Move from what’s now to what’s next.
Move from what’s now
to what’s next.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP), also called Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT), is a treatment that combines psychotherapy with the supervised use of legal psychedelic substances. In California, ketamine is currently the only legally accessible psychedelic treatment outside of clinical trials. When used in therapy, ketamine can temporarily alter brain function and conscious experience, allowing patients to access deep emotional, cognitive, and behavioral insights.
How Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Works
PAP is not just about taking a substance — it is a guided, therapeutic process. The combination of ketamine and psychotherapy can provide profound experiences that may lead to lasting positive changes in mental health, self-understanding, and emotional well-being.
Important Note About Ketamine
Ketamine is a Schedule 3 drug and can be prescribed by a physician or a nurse practitioner in concert with a physician. Affirming Therapy Center does not prescribe, sell, or administer ketamine. Instead, we collaborate with local wellness centers that have the appropriate medical staff and facilities to ensure a safe, professional, and comfortable experience. Ketamine is usually administered intravenously or via intramuscular injection by a qualified nurse practitioner.
The PAP Process
- Preparation: Before any ketamine session, patients attend preparatory therapy sessions to explore goals, intentions, and expectations.
- Administration: When ready, ketamine is administered in a safe and supervised setting. If requested, an ATC therapist can be present to support you, help process the experience, and assist with recording insights.
- Integration: After the psychedelic session, integration therapy sessions help examine and make sense of the experience. This step is crucial for translating insights into lasting emotional and behavioral change.
What to Expect During Treatment
Ketamine is a dissociative psychedelic. Many patients describe a sense of “zooming out,” feeling separate from their body, or observing their life from a new perspective. Physical sensations, emotions, visual effects, or mystical experiences may occur. While these experiences are often relaxing and enjoyable, they can sometimes be challenging or uncomfortable. Working with a trained therapist helps turn these experiences into meaningful insights, allowing healing and release from past trauma or emotional struggles.
Managing Challenging Experiences
Psychedelics can amplify thoughts and emotions, including unconscious material. Difficult experiences can arise, but with professional support, they often lead to deeper healing. Your therapist serves as a neutral, grounding presence, helping you navigate the waves of your experience safely.
After Treatment
Everyone responds differently to ketamine and therapy. While a single session may have short-term effects, research shows that a series of six infusions over two to three weeks often enhances results. PAP is not a “miracle cure,” but it can help patients reconnect with parts of themselves and access the brain’s natural ability to heal.
Legal Considerations
Note: In the state of California, Ketamine requires a prescription and is illegal for recreational use; other psychedelic drugs are not legal, including MDMA (aka ecstasy and molly), LSD, Mescaline, and DMT. Certain municipalities have moved to decriminalize psilocybin and psilocin such that psilocybin therapy could be provided. Always consult a medical professional and legal guidance if unsure.
Our Therapist
Skyler White, ATC’s Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider, received her training and completed her certification in PATP from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute in Boulder, CO. She provides compassionate guidance through every stage of the PAP process.
Collaborative Care
Sometimes the path to wellness requires a team. Affirming Therapy Center works closely with local ketamine treatment providers to support your journey safely and effectively.
Take the First Step
If you are interested in exploring psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Skyler and start your path toward healing and self-discovery.
Sometimes the path to wellness requires a team. Affirming Therapy Center is proud to collaborate with local Ketamine Treatment providers* to help you follow your path.
*Please see our Ketamine Treatment Disclaimer.