An evidence-informed treatment combining intravenous ketamine with psychotherapy for chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative and effective treatment for people suffering from chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine — a powerful anaesthetic — has shown significant promise in breaking the cycle between pain and depression that so often go hand-in-hand.
Combined with psychotherapy, ketamine can facilitate deeper emotional processing and provide relief from symptoms that traditional treatments may not reach.
Ketamine's therapeutic effect is distinct for pain and for mood — and we tailor treatment to what brings you in.
Ketamine alters how the brain processes pain signals, offering both immediate relief and longer-lasting effects. It reduces pain intensity and helps patients reconnect with their bodies — opening the door to both physical and mental healing.
Ketamine can lift mood within hours of administration by stimulating neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Paired with psychotherapy, this creates lasting change in thought patterns that traditional medications may not reach.
“KAP offers a holistic approach, combining the physiological benefits of ketamine with the therapeutic power of talk therapy to address both the mind and body in the healing process.”
Before any session, vitals are thoroughly checked: heart function, lung health, blood pressure and a resting ECG to baseline heart activity. During the procedure our anaesthetist remains present at all times with continuous monitoring — the ketamine is delivered intravenously via a syringe driver over 30–40 minutes for a precise, steady dose.
KAP is delivered in three connected phases — together they form a complete course of care.
Comprehensive assessment by our medical director, psychiatrist and psychotherapist. We confirm suitability, screen for contraindications and prepare you for the session.
A 30–40 minute IV ketamine infusion via syringe driver, with our anaesthetist present throughout. Vitals are tracked continuously to keep the experience safe and comfortable.
Your psychotherapist is with you the moment you wake, guiding integration. Regular sessions continue to process and embed the experience into lasting change.
A coordinated team approach — every step is led by a specialist and each specialist is part of your journey.
Initial consultation including a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, blood tests and screening for any contraindications.
Psychiatric assessment and prescription of ketamine, alongside any necessary medication adjustments.
Preparation session to explore the patient's intentions and ready them — emotionally and practically — for treatment.
Intravenous ketamine infusion over 30–40 minutes with personalised dosing and continuous monitoring throughout.
Integration session immediately following the infusion to process the experience and maximise therapeutic benefit.
Additional psychotherapy sessions may be scheduled before and after the infusion to fully integrate the experience and optimise outcomes.
A calm, supervised setting — designed for healing, backed by medical rigor.
Book an initial assessment with Dr Andrew Agius to see whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy could be part of your treatment plan.
