
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Unlocking the potential for lasting change and deep, transformative growth
At Seaside Psychiatry, we are proud to offer a groundbreaking treatment modality—Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)—exclusively guided by a licensed medical doctor and psychiatrist. This innovative therapy combines the therapeutic use of ketamine oral lozenges with psychotherapy to foster deep emotional healing and long-term mental wellness.

The Flow of Your Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Journey
Each Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy treatment is highly individualized. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect during your healing journey at Seaside Psychiatry:
KAP Medical Intake Assessment
​We begin by understanding your medical history, mental health goals, and current needs
50 to 60 minutes
Preparatory
Sessions
​These sessions help you prepare emotionally and mentally for your unique ketamine experience
Typically 2 to 3 sessions,
45 minutes each
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
​The core of your treatment: deeply immersive sessions where ketamine therapy and psychotherapy work in tandem
3 hours each
Integration
Sessions
Where you process and integrate your experiences, transforming them into lasting change
Typically 2-3 sessions,
45 minutes each

Ketamine-Assisted
Talk Therapy
Where Science Meets Soul
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is a cutting-edge approach to mental health that blends the powerful psychoactive effects of ketamine in the form of a lozenge with the transformative power of psychotherapy. Ketamine, known for its dissociative and psychedelic properties, helps quiet the brain’s default mode network, allowing you to access deeper layers of consciousness. This creates an opportunity for emotional release, profound insights, and a shift in entrenched patterns of thought.
​By combining ketamine with psychotherapy, we enhance its healing potential, making it more than just symptom relief—this is a holistic journey toward lasting transformation.

FAQ
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What is ketamine?Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been safely used in medical settings since the 1970s. While traditionally used in surgeries, it also has unique properties that affect brain chemistry in ways that support emotional healing. Ketamine primarily works by blocking NMDA receptors and modulating glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood and cognition. It also influences pathways related to serotonin and dopamine. In recent decades, research has shown that ketamine can rapidly relieve symptoms of depression and help create new mental and emotional patterns when used in a therapeutic setting.
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What is ketamine-assisted therapy?Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a healing modality that combines the neurobiological effects of ketamine with the depth and guidance of psychotherapy. In a safe, supportive setting, clients enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness where unconscious material, long-held patterns, and deep emotional truths can surface. With your provider present throughout, you’ll explore these insights and work through what arises. This process often fosters a profound sense of wholeness, clarity, and connection—with yourself and the world around you.
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Can I do ketamine-assisted therapy at Seaside Psychiatry if I’m not already an established patient?Yes. We welcome new clients who feel called to this work. Every individual begins with a medical evaluation to ensure that KAP is safe and appropriate for their health needs. During your preparation sessions, you and your provider will also explore and build a strong support system—an essential foundation for any deep inner work.
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Can you coordinate care with my outside therapist?Absolutely. Healing is most effective when there’s collaboration. With your consent, your Seaside Psychiatry provider will communicate with your outside therapist to ensure a shared understanding and seamless integration of your journey experiences. This collaboration helps your outside provider support your growth between sessions and beyond.
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How is ketamine administered at Seaside Psychiatry?We offer sublingual lozenges as our sole method of ketamine administration. Unlike intravenous or intramuscular methods, sublingual ketamine is gentle, effective, and well-suited to the therapeutic nature of our work. We find this route offers an ideal balance between accessibility, depth of experience, and ease of use.
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Where do ketamine journey sessions take place?All journey sessions are held at our serene Encinitas office: 191 Calle Magdalena, Suite 200, Encinitas, CA 92024. This space is designed to feel safe, grounding, and healing—so your inner work can unfold in peace.
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How do I obtain the medicine?Once medically cleared, your provider will send a prescription to a trusted compounding pharmacy based in San Francisco. After confirming your details with the pharmacy, your ketamine lozenges will be shipped directly to your home. You’ll store them safely and bring the appropriate number to each journey session, as discussed with your provider.
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Can appointments be done virtually?Many parts of the process can be conducted virtually. Preparation sessions may take place via video, though all clients will attend their final preparation session in person to become familiar with the space before their ketamine journey. Integration sessions can be done virtually, though we recommend in-person work when possible to form deeper connection with your provider and the space. All ketamine journey sessions must be completed in-office to ensure safety and therapeutic presence.
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How many preparation sessions will I need?To ensure readiness for this work, all clients must complete a minimum of three preparation sessions prior to their first journey. These sessions build trust, clarify intentions, and create a foundation for insight and safety. Some clients may benefit from additional sessions depending on their unique background, goals, or emotional needs.
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How many integration sessions will I need?Integration is at the heart of lasting transformation. All clients are asked to schedule two integration sessions following their ketamine journey. These sessions help anchor insights and translate them into real-life change. You’re always welcome to book additional integration sessions as needed to support your ongoing growth.
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How many ketamine journeys will I need?How many ketamine journeys will I need? Healing is not one-size-fits-all. While some individuals find clarity after one session, we generally recommend committing to a series of at least three journeys to experience sustained emotional and psychological benefits. Your provider will collaborate with you to co-create a plan that aligns with your intentions, goals, and readiness.
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How do I know if ketamine-assisted therapy is right for me?KAP may be helpful for individuals navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and existential distress. However, it is not recommended for individuals with conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis, certain cardiac or liver issues, or uncontrolled hypertension. During your evaluation, we will review your health history and explore whether this path is aligned with your needs. If KAP is not the right fit, we’re happy to offer thoughtful referrals.