Supporting clients through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) requires thoughtful collaboration between providers. At Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, we believe the therapeutic process is most effective when clients’ primary clinicians and our team work together in a coordinated and ethical way. This page is designed to help referring clinicians understand our approach to KAP, what to expect in terms of communication, and how we partner with you to strengthen client outcomes.
From the very first referral, we strive to create a professional, transparent process rooted in mutual respect and clinical integrity. Whether you are a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, our goal is to provide clear guidance on how we support your client’s integration journey while maintaining confidentiality and honoring client autonomy.
Why Clinician Collaboration Matters in KAP
KAP offers clients a unique therapeutic experience through the use of ketamine to enter an expanded state of consciousness. In this space, individuals often access emotions, memories, and beliefs in new ways. Research indicates that the period following a ketamine session—typically three days—is a critical window during which clients are more receptive to learning new behaviors, reframing perceptions, and adopting healthier patterns of thinking.
By partnering with clinicians like you, we ensure this integration period is supported not only within our sessions but also within your ongoing therapeutic relationship. This continuity of care creates a seamless bridge between the insights gained in expanded states and the client’s daily life, maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Our Communication Approach with Referring Clinicians
When clients are referred for KAP, we first discuss with them what information, if any, may be shared with their primary clinician. With explicit consent, we provide brief, clinically relevant updates after expanded state sessions. These updates typically include:
- The overall focus of the session.
- Observations of emotional, cognitive, or sensory experiences.
- Key suggestions for integration work.
Our updates are concise and professional, designed to help you guide post-session conversations without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. We respect the therapeutic alliance you have with your client and aim to enhance it, not replace it.
Supporting the Integration Process
Many clients leave KAP sessions with insights that touch on deeply held emotions, body sensations, or long-standing beliefs. They may also experience non-ordinary states of consciousness that bring forth valuable therapeutic material. The days immediately following are an optimal time for practicing new coping skills, reframing perspectives, and anchoring insights.
As the clinician who works most closely with the client, you play a vital role in supporting integration. Discussing their experiences, exploring shifts in perception, and guiding them toward practical applications can significantly increase the impact of KAP.
At our Center, we use evidence-based frameworks such as mindfulness, skills-based practices, and structured therapy models. If you are curious about the broader range of treatments we offer beyond KAP, you can explore our therapy services to see how our approach integrates with your clinical work.
Ethical Standards and Client Consent
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of all our work. Communication with clinicians happens only with the client’s explicit permission, and we take great care to ensure compliance with HIPAA and professional ethical guidelines. Clients are informed about the type of updates that may be shared, and they remain in control of their own information.
By keeping transparency and consent at the forefront, we ensure that clients feel respected and secure in their therapeutic journey. This also strengthens the trust between client and clinician, reinforcing a supportive environment where healing can flourish.
The Clinician’s Role in Post-KAP Care
Your involvement after KAP sessions can make a measurable difference in your client’s progress. Here are a few ways clinicians often support integration:
- Processing Emotions and Insights: Helping clients make sense of what surfaced during the session.
- Identifying Patterns: Noticing shifts in self-perception or relational dynamics.
- Encouraging Practice: Guiding clients in applying new insights to daily life.
- Providing Stability: Offering a sense of grounding when emotions feel overwhelming after the session.
These steps create a synergistic relationship between KAP sessions and ongoing therapy, ultimately deepening the client’s growth and resilience.
Practical Details for Referring Clinicians
We understand that you want clarity around the process before referring a client. Below is a general overview:
- Referral: You or your client can contact us directly to begin the process.
- Consent: We discuss with the client what information can be shared with you.
- Preparation: Clients receive guidance before KAP to ensure readiness.
- Expanded State Sessions: Conducted with clinical oversight in a safe environment.
- Integration Updates: Shared with you (with your consent) in a concise and professional format.
- Ongoing Collaboration: We remain available for continued communication as needed.
Suppose your client is considering structured skill development alongside KAP. In that case, they may also benefit from our DBT Skills Classes, which provide practical tools to support emotional regulation and mindfulness in daily life.
Understanding Costs and Practical Considerations
We recognize that financial concerns are often a part of the treatment planning process. To support transparency, we provide precise details about our fees and payment options. Referring clinicians are welcome to review our therapy pricing information, which will help guide clients in making informed decisions about their care.
By addressing cost considerations upfront, we reduce uncertainty and empower clients to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Partner with Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center
Choosing to refer your client to us for KAP means collaborating with a team deeply committed to professional ethics, compassionate care, and evidence-based practices. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Specialized Expertise: Our clinicians are trained in both ketamine-assisted therapy and structured therapeutic modalities.
- Collaborative Mindset: We value your role as the primary clinician and seek to support, not overshadow, your work.
- Holistic Approach: By integrating mindfulness, DBT, and KAP, we create a comprehensive framework for client healing.
- Respect for Confidentiality: Your client’s privacy remains our top priority.
We view clinician partnerships as essential to client success. Together, we can provide clients with a therapeutic experience that is safe, transformative, and deeply supportive.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering referring a client for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or would like more information about how we collaborate with clinicians, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to answer your questions, discuss the referral process, and ensure you feel confident in the partnership.
By working together, we can help clients navigate the expanded states of consciousness offered by ketamine in a way that fosters growth, healing, and lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does clinician collaboration work in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Collaboration begins with your client’s consent to share information. We provide concise updates after expanded state sessions and encourage you to support integration in your ongoing therapy. This ensures continuity and enhances therapeutic outcomes.
What kind of updates will I receive about my client’s sessions?
With client approval, we share brief notes on session themes, observed experiences, and suggestions for integration. These updates are not detailed reports but are designed to complement your clinical work without disrupting confidentiality.
Can clients continue traditional therapy while engaging in KAP?
Yes. In fact, KAP is most effective when paired with ongoing therapy. Your role in helping clients process insights and practice new behaviors is essential for long-term integration and growth.
What should I discuss with clients after their KAP sessions?
Please encourage them to reflect on emotions, sensations, or insights that surfaced. Supporting clients in applying these experiences to daily life helps anchor the benefits of KAP into lasting change.
How can I learn more about the therapeutic models you combine with KAP?
Our team integrates evidence-based approaches such as DBT, mindfulness, and skills training into KAP. You can explore our therapy services for a deeper understanding of how these models work together.
