Difference between KAT and KAP

You will notice that our team uses both the terms KAT and KAP when referring to our services and you may have wondered what the difference is. Ketamine-assisted Therapy (KAT) and Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) are related but have distinct approaches to using ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, as a treatment for various mental health conditions.

Ketamine-assisted Therapy: We use this term to refer to a broader range of therapeutic approaches that incorporate ketamine as a tool. It may involve various types of therapy, such as talk therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, or other therapeutic modalities we use at BTC, alongside the administration of ketamine. This approach can involve a range of healthcare professionals, including the BTC doctors or therapists who may administer ketamine in our clinic, but the therapy itself might not always be provided by a psychotherapist.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: This term specifically focuses on the use of ketamine within the context of psychotherapy. It involves the administration of ketamine and the provision of psychotherapy during the ketamine experience. In this approach, one of our licensed psychotherapists or mental health professionals is an integral part of the treatment. They provide psychotherapy sessions before, during, and after the ketamine sessions to help our patients process their experiences and work on their mental health concerns.

In summary, while both Ketamine-assisted Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy involve the use of ketamine as a therapeutic tool, the key difference lies in the integration of psychotherapy and the professional standards involved. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a more specialized and regulated approach with a strong focus on the therapeutic process. At BTC, we offer both KAT and KAP.

We understand that learning about this mental health treatment option may seem complex initially, so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.