KAP vs. IV Ketamine Clinics: What’s the Difference?

My personal journey into the world of psychedelics began with a ketamine experience at an IV clinic. It was late 2021, and a friend of a friend was opening the clinic and inviting therapists to go through the experience firsthand to better understand the medicine and refer clients later on.

The clinic was sterile, and the experience lacked any preparation or integration. The session itself felt difficult and confusing—but somehow, I came away feeling more grounded than I had in a long time. It was as if everything in my brain had been taken out, rearranged, and put back in the correct order.

Since there was no integration or follow-up session, it ultimately became just that—an experience. As time passed, it began to feel like a distant dream I couldn’t hold onto.

Since that time, I’ve learned so much about psychedelics and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)—and I’ve learned how to provide a process that includes the preparation, guidance, and integration necessary to create lasting emotional change.

Not all ketamine treatments are the same, and understanding the difference between IV ketamine clinics and KAP can help you choose the approach that truly supports your healing journey here in California.

What IV Ketamine Clinics Offer (and Why Some People Start There)

IV ketamine clinics offer medical ketamine infusions to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or suicidal ideation. Many people start with IV clinics because access is easy and they’re searching for quick relief from painful or persistent symptoms.

These clinics are typically run by medical professionals—doctors or nurse practitioners—who are highly skilled in the medical model of symptom management. However, most have limited training in psychotherapy or emotional integration.

At an IV ketamine clinic, the medicine is administered directly into your arm through an IV while you sit or lie in a recliner with an eye mask and headphones. The infusion typically lasts 30–60 minutes, and patients are often cleared to return to daily life after being driven home by a chaperone.

While IV treatment can bring temporary relief, it often lacks the therapeutic support necessary for deep, lasting transformation.

What KAP Adds: The Healing Power of Integration and Connection

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a much more holistic and therapeutic approach. It combines the healing properties of ketamine with the safety and guidance of a trained therapist who helps you make meaning of your experience.

My KAP protocol includes several preparation sessions before the first dosing session. This ensures we establish trust, explore your intentions, and help you feel safe and supported during the experience.

Typically, a full course of KAP includes 6–8 dosing sessions, with flexibility to adjust based on your progress and needs. You’ll also receive a detailed KAP workbook with journal prompts to deepen your process, clarify your goals, and integrate insights.

Each dosing session lasts about three hours and includes:

• Intention setting

• Guided relaxation or meditation

• The dosing experience

• Initial integration afterward

We then meet again the next day for a dedicated integration session, where we help you apply the insights gained in your session to your daily life and relationships.

Without integration, insights remain fleeting.
With integration, they become lasting change.

If you’re curious what a KAP session actually looks like, I share the full experience in my post, What Happens in a KAP Session?.

Which Approach Is Right for You?

To decide which approach might be right for you, consider your goals:

• Are you looking for immediate relief from symptoms?

• Or are you ready to do the deeper emotional work that leads to lasting healing?

Both IV ketamine and KAP have their place, but if you’re seeking meaningful transformation—not just temporary relief—Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy offers the structure, safety, and integration that help real change take root.

Ready to Learn More or Begin Your Own Healing Journey in California?

If you’re curious about how KAP works, what to expect, and whether it might be right for you, I invite you to read my Ultimate Guide to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

Or, if you’re ready to explore your own KAP experience, you can book a free 15-minute consultation to see if this approach is the right fit for your healing journey in California.