides all of my clinical work.

My role is to help you thoughtfully prepare for the experience, provide therapeutic support throughout the process, and assist you in integrating insights into meaningful changes in everyday life.

The goal is never simply the ketamine experience itself. The focus is on developing greater psychological flexibility, resilience, emotional awareness, and sustainable growth long after the session has ended.

Important Information About KAP at Iterations Counseling

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Iterations Counseling does not include medical evaluation, medication prescribing, or ongoing medical follow-up appointments. These services are provided exclusively through Journey Clinical, our trusted medical partner.

KAP-guided psychotherapy sessions are not currently covered by insurance. Therapy sessions are billed directly, and I am happy to discuss fees, scheduling, and treatment options during your consultation.

Considering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Pittsburgh?

If you're curious whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be right for you, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together we'll discuss your history, treatment goals, answer your questions, and determine whether KAP is an appropriate option or whether another evidence-based approach may better fit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About KAP

Is ketamine safe?

Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades. Within Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, medication is prescribed and medically monitored by licensed medical professionals through our partnership with Journey Clinical, ensuring appropriate screening, medical oversight, and follow-up throughout treatment.

What does a ketamine experience feel like?

While every person responds differently, many people describe feeling deeply relaxed, detached from their usual patterns of thinking, or more open to emotions, memories, and new perspectives. Some experience visual imagery or a greater sense of psychological flexibility.

My role is to provide a calm, supportive therapeutic environment while helping you prepare for and integrate the experience. The goal is not the ketamine experience itself, but how the insights gained are incorporated into meaningful and lasting change.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your treatment goals, clinical history, and response to therapy. Some clients notice meaningful shifts after a relatively small number of sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment. We will regularly review your progress together and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Where do KAP sessions take place?

Preparation sessions, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions, and integration therapy may be offered either in my Pittsburgh office or virtually, depending on what is clinically appropriate and most supportive for you.

Medical evaluation, prescribing, and ongoing medical oversight are provided through Journey Clinical.

Will insurance cover KAP?

At this time, insurance does not cover KAP-guided psychotherapy sessions. Therapy sessions are billed directly. I'm happy to discuss fees, payment options, and answer any questions you may have during your consultation.

What makes KAP different from taking ketamine alone?

Emerging research suggests ketamine treatment may be more effective when combined with psychotherapy than when used on its own.

While ketamine may temporarily create greater emotional openness or cognitive flexibility, it is through preparation and integration therapy that those experiences are explored, understood, and translated into lasting psychological change.

In Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, the ketamine experience is one part of a broader therapeutic process. Preparation helps establish intention and safety, the ketamine experience may create opportunities for new perspectives, and integration sessions help transform those experiences into meaningful and sustainable change.

Could KAP be right for me?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be appropriate for individuals who have not experienced adequate improvement with traditional treatments or who are seeking an additional treatment option for depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns. The best way to determine whether KAP is appropriate is through a consultation and comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation. If KAP is not the right fit, we'll discuss other evidence-based treatment options that may better meet your needs.