Question 1

When do we pay the joining fee?

Accepted Answer

After the training we will provide the WHC psychotherapist contract and invoice for the membership fee.  You can pay up front for the entire year for a discounted rate ($1000) or monthly at $100/month.

Question 2

When can I start referring patients to AIP for screening?

Accepted Answer

After you complete the initial training, you can send patients to the WHC page on our website to have them complete the pre-screening questionnaire and start the process.

Question 3

What is your expected timeframe for being able to get someone in for an assessment with AIP and get prescriptions ordered?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 1 month

Question 4

The standard recommended protocol allows for 6 sessions of KAP.  Would you consider only prescribing for two sessions and have that be the full treatment for folks?

Accepted Answer

We would consider this for certain clients with less severe mental illness. In some cases, 1 or 2 sessions could be destabilizing whereas 4-6 sessions allows sufficient time to process and make lasting change.

Question 5

Will the ketamine troches be exact dosing or will the therapists need to instruct on cutting them?

Accepted Answer

The troches will likely have to be cut. However, the medical provider will provide the  client with both verbal and written instructions about dosing and how the troches will need to be cut if necessary. This responsibility will not fall on the therapist.

Question 6

Are clients for in-office KAP required to have a PCP and within what period should they have been last seen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, clients wishing to do in-office KAP are required to have a Primary Care Provider and must have been seen within the last 6 months.

Question 7

Should the client be checking their blood pressure regularly? Should the therapist have a blood pressure cuff and/or pregnancy tests in their office?

Accepted Answer

At the medical screening, the provider will be asking about health risks such as hypertension and potential pregnancy. A client will only be accepted for in-office KAP if they are not at risk for problematic hypertension, and KAP is contraindicated in pregnancy for obvious reasons. If the client has a history of hypertension that is well-controlled on medications, the medical provider will be discussing that they monitor their blood pressure at home regularly and before sessions.  Patients who can become pregnant will also need to show negative pregnancy test results, or sign a pregnancy waiver, within 24 hours before a KAP session.  Therapists may have a blood pressure cuff or pregnancy tests available in their office if they chose. However, therapists are not responsible for evaluating the results of either.

Question 8

Are there any exemptions from the 4-hour fast prior to KAP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some clients may be exempt from fasting prior to KAP due to physical or mental health issues such as diabetes or eating disorders. This will be reviewed, and instructions given to the client during the medical screening appointment.

Question 9

Will Asheville Integrative Psychiatry be filing insurance claims for clients for medical reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

No, AIP does not file insurance claims. However, we can provide superbills that clients can submit to their insurance on their own.

Question 10

Is the Asheville Integrative Psychiatry's physical space available for WHC therapists to provide group KAP to their own clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are still working on a process for this for our Watershed therapists. We currently provide group KAP for healers and for our current and former patients. The screening process for group KAP clients has a slightly different time and pricing structure.

Question 11

Can you provide resources for WHC therapists to offer group KAP at their practice (outside of AIP)?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We will provide group KAP protocols and dosing along with guidance on how to safely run group ketamine sessions.

Question 12

Can you give me a breakdown of cost for patients who want to do KAP through WHC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many different options to consider depending on what is most appropriate for your client.

1) Intensive KAP Protocol: The approach presented in the training is for an initial 4-6 session protocol for most clients - i.e. those being treated in a time-limited fashion for treatment resistant depression, PTSD, addiction, eating disorder, OCD and other ruminative disorders.  The total cost for this is $700  ($300 for a 45-60 minute screening, $200 for first f/u after KAP session #1 or 2, and $200 for f/u at the end of the protocol) + cost of ketamine ($50-75 depending on the pharmacy)

2) Weekend retreat for healers and therapists: This would include 2 doses of ketamine used in the context of training or self-care (not for treatment).  Total cost would be $300 for a 45-60 minute screening + cost of ketamine ($25-40 depending on the pharmacy)

3) Group KAP treatment: Series of 4 group KAP sessions targeting less severe cases of depression, PTSD, addiction, eating disorder, OCD and other ruminative disorders.  The total cost for this is $500  ($300 for a 45-60 minute screening, $200 for f/u after KAP session #2) + cost of ketamine ($50-75 depending on the pharmacy)

4) Psycholytic Dosing protocol: This is appropriate for patients with prior KAP experience who will be using low dose ketamine (50-100mg per session) regularly for therapeutic support.  This would require a $300 45-60 minute screening appointment and regular (every 2-3 month) follow-ups for the term of KAP ($200 for 30 minutes) + cost of ketamine ($50-75 depending on the pharmacy)

5) High dose booster sessions or maintenance: This is appropriate for patients with prior KAP experience who are seeking monthly or quarterly higher dose sessions.  This would require a $300 45-60 minute screening appointment and regular (every 3-4 month) follow-ups for the term of KAP ($200 for 30 minutes) + cost of ketamine ($50-75 depending on the pharmacy)

6) 4-6 session KAP protocol onsite at AIP: This is for patients who are not approved for in-office KAP through WHC but who would be appropriate for KAP with the support of AIP's medical monitor.  These patients would also have access to higher doses of sublingual ketamine and the intramuscular route of administration.  The total cost for this is $2500-$3500 ($300 for a 60 minute screening, $1200-$1800 for medical monitoring for 4-6 sessions, $700-$1050 for use of AIP's treatment spaces and administrative support, $200 for f/u at the end of the protocol, $100-$150 for sublingual and/or intramuscular ketamine).  Therapist fees are billed separately b/t you and the patient.

Healing through Integrative and Evidence-Based Care

About Ketamine Therapy

Our Ketamine Treatment Protocols

Inner Voyage
Single-Session KAP Protocol

Healing Journey
Intensive KAP Protocol

Group KAP
For existing clients

About Ketamine Therapy

Our Ketamine Treatment Protocols

Inner Voyage Single-Session KAP Protocol

Healing Journey Intensive KAP Protocol

Group KAP For existing clients

Inner Voyage
Single-Session KAP Protocol

Healing Journey
Intensive KAP Protocol

Group KAP
For existing clients