Therapy Information

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

An Overview for Clients | Moore Life Counseling

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines talk therapy with medically prescribed ketamine to support healing from depression, anxiety, and trauma. At Moore Life Counseling, therapy is always the foundation, and ketamine is used only as a supportive tool. 

Our Philosophy

We use a trauma-informed, therapy-first approach, which means:

• Safety comes before speed. 
• Your nervous system sets the pace. 
• Integration and support matter more than quick fixes. 
• Ketamine is never used on its own. 

Depending on your specific goals for therapy, KA-EMDR® may be integrated into your treatment plan. We will assess the need, frequency, and duration together and determine the most compassionate path for your unique journey. 

What the Process Looks Like

1. Intake & Readiness

We begin with therapy sessions to:

• Understand your goals and history. 
• Explain how KAP (and potentially KA-EMDR®) works. 
• Make sure this approach is appropriate for you. 
• Most clients spend 1–2 sessions in this phase. 

2. Preparation

Before any ketamine sessions, we focus on helping you feel grounded and supported. 

• Anxiety or Depression: Preparation may take 1–2 sessions. 
• Developmental or Complex Trauma: Preparation often takes several sessions and focuses on nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and pacing. There is no rush to move forward. 

3. Ketamine-Assisted & KA-EMDR® Sessions

Ketamine is prescribed and overseen by a medical provider and coordinated with your therapist. If KA-EMDR® is part of your plan, the standard EMDR protocols will be carefully woven into this phase. 

• Sessions are spaced out, not back-to-back. 
• You are never forced to relive traumatic memories. 
• The focus is on insight, emotional healing, and stability. 

Typical pacing:

• Anxiety/Depression: about once per week (short-term). 
• Developmental Trauma / EMDR Processing: about every 3–4 weeks. 

4. Integration Therapy (Essential)

After each ketamine session, you’ll meet with your therapist to:

• Make sense of the experience. 
• Apply insights to daily life. 
• Strengthen emotional regulation. 
• Integration therapy is a required and vital part of KAP. 

5. Ongoing Therapy & Maintenance

Some clients choose occasional ketamine booster sessions. Others continue with therapy or traditional EMDR alone. Decisions are always: 

• Collaborative. 
• Symptom-guided. 
• Based on your comfort and goals. 
• There is no pressure to continue ketamine. 

Is This Approach Right for Me?

KAP or KA-EMDR® may be a good fit if:

• You’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or trauma that hasn’t fully improved with therapy or medication. 
• You feel “stuck” despite insight or effort. 
• You’re open to a deeper therapeutic process with support before and after sessions. 

It may not be the right fit right now if:

• You’re looking for a quick fix without therapy. 
• You’re in an active crisis or lack consistent support. 
• Your nervous system feels easily overwhelmed and needs more stabilization first. 

If this approach isn’t appropriate, we’ll talk through other supportive options together. 

In Short

• Therapy comes first.
• Ketamine is a supportive tool.
• Preparation and integration matter.
• Your safety and pace guide treatment.

Questions are always welcome. We walk this process together.

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