Beginner IM KAP Manual: What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment approach that combines the physiological effects of ketamine with the relational and psychological dimensions of psychotherapy. This clinician-facing manual provides a structured introduction to KAP for licensed mental health professionals and advanced trainees.

Rather than focusing on outcomes or theoretical depth, the book emphasizes the foundational elements required for safe and responsible early practice. Topics include patient selection and screening, preparation sessions, managing fear and ambivalence, understanding common altered-state experiences, basic session structure, early troubleshooting, and integration over time.

KAP is presented as a multi-stage clinical process, in which preparation, dosing, and integration are interdependent phases requiring thoughtful pacing, professional restraint, and careful documentation. Particular attention is given to maintaining a stable therapeutic frame and supporting clinical judgment when working with altered states of consciousness.

This manual introduces clinicians to Intramuscular (IM) KAP as a commonly used route of administration, while maintaining a neutral, safety-oriented perspective appropriate for beginners.

While a separate advanced manual explores in-session clinical navigation in greater depth, this volume is intended to provide the essential foundations needed to begin practicing KAP competently and responsibly.

This book is an educational resource for clinicians. It is not intended for patients and does not provide instructions for self-administration of ketamine.