Yes. Ketamine is FDA-approved and legal for medical use in all 50 states. Journey Clinical’s medical team ensures strict compliance with legal and safety regulations.

Ketamine has a strong medical record

“Ketamine has been used worldwide in hospitals for decades. It’s on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines and used in every hospital around the world. Because of its high safety profile, Ketamine is commonly used in pediatrics. In the context of KAP, Journey Clinical prescribes smaller, sub-anesthetic doses.”

— Dr. Kwasi Adusei DNP PMHNP

Journey Clinical has rigorous safety protocols. Not everyone is eligible for KAP.

“Journey Clinical’s medical team does a really thorough evaluation, and if it’s not safe, they won’t prescribe. If you’re not eligible, you’re refunded your intake, so it’s very cautious. The dosing takes place in a controlled, supportive environment, and you’ll also see the medical team for follow-ups to monitor outcomes.”

— Dr. Ingmar Gorman, PhD

Therapeutic vs. recreational use

Recreational misuse and therapeutic use are very different—In the context of KAP, ketamine is prescribed and administered under medical supervision with limited, controlled dosing.

“It’s true ketamine can be misused recreationally, but in KAP, it’s prescribed legally at much lower doses. Ketamine has been an FDA-approved anesthetic for decades, and we use it under medical supervision so it’s safe and structured. Ketamine is perfectly legal in medical contexts. It’s used in hospitals worldwide. We follow strict protocols to ensure safety”

— Dr. Ingmar Gorman, PhD

“Psychedelics are non-specific amplifiers. Without supervision, you hear ‘party drug’ stories. But in a therapeutic context with the right set, setting, and support, we actually reduce risks significantly. In a safe container with screening, dosing protocols, and therapy, negative outcomes are greatly minimized.”

— Dr. Kwasi Adusei DNP PMHNP

In a structured environment, we often see ketamine lessen maladaptive substance use rather than fuel it. Because it’s closely monitored and not freely refilled, the risk of addiction is quite low.” — Dr. Kwasi Adusei

Journey Clinical’s Safety Measures

Journey Clinical requires check-ins with medical providers before additional doses are prescribed. Journey Clinical’s medical team are experts in how to prescribe ketamine to and who is not a good fit. They will thoroughly assess those with existing substance use disorders to determine whether or not KAP is appropriate.

“Will I experience a “K-hole”?”

“I understand that concern. The ‘K-hole’ you might hear about typically happens at higher, recreational doses. In the context of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, we use a measured, therapeutic dose, so you might feel dreamlike or detached but not overwhelmed. If you want to remain more present, we can opt for a lower psycholytic dose where we can talk throughout.” — Dr. Ingmar Gorman

What about stories of people dying from Ketamine?

“It's important to acknowledge that Ketamine can be misused. The same can be said for many other legal substances. With Matthew Perry’s case, he was alone and in a hot tub, which is a risky environment. In KAP, you are in a safe, controlled setting with me guiding you throughout the experience. The doses prescribed by Journey Clinical are controlled to ensure safety, meaning they start with lower doses and then adjust based on your response to the medication."

About 10% of clients report challenging experiences at first—sometimes feeling more depressed or having old memories surface. But difficult isn’t the same as bad, and continuing can lead to breakthroughs.

Feeling worse initially sometimes reflects deeper trauma surfacing; continuing therapy and KAP often transforms these difficult sessions into meaningful growth and breakthroughs over the course of your full treatment plan.

Psychedelics are non-specific amplifiers. Without supervision, you hear ‘party drug’ stories. But in a therapeutic context with the right set, setting, and support, we actually reduce risks significantly.

— Dr. Kwasi Adusei DNP PMHNP

“First of all, it’s important to note that you are never alone during the experience—I will be with you the entire time.

Ketamine is dose-dependent. For milder experiences, we can explore psycholytic KAP, which allows you to stay present while still benefiting from ketamine’s effects. Higher doses can create a dreamlike state, but I am there to support you throughout.

Even if you do experience discomfort, we consider that part of the healing process. I will help you navigate it safely and integrate what comes up.” — Dr. Ingmar Gorman

Research shows KAP has rapid antidepressant effects, often noticeable within hours. Unlike antidepressants, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier pathways.

Ketamine was first FDA approved as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression. I’ve found that it can be especially effective for people who feel “stuck” in traditional talk therapy. KAP can generate new insights that we can work on together in therapy.

Think of your brain like a ski slope. Over time, the same trails get deeply grooved. Ketamine is like fresh snowfall, giving you the chance to create new pathways.

Ketamine was originally studied for treatment-resistant depression, but research now supports its use for anxiety, PTSD, disordered eating, and more.

You don’t have to be at rock bottom to benefit—many people use KAP to break out of mental patterns and enhance their therapy.

In fact, the FDA has now approved Spravato (esketamine) as a standalone treatment, or monotherapy, for people with major depression. This means that for some individuals, it can be used on its own without needing to combine it with traditional antidepressants.

With KAP, we’re not just treating symptoms. We’re using ketamine as a tool to help you access new perspectives and make lasting changes.