Evaluation
Dr. Francis conducts a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, reviews your treatment history, and determines KAP eligibility during an in-depth consultation.
Counseling and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy in Weston, FL
Deep Healing Through Guided Therapeutic Experience
Session Length:60-120 minutes
Treatment Course:6-12 sessions
Integration Support:Included
Legal Framework:FDA-compliant
When Traditional Therapy Reaches Its Limits
Understanding Treatment Resistance
Many patients in Weston and the greater Broward County area live with depression, PTSD, or chronic anxiety that persists despite years of conventional therapy and multiple medication trials. Nearly one-third of individuals with major depression do not achieve remission with standard antidepressants. This treatment resistance can feel isolating and hopeless, leaving patients questioning whether meaningful recovery is even possible. The emotional toll extends beyond the individual, affecting relationships, careers, and overall quality of life.
Counseling and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy at Refresh TMS represents a paradigm shift in psychiatric care. By combining evidence-based counseling techniques such as CBT and trauma-focused therapy with the neuroplasticity-enhancing effects of ketamine, Dr. Francis creates a therapeutic environment where deep psychological processing becomes possible. Patients often experience breakthroughs in a matter of weeks rather than months, accessing and resolving emotional patterns that previously felt unreachable through talk therapy alone.
What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?
The Science of Ketamine-Enhanced Counseling
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is an integrative treatment model that combines structured psychotherapy with the carefully supervised administration of a psychedelic medicine, most commonly ketamine, to facilitate deeper psychological healing. At Refresh TMS, Dr. Paula-Ann Francis uses ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), which is the only legally available psychedelic-assisted therapy in the United States. Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that physicians may prescribe off-label for psychiatric conditions, and its use in therapeutic settings has been supported by a growing body of clinical evidence.
Unlike standalone ketamine infusions, KAP integrates the medicine session within a comprehensive psychotherapy framework. Ketamine acts on NMDA glutamate receptors in the brain, temporarily enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This heightened state of plasticity creates a therapeutic window during which patients can access and process deeply held emotional material, traumatic memories, and maladaptive thought patterns with reduced psychological defensiveness. The counseling component, which includes preparation sessions before and integration sessions after medicine administration, ensures that insights gained during the experience are translated into lasting behavioral and emotional change.
Treatment Timeline
Preparation Phase
1-2 sessions before first medicine session
Medicine Session
2-3 hours (including observation)
Initial Response
Often within 24-72 hours
Full Course
6-12 sessions over 4-8 weeks
Integration Phase
Ongoing sessions post-treatment
Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Evidence-Based Advantages
- 01
Rapid Symptom Relief
Many patients notice mood improvement within hours to days, not weeks
- 02
Enhanced Neuroplasticity
Ketamine promotes new neural pathway formation for lasting cognitive change
- 03
Deeper Therapeutic Access
Reduced psychological defenses allow processing of previously inaccessible material
- 04
Comprehensive Integration
Structured preparation and follow-up sessions maximize and sustain treatment gains
- 05
Reduced Treatment Fatigue
Shorter treatment courses compared to years of conventional therapy alone
KAP vs Other Treatment Approaches
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time to Effect | Session Length | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy | NMDA modulation + psychotherapy | Hours to days | 2-3 hours | Weeks to months | Rest day recommended | Treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, trauma |
| Individual Therapy (CBT) | Cognitive restructuring | Weeks to months | 45-60 minutes | Long-term | None | Mild-moderate anxiety, depression, behavioral patterns |
| IV Ketamine Therapy | NMDA receptor modulation | Hours to days | 40-60 minutes | 2-3 weeks | Rest day recommended | Acute depression, rapid stabilization, suicidal ideation |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Determining Your Eligibility
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is designed for individuals who have not achieved adequate relief through conventional psychiatric treatments. Dr. Francis conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine whether KAP is appropriate for each patient's unique clinical profile.
Ideal Candidates for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
- Adults 18 and older with treatment-resistant depression (failed two or more antidepressant trials)
- Individuals diagnosed with PTSD or complex trauma who have plateaued in traditional therapy
- Patients with chronic anxiety disorders not adequately managed by medication
- Those experiencing existential distress or end-of-life anxiety
- Individuals motivated to engage in the full preparation-medicine-integration therapeutic process
- Patients in stable physical health with no uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions
Who Should Wait or Avoid Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
- Individuals with active psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder)
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular disease
- Those with a history of ketamine or substance use disorder (requires careful evaluation)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Patients with untreated or unstable thyroid conditions
- Individuals not willing to participate in preparation and integration therapy sessions
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Francis is required before beginning treatment. This ensures patient safety and helps establish realistic treatment expectations.
Your Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Journey
Preparation
Dr. Francis guides you through 1-2 preparatory counseling sessions to establish therapeutic goals, build rapport, and develop coping strategies for the medicine experience.
Medicine Session
In a calming, supervised setting, Dr. Francis administers low-dose ketamine while providing real-time therapeutic support to guide your psychological exploration.
Integration
Within 24-48 hours, Dr. Francis meets with you to process insights, reinforce new perspectives, and translate the experience into lasting behavioral and emotional change.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
What to Know Beforehand
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is administered under the direct supervision of Dr. Paula-Ann Francis, a board-certified psychiatrist, ensuring the highest level of medical safety throughout every session.
