What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative treatment combining the fast-acting effects of ketamine with the deep healing potential of psychotherapy. Used in a safe clinical setting, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity and emotional insight, offering rapid relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges—especially when traditional treatments haven’t worked. At Widening Circles, KAP sessions are carefully supported by trained professionals and followed by integration therapy to help you make lasting change.
While we currently offer KAP as part of our services, we hope to explore other psychedelic options in the future, such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ibogaine, as research continues to show promising results for treating various mental health conditions. These substances are still in clinical trials and are not yet FDA-approved for general use.
At Widening Circles, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments to support your healing journey.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Widening Circles
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines ketamine treatment with therapeutic support to encourage reflection, emotional processing, and integration.
Before beginning KAP, you will meet with a medical provider and a KAP-trained psychotherapist for a comprehensive assessment. Participation remains subject to ongoing clinical assessment.
We utilize either intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) ketamine because both offer a fast-acting, reliable, and deeply immersive experience that supports emotional insight and healing, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Its consistent absorption and ability to induce a profound therapeutic state make it especially effective when paired with psychotherapy in individual or group settings.
We offer three ways to participate, based on your needs and clinical appropriateness: Individual IV or IM KAP; Group KAP through Heartwood IOP; and Seasonal Group KAP.
Three Ways to Experience KAP at Widening Circles
1. Individual IV or IM KAP
Individual KAP offers personalized care using intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) ketamine, with support from a medical provider and a KAP-trained psychotherapist. Treatment is tailored to your goals and integrated into your broader care plan.
During your individual 2-hr KAP session, one of our medical providers will assess your vitals, confirm dosage, and provide the IM injection or IV infusion. The medical provider is available on-site throughout the session. A psychotherapist is with you during the duration of your experience.
2. Group KAP through Heartwood IOP
Group KAP is an optional add-on for participants in the Heartwood Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This supportive setting offers opportunities for shared reflection, connection, and integration. KAP is available when clinically appropriate and is not required to participate in Heartwood.
3. Seasonal Group KAP
Our Seasonal Group KAP gatherings offer space to reconnect, revisit intentions, and reflect on cycles of growth, release, rest, and renewal. These small-group sessions combine intramuscular (IM) ketamine, guided seasonal reflection, and therapeutic support within a community of care.
Seasonal Group KAP is open to anyone who has previously received KAP at Widening Circles—in individual sessions, through Heartwood IOP, or in another group setting—subject to ongoing clinical appropriateness.
Upcoming Seasonal Group KAP Gatherings
Return to the circle for seasonal reflection, therapeutic intention, and community connection. All gatherings take place on Fridays from 2–5 p.m.
| Date | Gathering | Seasonal Themes |
|---|---|---|
| 🍁 October 30, 2026 | All Hallow’s Eve · Samhain | Remembrance, ancestry, and honoring endings |
| 🕯️ December 18, 2026 | Winter Solstice · Yule | Rest, renewal, and quiet hope |
| 🌱 January 29, 2027 | Brighid’s Day · Imbolc | Inspiration and gentle beginnings |
| 🌷 March 19, 2027 | Spring Equinox · Ostara | Balance, emergence, and possibility |
| 🌸 April 30, 2027 | May Day · Beltane | Vitality, creativity, and connection |
| ☀️ June 18, 2027 | Summer Solstice · Litha | Gratitude and sustainable flourishing |
| 🌾 July 30, 2027 | First Harvest · Lughnasadh | Reciprocity and earned wisdom |
| 🍂 September 17, 2027 | Fall Equinox · Mabon | Integration, enoughness, and preparation |
Open to anyone who has previously received KAP at Widening Circles in any setting, subject to ongoing clinical appropriateness. Space is limited to 8 participants, and advance registration is required.
To inquire or register, email [email protected] or call 828-772-1803.
Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine has proven to be a powerful tool for:
- Relief from Depression: Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects, often providing relief within hours.
- Reduction in Suicidal Ideation: It has shown significant promise in reducing suicidal thoughts.
- Deepening Therapeutic Work: KAP enhances other forms of therapy, helping patients integrate insights and foster long-lasting change.
By combining ketamine with personalized therapeutic support, we create an environment where patients feel safe, supported, and empowered to process complex emotions and uncover new perspectives.
Our Unique Approach to Ketamine Therapy
At Heartwood, we don’t rely on the medicine alone to do the work. We believe in the synergistic interplay between:
The Medicine
Ketamine stimulates brain growth and cognitive flexibility.
The Relationship
Trust and connection with your provider amplify the healing process.
The Setting
Thoughtfully curated playlists, comforting blankets, and a calming environment enhance your experience
Integration
Detailed post-session processing ensures you’re not left alone to decipher your journey.
This holistic approach ensures you receive the full benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy, creating meaningful and lasting outcomes.
What to Expect During a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session
Each KAP session is thoughtfully structured to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Here’s what a typical session looks like:
Pre-Session Preparation:
Meet with your medical provider to discuss dosage and address any concerns.
Set intentions for your session.
Administration:
Ketamine is administered via IM injection or IV infusion by our trained medical staff.
Patients are invited to relax with eyeshades and a curated playlist for 45-60 minutes.
Post-Session Integration:
Journal your thoughts and emotions.
Participate in an individual or group integration session to process your experience and connect with others.
Engage in grounding exercises to help you transition back to your day.
Our compassionate providers are trained to guide you through any challenges, including the emergence of painful memories or trauma. We ensure you have the medical and emotional support you need every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Four Pillars of the Heartwood IOP
About the Heartwood IOP
Heartwood is a CARF-accredited intensive outpatient mental health program that combines cutting-edge treatments with integrative care. Our mission is to help patients overcome complex mental health challenges through innovative and compassionate approaches.
What sets us apart:
- Innovative Treatment: From ketamine therapy and Spravato to neuromodulation and functional medicine, we offer state-of-the-art solutions.
- Experienced Teams: Decades of expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy, including MDMA clinical trials.
- Accessible Care: We accept most major insurances to make transformative care available to more people.
At Heartwood, we empower individuals to unlock their potential, embrace healing, and achieve lasting wellness.
