Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy explained
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) treats the ketamine session as an opening for therapeutic work rather than a purely biological intervention. A therapist prepares you before, sits with you during a low to moderate dose (usually a sublingual lozenge or an intramuscular injection), and holds integration sessions in the days after.
Updated · Checked by the Covered Mind editorial team against cited sources
Key facts
- Last checked:
- Sources listed: 1
- Reading time: About 2 minutes
- Dosing sessions: two to six
- Session length: 90 minutes to three hours
- Therapy sessions: can often be billed as psychotherapy (CPT 90837) when the therapist is in network
- Dosing session with a therapist: $400 to $1,000 each
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Last checked | |
| Sources listed | 1 |
| Reading time | About 2 minutes |
| Dosing sessions | two to six |
| Session length | 90 minutes to three hours |
| Therapy sessions | can often be billed as psychotherapy (CPT 90837) when the therapist is in network |
| Dosing session with a therapist | $400 to $1,000 each |
The idea
Check your plan in the coverage checker and read ketamine coverage by insurer. For the session schedule and common questions in one place, see the ketamine therapy overview.
A typical course
- Intake and medical screening with a prescriber.
- Preparation session with the therapist: intentions, what to expect, safety.
- Dosing sessions: two to six, each 90 minutes to three hours, one to two weeks apart.
- Integration sessions within a few days of each dose.
How it differs from an infusion clinic
Infusion clinics optimize for the drug effect: standardized dose, medical monitoring, short visits, minimal talk. KAP optimizes for meaning: lower doses that keep you able to speak, a therapist present, and structured follow-up. Evidence for KAP is mostly observational; infusion protocols have more controlled trials. Many people choose based on what they want from the experience and what is available nearby.
For the infusion side of that comparison, see What to expect at your first ketamine infusion.
Read Ketamine therapy for PTSD.
What can insurance pay for in KAP?
The ketamine dosing is off label and cash pay. The therapy sessions can often be billed as psychotherapy (CPT 90837) when the therapist is in network, and PPO plans may reimburse part of out-of-network therapy fees. Ask which clinician bills which visit. See KAP coverage by insurer.
What does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy cost?
Dosing sessions with a therapist run $400 to $1,000 each. See KAP cost for a full program of preparation, dosing sessions and integration.
What safety rules apply to KAP?
The same medical screening as any ketamine treatment applies. Choose a program where a prescriber is responsible for dosing and where the therapist is licensed. At-home lozenge programs without a clinician present are a different model with different risks; see at-home ketamine vs in-clinic.
Related reading: Ketamine therapy: the complete guide and Questions to ask a Spravato, ketamine or TMS clinic.
Related
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Cite this
Covered Mind. "Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy explained." https://www.coveredmind.com/guides/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy-explained. Last checked Sep 1, 2026.
This site provides general information about insurance coverage and treatment options. It is not medical advice, not a guarantee of coverage, and not a substitute for talking with a clinician or your health plan.