Ketamine-Assisted Therapy - GAIL GILLESPIE, PH.D.

GAIL GILLESPIE, PH.D.

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KETAMINE-ASSISTED THERAPY
Congratulations on considering choosing ketamine-assisted therapy - a comprehensive and alternative method for promoting your mental well-being. Choosing ketamine as an alternative to standard psychotropic medications is a bold and brave step toward innovative healing. Combining ketamine with a therapist who can safely support you through this novel process can greatly enhance the potential benefits one can achieve, versus the use of ketamine in a purely medicalized manner. I would be honored to provide you with the opportunity to tap into realms that may be unreachable through traditional means, while offering an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and non-judgment as your ketamine-assisted therapist.
Your Ketamine Team – Prescriber, Therapist, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapist (KAT):
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) can be conducted in many and varied ways. My approach is to work with a team of professionals to support your treatment – your ketamine prescriber, your therapist, and myself - with my role being an adjunct to your individual therapy. Your prescriber will provide a medical evaluation and all medical information related to your ketamine treatment. Your therapist will providing ongoing mental health support. Each provider will have our own processes, policies, and procedures independent of one another. I will be in communication with your treatment team throughout your treatment to ensure continuity of care. My position as a KAT is short-term, solution-focused, and catered to your individual needs. The treatment plan that we develop together supports you through your ketamine sessions then helps you to process and integrate your experience into meaningful changes in your day-to-day life. (There may be specific mental health conditions that would exclude my being able to treat you –schizophrenia, being actively suicidal, or having a severe/chronic mental health history).
General Structure of Treatment:
Pre-Treatment – You will have already initiated treatment with a ketamine prescriber and with your own individual therapist.
Before – An in-depth intake process to build therapeutic alliance, understand your history, and fully prepare you for what to expect during your ketamine experiences (minimum of two visits)
During – Therapeutic support during your ketamine experience (if prescriber allows). IV or intra-muscular in the medical setting is two- to three-hour sessions depending on the method and dose. Nasal spray or lozenges used in my office are two-hour sessions. The number of ketamine sessions will vary from person to person depending on a variety of individualized factors.
After – Integration sessions soon to follow your ketamine session to process your experience into meaningful change in your life. A minimum of three integration sessions is recommended, and more sessions are available if desired or necessary.
What to Expect with Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Treatment:
If your prescribing doctor allows, you may be prescribed ketamine in the form of lozenges or nasal spray which is then brought to, and used in, my office. Your surroundings are an important consideration for KAT and my office will be as comfortable and accommodating as possible, to enable you to go deeply and safely into your process. While I have pillows and blankets, I ask that individuals bring their own blanket, pillow, and eyeshades or a hand towel if they prefer to do so. You may want to bring other personal items such as a journal, something spiritually symbolic, or any emotional comfort items. You will be laying down throughout your ketamine sessions. Noise-cancelling headphones/music will be provided to support and enhance your ketamine journey. During your ketamine sessions I will be a quiet, attuned, and supportive presence. As you gently return from the experience there will likely be conversation. Integration sessions post-ketamine treatment can look more like traditional therapy, enhanced at times by journaling, drawing, movement, meditation, or somatic work.
Financial Information:
All ketamine-assisted therapy work is private pay only and no insurance is accepted. Sessions are $150 an hour, with most ketamine-assisted sessions lasting two hours and most integration therapy sessions lasting an hour. If you request extended time on the day of your session, there is a charge in 15-minute increments. Payments are due at the time of service. Cash, check, debit/credit card or PayPal are accepted; however, any card or PayPal transactions incurs a 3.5% surcharge. A debit/credit card is required to be kept on file and will be charged by the end of each week for payments that are not made at the time of service. A $150 no-show fee will be charged to your card on file if you do not show up for your scheduled appointment time. Emergencies, illness, or other extenuating circumstances are excused on a case-by-case basis.
Free Phone Consultation
Feel free to call my office at 504-442-8762 for a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if ketamine-assisted therapy is right for your needs.