The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subsided, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are nonetheless clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.

Your KAP journey begins with a virtual initial consultation with Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez. During this evaluation, he will review your medical and psychiatric history, provide education about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and determine whether this treatment is a good fit for you.

If you're a candidate for KAP, Dr. Gutierrez will create a personalized treatment plan that includes a ketamine prescription and a plan to monitor your outcomes over time.

A small initial supply of oral ketamine lozenges (typically enough for two sessions) will be sent directly to your home. Prior to your first session, Dr. Gutierrez will provide clear guidance on how to monitor your vitals and safely self-administer the medication in preparation for your therapeutic sessions.

Once your ketamine lozenges arrive, we’ll schedule your preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. Preparation sessions are scheduled like regular therapy appointments and occur prior to your first KAP dosing session. The goal of these sessions is to discuss the process, set clear intentions, and ensure you feel supported and ready for the experience.

During the session, you’ll self-administer the prescribed ketamine lozenge while in a calm, private setting. You’ll be in a comfortable reclining position, wearing an eye mask, and listening to soothing music to support an inward journey. Although the experience is primarily internal, Dr. Gutierrez will remain present with you throughout the session to provide guidance, emotional support, and ensure your safety.

If you're interested in exploring Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez and the Willow Tree Counseling team, please email us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, discuss eligibility, and walk you through the next steps.

Once your ketamine lozenges arrive, we’ll schedule your preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. Preparation sessions are scheduled like regular therapy appointments and occur before your first KAP dosing session. The goal of these sessions is to discuss the process, set clear intentions, and ensure you feel supported and ready for the experience.

A typical ketamine dosing session lasts 1 to 2 hours and can take place either in-person at Dr. Gutierrez’s office or remotely via secure telehealth. During the session, you’ll self-administer the prescribed ketamine lozenge while in a calm, private setting. You’ll be in a comfortable reclining position, wearing an eye mask, and listening to soothing music to support an inward journey. Although the experience is primarily internal, Dr. Gutierrez will remain present with you throughout the session to provide guidance, emotional support, and ensure your safety.

After your KAP dosing session, we’ll meet for one or more integration therapy sessions. These are dedicated times to explore any memories, sensations, insights, or emotions that surfaced during your ketamine experience. Integration helps ground the work you've done and prepares you for future sessions by connecting the psychedelic experience to your therapeutic goals and daily life.

Following your first KAP session, Dr. Gutierrez will schedule regular follow-up consultations to monitor your progress, assess treatment outcomes, and determine if additional ketamine lozenge refills are appropriate. Follow-up frequency varies based on your personalized care plan, but occurs at least once per quarter. Please email [email protected] for appointments.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) with Willow Tree Counseling & Dr. Gutierrez

Therapy Sessions: $110/hour for self-pay clients. Most sessions are two hours long. Insurance may be accepted—please contact us to verify coverage.

Medical Intake: $250 (one-time fee with Dr. Gutierrez; eligible for out-of-network reimbursement)

Medical Follow-Ups: $150 per session (at minimum, once per quarter; also eligible for out-of-network reimbursement)

Ketamine Lozenges: $75 for approximately 4–6 lozenges (not covered by insurance)

While the medical components are not billable to insurance directly, many clients successfully submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We’re happy to provide documentation to support this process.