A Guide for the Cautious KAP Client: The Search for Ethical Care

So you’ve done your research and decided that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) might be the next step on your healing path. You’ve heard it’s especially important to find a practitioner who prioritizes your safety when you’re in an altered state, but what does that mean in practical terms? Because there are currently no set standards for training or certification in KAP, it can be challenging to gauge a provider’s knowledge, skills, and approach to this delicate modality. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to look for when seeking a KAP therapist who values ethical care. We’ll explore how to make sense of a provider’s licensing and education, the kinds of questions you might ask in an initial consultation, and the signs that suggest you’re in trustworthy hands.

Licensing: Why It Matters

There are many pathways for therapists to train in KAP. But before you consider specific KAP training, you’ll want to ensure your provider is a licensed therapist. Although there may be a place for non-licensed coaches and guides to sit with someone under the influence of ketamine, if you want support in processing psychological material that arises while under the influence, your best bet is to work with a licensed therapist. Being licensed in your state means the practitioner has completed formal education in their field (psychology, counseling, social work, etc.), passed required exams, and undergone background checks. This process not only establishes a baseline of professional knowledge, it also creates accountability: licensing boards exist to protect clients. If a therapist causes harm, the board can sanction or even revoke their license which is an important safeguard for future clients. Although board complaints aren’t uncommon, a license suspension (rather than a lesser sanction) indicates that the board found that the clinician committed a more serious violation of professional or ethical standards.

As a prospective client, you might ask:

• Have you ever received a complaint to the licensing board?

• If so, what came of the complaint?

• Have you ever had your professional license suspended?

Training in KAP: Depth and Accountability

KAP training programs vary widely. Some clinicians complete brief online courses in a few hours, while others undergo months-long intensives that include supervised practice and experiential learning. While knowing how many KAP-specific training hours a clinician has completed can give you a sense of their exposure to the theory of this work, much skill develops through practice- whether that’s sitting for peers in experiential trainings or shadowing an experienced KAP therapist. Another important facet of proficiency is receiving ongoing support after formal training is completed. A clinician who regularly meets with a supervisor or peer group to discuss cases is much more likely to stay grounded in ethical, client-centered care than one who is practicing in isolation. The questions below can help you distinguish between a therapist who has simply completed a course in KAP and one who has cultivated an ongoing, accountable practice.

As a prospective client, you might ask:

• Have you had hands-on training in providing KAP?

• Did you work with a supervisor while learning KAP?

• Do you continue to seek consultation or peer support?

Signs of Ethical Care

In general, an ethical KAP therapist will:

• Clearly explain both benefits and risks of treatment

• Collaborate with a medical provider to ensure ketamine is safe for you

• Outline the treatment process and welcome your questions

• Emphasize preparation before your first session and integration afterward

• Model professionalism and respect: clear communication, timeliness, appropriate boundaries, and prioritizing your goals for therapy.

Finally, trust your gut. Use these guidelines as a foundation, but listen to your intuition. For this work to be effective, you must feel comfortable enough to relax into vulnerability. If something feels off, honor that. Don’t allow yourself to rush into a medicine session- even if it’s already been scheduled- if you are not feeling safe, respected, and heard. A provider who values ethical care will gladly slow down the process until you feel comfortable moving forward. I hope that this post gives helps guide you toward finding a KAP therapist who can safely support you in the healing work that you both need an deserve.

Interested in learning more? Visit my website AmethystIntegration.com or reach out today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.