Therapy Information

What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a collaborative treatment model that pairs:



• Licensed psychotherapy
• Medically supervised ketamine sessions
• Structured preparation and integration therapy

Research suggests ketamine may support neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility, helping therapy access and shift patterns that feel “stuck,” particularly in cases of treatmentresistant depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions.

At Moore Life Counseling, therapy remains the primary intervention. Ketamine is a supportive catalyst—not a replacement for therapeutic work.

Conditions We Treat with KAP

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Trauma and PTSD
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) rooted in developmental trauma
• Ongoing symptoms despite prior therapy or medication

Each treatment plan is individualized and carefully paced.

Our Trauma-Informed Approach

We specialize in working with developmental and complex trauma. Because of this, our KAP model emphasizes:

• Stabilization before activation
• Nervous system regulation skills
• Attachment-informed therapy
• Slow, intentional pacing
• Required integration sessions

For clients with C-PTSD or developmental trauma, ketamine sessions are spaced further apart (often every 3–4 weeks) to allow for safe processing and integration.

Healing is not rushed. Emotional safety comes first.

What to Expect

1. Intake & Assessment

We begin with therapy sessions to evaluate:

• Symptom history
• Prior treatment experiences
• Trauma history
• Appropriateness for ketamine therapy

Not everyone is a candidate for KAP. If it is not the right fit, we will discuss alternative evidence-based options.

2. Preparation Phase

Before any ketamine session, you will participate in preparation sessions to:

• Build grounding and regulation skills
• Clarify intentions
• Establish emotional safety
• Plan post-session support

For anxiety or depression, preparation may take 1–2 sessions.

For complex trauma, preparation often takes longer.

3. Ketamine Sessions

Ketamine is prescribed and medically overseen by a licensed provider and coordinated with your therapist.

Typical pacing:

• Depression and Anxiety: Approximately once per week during an initial phase
• Complex Trauma (C-PTSD): Approximately every 3–4 weeks

You are never required to relive traumatic memories. The focus is emotional flexibility, insight, and healing—not re-traumatization.

4. Integration Therapy (Required)

Integration sessions occur after every ketamine session.

These sessions help you:

• Make sense of the experience
• Apply insights in daily life
• Strengthen emotional regulation
• Support long-term symptom reduction

Integration is essential to making the therapeutic effects sustainable.

Investment & Insurance Information

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Moore Life Counseling is a self-pay service and is not covered by insurance.

Because KAP is a specialized, integrative treatment model that combines psychotherapy with medically supervised ketamine sessions and structured integration, it falls outside standard insurance reimbursement structures.

During your consultation, we will clearly review:

• Session structure
• Frequency recommendations
• Fee information
• Estimated treatment timeline

This allows you to make an informed and comfortable decision before beginning treatment.

If you are seeking insurance-covered services, we are happy to discuss alternative therapy options that may be appropriate for you.

Clinician Expertise

Cheryl Moore, LMHC is certified in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and has extensive experience working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).

Her advanced training includes:

• Certification in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
• Training in Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ through the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Institute
• EMDR Certified Therapist through EMDRIA
• Extensive advanced training in trauma-focused therapies

Her work integrates trauma-informed psychotherapy, attachment-based approaches, EMDR, and nervous system regulation techniques into all ketamine-assisted treatment.

Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Right for You?

KAP may be helpful if:

• You have depression or anxiety that hasn’t fully responded to therapy or medication
• You feel stuck in long-standing emotional patterns
• You are open to a supported, structured therapeutic process

KAP may not be appropriate if:

• You are seeking a quick fix without therapy
• You are in acute crisis
• You require insurance-covered services only

We determine fit together during a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in ketamine therapy for depression, anxiety, or complex trauma in West Des Moines, IA, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

We will discuss your goals, review whether KAP is appropriate, and outline next steps clearly.

Healing is not rushed here. It is supported.



Call 515-240-1910 or email cheryl@moorelifecc.com