Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Anxiety, Depression, & PTSD

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a psychedelic healing modality that helps you cultivate powerful change, move through stuck patterns, and has the potential to create profound shifts in your life. Research has shown that Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is beneficial for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, stuck patterns of behavior, thought rigidity, and personal growth.

KAP involves the administration of ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy. Working with a therapist is an essential (and beautiful!) aspect of treatment, as it allows you the ability to be intentional about your healing as well as to process and integrate any insights that arise during your treatment.

Screening Form

When you decide to embark on a psychedelic journey with Mind Body Wellness, you can expect a safe and non-judgmental space. It is my belief that one of the most important tenets of psychedelic work is trust in each person's own Inner Healing Intelligence. This means that our therapeutic work together will allow space for trust in the process, with the knowledge that whatever needs to arise for you will do so. I will provide you with present, mindful and compassionate care throughout your experience.

While each individual's experience is different, this treatment modality provides the potential to deepen your relationship with yourself and gain powerful insights about your patterns of behavior so that you can release the behaviors that may feel stuck or maladaptive. One of the reasons that integration is essential to this work is to help you maintain the insights that arise for you during your KAP session. Often, clients will experience profound insights and new ways of understanding themselves during their experience. Afterwards, integration sessions allow for intentional space to hold on to those insights so that they can become part of your day-to-day understanding.

I feel particularly passionate about engaging in this work with individuals who are working in healing professions. I believe in the importance of doing our own work as we walk beside others in theirs, and wholeheartedly endorse the value of this deep work. If you are a therapist, coach, body worker or healer and are interested in ketamine assisted psychotherapy, please reach out via the screening form. You can also make sure that you are on my email list if you would like to hear about future Healing for Healers KAP Groups.

Mind Body Wellness is a LGBTQIA+ affirming/celebrating space.

Screening Form

Meet Nicole Sparrow, LCPC (she/her)

My name is Nicole and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor located in Frederick, Maryland, which is the unceded territory of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples (want to learn more about this?). I offer a holistic, down-to-earth, and approachable lens to therapy that holds space for you to create lasting change within a safe and collaborative container.

Over the past few years, my interest in psychedelics has grown from a curiosity to a passion as I witness the profound healing that can occur in connection to psychedelics and plant medicine. At this time, I am accepting new clients for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and also offer psychedelic integration sessions.

Qualifications & Education

Qualifications:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virgina
Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher
Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Education:

B.A. in Psychology and Conflict Analysis & Dispute Resolution from Salisbury University
M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University
Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Certificate from Naropa University
Ketamine Apprenticeship Training with Naropa University
MDMA-Assisted Therapy Education Program with Naropa University and Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS PBC).
Clinical Trauma Professional Certificate from PESI (CCTP)
EFT/Tapping Training with PESI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic assisted therapy involves the use of psychedelic substances in conjunction with psychotherapy. This typically involves ketamine, psilocybin, or MDMA. Currently, the only legal and FDA approved form of psychedelic assisted therapy (in Maryland) is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP. Research has shown that psychedelic assisted therapy has the potential to help individuals cultivate profound healing, specifically for trauma, by allowing them to review or think about painful memories or events without feeling as attached to them.

What if I already have a therapist?

That's amazing! KAP is often a short term treatment in which you work with your KAP provider for preparation, medicine sessions, and integration sessions. It is highly beneficial (and recommended) that you engage with long term therapy post-KAP treatment. If you do not currently have a therapist, we can recommend providers to you for after the completion of your treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are temporary and ted to resolve within a few hours. While typically minimal, side effects can include dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, double vision, hypoesthesia (reduced sense of touch sensations).

How should I prepare?

