Plan A
Single session
148,500 YEN
Private care (not covered by insurance)
- 1 ketamine session
- 1 preparation session
- 1 integration session
- 1 follow-up integration ~2 weeks later
What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)?
An approach in psychiatric care that pairs ketamine, which can temporarily alter consciousness, with psychological support from trained clinicians. It is not medication alone: preparation, the session, and integration form one continuous process.
This treatment is not a substitute for standard care. In Japan it is an off-label use, offered as private care not covered by insurance. We explain the risks at the first visit.
When nothing seems to help.
You change medications. You give it time. Still, no clear way out. That does not mean you have not tried hard enough.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is one further option for people who have not found sufficient relief so far. We can begin by carefully asking whether it may be a fit for you.
Prepare. Experience. Integrate.
KAP is more than the medication itself. From psychiatric assessment through preparation, the session, integration, and follow-up, physicians and mental health professionals work together throughout. During sessions we monitor continuously, keeping safety first.
Meet the doctor
Norihide Ensako
HIKARI CLINIC Director / Psychiatrist
Another option for people who have not found enough relief so far. We stay beside you through the whole arc of prepare, experience, and integrate into daily life.
Start by finding out if it fits.
Treatment process
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy proceeds in five steps, with physicians and mental health professionals working together.
- 01
Initial consultation & assessment
About 60 minutesA psychiatrist reviews history, current symptoms, and co-occurring conditions to judge whether KAP is appropriate.
- 02
Preparation session
1–2 hoursSame dayIn a session with a mental health professional, you build readiness and share the aims of psychologically supported care before the dosing day.
- 03
Ketamine session
About 2.5–3 hours in clinicSame dayUnder continuous clinical monitoring and careful physician-led dosing, the session takes place.
- 04
Integration session
1 hourSame dayAlways held after the ketamine session. You reflect with a mental health professional and begin weaving the experience into daily life.
- 05
Two-week follow-up integration
Online availableAbout two weeks later, we review changes in symptoms and daily life and consider ongoing plans.
Who may be suitable
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Depression with strong suicidal ideation
- Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- End-of-life care
Clinical studies have reported antidepressant effects, but how change appears varies from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same outcome. This treatment is not a substitute for standard care. Suitability is decided individually at the first-visit assessment.
We may not be able to offer treatment for safety reasons, for example a history of schizophrenia, uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease, or pregnancy / breastfeeding.
Fees
Initial consultation & assessment
16,500 YENPrivate care (not covered by insurance)
Plan B
3-session course
297,000 YEN
Private care (not covered by insurance)
- 3 ketamine sessions
Plan C
Standard program6-session course
528,000 YEN
Private care (not covered by insurance)
- 6 ketamine sessions
FAQ
- What effects can ketamine-assisted psychotherapy have?
- Clinical research overseas has reported antidepressant effects for treatment-resistant depression. Improvement has been described within hours to about 24 hours after dosing. At the first visit we explain the research overview and its limits. For details, see the Who it's for page.
- I am worried about dissociation. Is that okay?
- Dissociative experiences (shifts in the sense of reality) can occur during a ketamine session. This can be part of the drug’s expected effects, and clinicians monitor you throughout. In the preparation session we explain the nature of the experience and how to meet it.
- What should I know on the day of the session?
- Please refrain from food and drink that day (small amounts of water are fine). For 24 hours after the session, do not drive a car or motorcycle, or do hazardous work. Details are covered at the first visit and in preparation.
- Can I keep taking my current medications?
- Depending on what you take, adjustments before or after a session may be needed. Please share all medications at the first visit. A physician will review safety and give individual guidance. Do not change medications on your own.
Important note on off-label use
The ketamine-assisted psychotherapy we provide is an off-label use not approved for this indication in Japan. Before treatment begins, we ask you to understand the risks, side effects, and that this is private care, then sign a consent form.
Begin with a conversation.
If something is on your mind, start gently. Free online consultations are available.