Common Side Effects During Treatment
During the medicine session, patients may experience dissociative sensations, mild nausea, dizziness, changes in visual or auditory perception, and elevated blood pressure. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within 1-2 hours after the session concludes. Dr. Francis monitors vital signs throughout the experience.
After Your Session
Some patients report fatigue, mild headache, or emotional sensitivity in the hours following treatment. These are normal responses as the brain processes new neural pathways. Rarely, patients may experience vivid dreams or transient anxiety, which are addressed during integration sessions.
Safety Protocols at Refresh TMS
All KAP sessions include continuous medical monitoring, a private treatment room designed for comfort and safety, and a mandatory post-session observation period. Patients must arrange transportation and are advised to avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making major decisions for at least 12 hours following treatment.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Cost in Weston
Transparent Pricing for Your Care
The cost of counseling and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy at Refresh TMS reflects the comprehensive, physician-supervised nature of this treatment. Each session includes psychiatric oversight, therapeutic counseling, medicine administration, and post-session monitoring.
Typical Pricing
Individual KAP sessions in the Weston, FL area typically range from $500 to $1,200 per session, depending on session length and treatment complexity. A full course of treatment (6-12 sessions) may range from $3,000 to $12,000. Initial psychiatric evaluations are billed separately.
Insurance and Payment
While ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not typically covered by insurance, the counseling component of treatment may be eligible for partial reimbursement depending on your plan. Refresh TMS offers flexible payment options and can provide documentation for out-of-network insurance claims. Contact our office at (754) 216-0840 for a personalized cost estimate.
Value of Integrated Care
Unlike standalone ketamine infusion clinics, Refresh TMS provides a complete therapeutic program. Your investment includes preparation sessions, the medicine experience, integration therapy, and ongoing psychiatric support, all guided by a board-certified psychiatrist.
Why Choose Refresh TMS for KAP
Expert Psychiatric Care in Weston
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Physician-led therapy ensures medical safety and psychiatric expertise throughout
Integrated Treatment Model
Counseling, medicine sessions, and integration therapy in one cohesive program
Personalized Protocols
Every treatment plan is tailored to your diagnosis, history, and goals
Spa-Like Clinical Setting
A calming, luxurious environment designed to support deep therapeutic work
Related Services
Related Treatments
Psychiatry & Therapy
Brain & Mental Health
Wellness & Body Optimization
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy FAQ
Answers to Your Questions
01 Is psychedelic-assisted therapy legal?
Yes. At Refresh TMS, we use ketamine, which is an FDA-approved medication that physicians can prescribe off-label for psychiatric conditions. All treatments are administered legally under the direct supervision of Dr. Paula-Ann Francis, a board-certified psychiatrist.
02 How is KAP different from IV ketamine infusions?
KAP integrates ketamine administration within a structured psychotherapy framework. While IV ketamine focuses on the pharmacological effects alone, KAP includes preparation sessions, guided therapeutic support during the medicine experience, and integration sessions afterward to maximize and sustain psychological benefits.
03 How many sessions will I need?
Most patients complete 6-12 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Dr. Francis designs an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, severity, and response to initial sessions. Some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions afterward.
04 Will I be conscious during the medicine session?
Yes. KAP uses sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine, meaning you remain conscious but may experience altered perception, a dreamlike state, or mild dissociation. Dr. Francis provides therapeutic guidance throughout the experience.
05 Can I drive myself home after a session?
No. You must arrange for a companion to drive you home after every medicine session. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 12 hours following treatment.
06 Does insurance cover psychedelic-assisted therapy?
The ketamine component is typically not covered by insurance. However, the counseling sessions may be eligible for partial reimbursement depending on your plan. Our team can provide documentation for out-of-network claims.
07 What conditions does KAP treat?
KAP is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, complex trauma, chronic anxiety, and existential distress. Dr. Francis evaluates each patient individually to determine whether KAP is the most appropriate treatment approach.
08 Is psychedelic-assisted therapy safe?
When administered by a board-certified psychiatrist in a controlled clinical setting, KAP has a well-established safety profile. Dr. Francis monitors vital signs throughout every session and maintains rigorous safety protocols at Refresh TMS.
Location17110 Royal Palm Blvd, Suite 1
Weston, FL, 33326
Weston, FL, 33326
Phone(754) 216-0840
Schedule Your Counseling and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 31612207) - Dore J, et al. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2019;51(2):189-198. Demonstrated significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms with KAP across multiple clinical sites.
- PubMed (PMID: 28111677) - Wilkinson ST, et al. The Effect of a Single Dose of Intravenous Ketamine on Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 2018;175(2):150-158. Found ketamine rapidly reduced suicidal ideation within 24 hours across multiple controlled trials.
- PubMed (PMID: 30153250) - Krystal JH, et al. Ketamine: A Paradigm Shift for Depression Research and Treatment. Neuron. 2019;101(5):774-778. Reviewed ketamine's mechanism of action via NMDA receptor modulation and its role in rapidly restoring synaptic connections.
- PubMed (PMID: 34897709) - Walsh Z, et al. Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review. BJPsych Open. 2022;8(1):e19. Systematic review supporting ketamine's efficacy across depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
- PubMed (PMID: 33979490) - Feder A, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Repeated Ketamine Administration for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2021;178(2):193-202. Demonstrated repeated ketamine infusions significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity compared to midazolam control.