Prior to your treatment, consider that your mindset is an important factor. As much as possible, it is recommended that you avoid social media and news at least 24 hours ahead of treatment in order to cultivate a calm mindset and create space for your own healing. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol and other substances 48 hours before and after your session.
Do not eat for at least 4 hours prior to your session. It is also recommended that you do not drink anything 1-2 hours before your session (although you should hydrate properly before that).
Pack a KAP bag and lay out your clothes the night before your treatment. Plan to wear comfortable clothes to your session. Bringing a bag is optional, however if you choose to do so, your KAP bag can include anything you would like to bring with you. Some people bring a comfortable blanket and/or pillow, along with any items that they find comforting. Although completely optional, some clients choose to bring items such as photos of a loved one or of themselves, or sacred/meaningful items. An eye mask will be provided to you, but if you would like to bring your own you are welcome to do so.
Make sure that you have a ride home planned. You can have someone pick you up, or plan to take an Uber/Lyft. You should not drive after your treatment.

What should I bring with me?

If you picked up a prescription for your treatment, please remember to bring it with you to your session.
An eye mask will be provided to you, but if you would like to bring your own, please do so.
You may want to bring a blanket or pillow (this is optional - blankets and pillows will be provided).
Some clients like to bring sunglasses for after treatment, as you may feel a bit sensitive to light after your session.

Can I drive after my treatment?

No, you should not drive after your session. Please arrange for a ride or plan to take a Lyft or Uber. If you are not local to Frederick and desire assistance in finding accommodations, please reach out and I can assist you.

How much does KAP cost?

The course of treatment will vary from patient to patient. Preparation and integration sessions are $150, and KAP Sessions are $425. Insurance may cover preparation and integration sessions, depending on your insurance plan and benefits. If you would like to use insurance for treatment and have questions, please reach out and I will be happy to assist you.

Treatment is highly individualized. Some patients see symptom relief after one session, and others complete 3-6 KAP sessions.

In order to move forward with your treatment, you will need to complete a medical evaluation. Mind Body Wellness collaborates with a provider who is in network with most insurance plans.

Here is a sample of treatment sequence and costs for one KAP session:

_{1 Intake Session: $150}

_{*Medical Evaluation*}

_{1 Preparation Session: $150}

_{1 KAP Session: $425}

_{1 Integration Session: $150}

Total: $875

For three KAP sessions:

_{1 Intake Session: $150}

_{*Medical Evaluation*}

_{1 Preparation Session: $150}

_{1 KAP Session: $425}

_{1 Integration Session: $150}

_{1 KAP Session: $425}

_{1 Integration Session: $150}

_{1 KAP Session: $425}

_{1 Integration Session: $150}

Total: $2025

Preparation and integration sessions may be covered by insurance depending on your plan.

Do you accept insurance?

I am currently in network with United HealthCare and Cigna. Preparation and Integration sessions may be covered by insurance, however KAP sessions are not.

If you are out of network, I can provide a superbill to you for preparation and integration sessions.

In order to receive KAP, you must first meet with a prescriber. You will be referred to a collaborative prescriber for a medical evaluation, which should be covered by most insurance plans.

How many sessions will I need?

Each course of treatment is highly individualized. Some clients complete one session and experience relief in their symptoms, and others continue treatment for 3-6 sessions, along with periodic booster sessions. You will collaborate with your provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.

What is the sequence of treatment?

First, you will complete a Screening Form. Upon completion of this form, I will connect with you to set up your intake appointment if KAP appears to be an appropriate treatment modality for you. You will then complete a medical evaluation with a collaborating provider to confirm eligibility for treatment.

You will then complete a preparation session to discuss treatment goals and intentions, address safety, and prepare for your session.

You will then schedule your KAP session along with your integration sessions.

What is the difference between ketamine assisted psychotherapy and ketamine treatment?

Ketamine treatment can take place at your home or in a medical center, and involves receiving ketamine as a medication without psychotherapy. You may have an option to meet with a therapist, however it is not required.

At Mind Body Wellness, psychotherapy is an integral part of psychedelic work. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy involves working closely with your therapist to complete preparation, medicine sessions, and integration sessions as an essential part of your treatment. I believe that preparation and integration are invaluable aspects of psychedelic work and set the stage for profound healing to occur.

Who is NOT a good candidate for KAP?

KAP is contraindicated for the following: