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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Therapy in Tarzana, CA

Beyond Insight: Finding Another Way Forward

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There's a particular kind of frustration that comes from understanding exactly why you're stuck—and still not being able to find your way out.

I have a variety of therapeutic approaches and resources that I draw upon as we begin excavating and unraveling what someone is struggling with. Sometimes that involves understanding old wounds, protective adaptations, and the ways our past experiences continue to shape our present lives.

And sometimes, despite all that exploration and insight, we hit a brick wall. This can be particularly true when there's a history of trauma, including PTSD or complex PTSD.

It might show up as persistent rumination, cognitive distortions, old narratives, or a seemingly immovable belief about ourselves or the world. They might be protector parts or necessary adaptations designed to keep us “safe,” however hurtful or damaging they may have become.

We may understand intellectually where these patterns came from, yet still find ourselves unable to think, feel, or imagine anything outside of what we've always known.

There's a saying in neuroscience: Neurons that fire together wire together.

In other words, the more frequently certain thoughts, emotions, and responses occur together, the more familiar and automatic those patterns can become.

There's a network in the brain called the default mode network, involved in the ways we think about ourselves and our experiences. It can play a role in the kind of repetitive, self-focused thinking that keeps us stuck.

I sometimes imagine these patterns as a kind of neural nest—a tangled collection of familiar messages that have become so interconnected they reinforce one another.

And when those messages are rooted in shame, fear, trauma, or longstanding beliefs about our worth, that nest can begin to feel like a vortex that pulls in anything that even remotely looks, sounds, smells, tastes, or feels like what we already believe.

See? There it is again. I knew it. Nothing ever changes.

The bias is confirmed. The brain just looooves to prove what it thinks to be true.

Even experiences that might challenge the old narrative can get pulled into its gravitational field and interpreted through the same familiar lens.

And sometimes, insight alone isn't enough to loosen their grip. This is one of the circumstances in which I might begin discussing Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as a possible addition to our work.

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Ketamine Is Like Fertilizer for the Brain

Ketamine affects glutamate signaling in the brain and may support processes associated with neuroplasticity—our brain's capacity to adapt and form new connections.

Think of it as creating more fertile ground for new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to take root.

It's an opportunity to begin disentangling that neural nest.

To loosen the hold of familiar thoughts and narratives long enough to become curious about them rather than automatically believing them.

Where did these messages originate?

Which ones developed as adaptations to experiences we couldn't control?

Which ones were never true to begin with?

And perhaps most importantly:

If we weren't so bound by the limitations of our past experiences, what else might we imagine possible for our future?

That's where I see the potential value of KAP—not simply as an unusual experience or a temporary break from distress, but as an opportunity to explore new possibilities within an ongoing therapeutic process.

What Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Actually Look Like?

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Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including intravenous (IV) infusions, intramuscular injections, intranasal treatment, and oral or sublingual lozenges. Each method has different medical considerations and produces somewhat different experiences.

In my Tarzana practice, I facilitate KAP using prescribed oral ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges (troches) or rapidly dissolving tablets (RDTs), in collaboration with a medical provider who determines whether ketamine is appropriate and manages the prescription.

The psychotherapy itself generally unfolds in three phases.

Preparation. Before a medicine session, we spend time exploring what brings you to KAP, what you hope to gain, and what fears or expectations you might have. We may identify intentions, recurring patterns, or parts of yourself that need reassurance before venturing into unfamiliar territory.

The ketamine experience. In a comfortable, supported setting—either in my office or remotely from your own home, with an approved support person present and appropriate medical clearance—you'll take your prescribed medication according to your medical provider's instructions. With curated music and meditations, an eye mask, and an opportunity to turn your attention inward, the experience may involve deep relaxation, altered perceptions, emotional insights, vivid imagery, or a sense of distance from your usual thoughts. Some people experience very little imagery; others have experiences that are difficult to put into words. Not every journey is pleasant or profound, and no particular experience is required for treatment to be worthwhile.

I'm present throughout the session to provide therapeutic support. Depending on the experience, we may talk, or we may simply allow space for whatever emerges.

Integration. Afterward, we explore what the experience brought up and how it might connect with your life outside the session. Insights can be meaningful, but they don't automatically translate into lasting change. Integration is where we begin exploring how new perspectives might inform the choices, relationships, and patterns you're working to change.

The goal isn't to have an extraordinary experience.

It's to discover whether the experience can help us do something meaningful with ordinary life.

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Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right for Me?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy isn't for everyone, but it may be worth exploring when depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, or persistent patterns haven't responded adequately to other approaches.

The strongest research supports ketamine's use for treatment-resistant depression, while its potential benefits for other conditions are still being studied.

Like any medical treatment, ketamine carries risks and isn't appropriate for everyone. The oral ketamine used in my practice is prescribed off-label for psychiatric purposes.

We'll begin by exploring whether KAP makes sense for your therapeutic goals. If it does, my collaborating medical provider will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical and psychiatric history, review potential benefits and risks, and determine whether treatment is appropriate.

The goal isn't to make ketamine fit your treatment. It's to determine whether ketamine has a useful place in it.

Meet Sam Schulze, PMHNP-BC

My Prescribing Partner for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

For clients exploring Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with me, I collaborate with Sam Schulze, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over five years of experience in ketamine treatment.

Sam manages the medical side of care, including evaluation and prescribing, while I provide the psychotherapy, preparation, and integration. We stay in communication throughout the process to help ensure your care is coordinated.

Sam's Fees

Initial evaluation (60 minutes): $300
Follow-up evaluation (30 minutes): $175

Sam does not accept insurance for ketamine-related services but does accept insurance for certain integrative, non-ketamine psychiatric services.

Sam Schulze, PMHNP-BC, psychiatric nurse practitioner and ketamine prescribing partner

Frequently Asked Questions About KAP

Can I do KAP virtually?

Yes! KAP sessions can take place remotely with medical approval. You'll need a designated support person (chaperone) who remains available and in text communication with me throughout the dosing session.

How many ketamine sessions will I need?

We typically begin with a course of approximately 6–8 dosing sessions. Sam initially prescribes two sessions, followed by a required medical follow-up before prescribing up to six additional sessions. Afterward, we reassess your progress and next steps together.

Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Sam's ketamine-related medical services are not covered by insurance. Because KAP sessions require more time than insurance typically allows, some portions of the psychotherapy may be covered, while others may involve out-of-pocket expenses. We'll discuss the financial arrangements before beginning treatment.