Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in Denver
Innovative Healing for LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Allies
We are now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), innovative healing care for our queer and trans community (allies too)! At Rooted Acorn Counseling, we’re committed to providing cutting-edge, compassionate care to support your journey of healing and self-discovery.
What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (also called "KAP") combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine with traditional psychotherapy to create a powerful tool for mental health treatment. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with a long history of safe use in medical operating rooms. Common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidal ideation have demonstrated positive outcomes when using ketamine.
Why choose Rooted Acorn for your KAP journey?
Ketamine-assisted therapy at Rooted Acorn Counseling is culturally-informed, queer- and trans-informed, and trauma-informed. Our compassionate approach creates a real relationship, where our therapists deeply care about your individual healing, as well as the big picture healing of our queer and trans community.
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Ketamine-assisted therapy at Rooted Acorn Counseling is queer- and trans-informed. Our compassionate approach leads with cultural humility. We center the creation of a real relationship, where our therapists deeply care about your individual healing.
For most queer and trans individuals our identities can be a source of pain and hurt. In the psychological sciences and in the mental health field there has historically been a lack of safety. Things such as conversion therapy and heterocentrism have caused harms and continue to cause harms. Too many trans and queer folks have experienced efforts to change sexual orientation and gender. As informed members of the queer and trans community, we will partner with you to create an accepting and open space for all parts of yourself. We believe the first step in ketamine therapy is creating a trusting and safe (or safe as possible) relationship.
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Our team offers 20+ years of cumulative experience providing inclusive and queer and trans affirming therapy services for individuals and for partners and couples. We are trained by the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI), and we are participating in ongoing training and consultation in psychedelic medicine and therapy.
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At Rooted Acorn Counseling our approach to KAP is influenced by principals of interconnectedness. Personal transformation and healing has a healing impact on the mind, body, and spirit. We believe ketamine and all psychedelics can be powerful tools for the healing of connections with self, body, and community. It can reconnect us to those things most sacred in this life. This healing has the potential to reconnect individuals to an experience of being a whole human in the world. We believe what is healing for the whole self, is also healing for our larger community and world.
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Choose from online appointments or in-person sessions at our Denver office, depending on your preference. *
*Ketamine medicine sessions are only offered in-person at our Denver office.
The ketamine treatment process
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2. Intake Session
Once you choose a provider, you’ll schedule an initial evaluation to further discuss your situation and make a customized treatment plan.
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3. Preparation Sessions
You’ll work with your therapist to set intentions and prepare you for the KAP experience.
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4. Ketamine Sessions
Guided, therapeutic experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
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5. Integration Sessions
Follow-up therapy to help you process and integrate your experiences.
Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy right for you?
Choosing the right mental health treatment method for you is a highly personalized choice. We recommend doing a bit of research and reaching out to various therapists to find the best fit for you.
With that said, KAP may be beneficial if you're experiencing:
Treatment-resistant major depressive disorder
PTSD or trauma-related issues
Existential anxiety or identity-related challenges
Relationship stress or conflict
Grief and loss
Feelings of inadequacy or struggles with self-worth
Burnout
Experiencing other mental health conditions or still unsure whether you'd like to explore KAP? Request a free consultation and we can talk more about your options. As a reminder, we do not prescribe medications. We will work with you to provide referrals for psychiatric providers who prescribe ketamine. Contact us for an intro consultation call to see if KAP is a good therapy option for you.
Meet our Denver Therapist Trained in KAP
Sharon F. Hester, MA, LPC, LAC (she/her)
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addictions Counselor
Training:
Certificate from Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) - Ketamine and Psychedelic Medicine, Spring 2025
Certificate from The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines - Queering Psychedelics: Intersectionality, Healing, Spirituality and Liberation, Summer/Fall, 2025
Specialties: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), queer- and- trans affirming therapy
Location: In-person and virtual
FAQs about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
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Studies show that ketamine treatments may be especially helpful for people with severe depression that hasn't responded well to other, more traditional treatments.
While more research is needed to explore exactly which other mental health conditions may benefit from ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, early studies suggest that it may be helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance abuse disorders.
Early research also suggests that ketamine may be a helpful treatment for other conditions as well, including chronic pain.
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Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and ketamine infusions are two different approaches to using ketamine for mental health treatment:
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): This is what we offer at Rooted Acorn Counseling. KAP combines ketamine with traditional talk therapy. You self-administer ketamine in a therapeutic setting with one of our trained KAP therapists present, who guides you through the experience and helps you process and integrate your insights. The focus is on psychological healing and personal growth.
Ketamine Infusions: These are typically administered in a medical setting, typically by psychiatric nurse practitioners or other medical providers, usually without a therapy component. The focus is primarily on the physiological effects of ketamine to alleviate symptoms, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. While effective for some, this approach doesn't include the guided therapeutic work that can enhance and extend the benefits of ketamine.
We believe in the power of combining ketamine with therapy to provide a more comprehensive and potentially longer-lasting approach to healing and personal growth. Plus, studies suggest that integrating ketamine treatment and talk therapy can maximize the benefits.
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Yes, ketamine treatment is generally safe for most people. Before being used in a therapeutic setting, ketamine has been used for decades as a surgical drug and is featured on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.
Some people experience mild, temporary side effects with treatment, such as nausea, dizziness, or changes in perception. We'll be with you through the session to monitor, and we work closely with you before treatment starts to identify any factors that may indicate KAP isn't a good fit.
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Ketamine psychotherapy can be highly effective in people struggling with severe and persistent mental health symptoms, as well as those who are interested in non-traditional healing methods.
At the same time, it might not be the right fit for everyone. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting ketamine psychotherapy if you've experienced any of the following:
High blood pressure
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
History of psychotic symptoms
History of substance abuse related to psychedelics
If ketamine-assisted psychotherapy isn't for you, please note that our experienced therapists are trained in several other treatments to support you on your healing journey.
Unlock a new way to heal with ketamine psychotherapy in Denver.
If you're ready to try a novel approach to mental health treatment, KAP could be a great option. We’re excited to offer this service!
If you are not interesting in KAP, we are still here to support you in unlocking your healing potential and getting support toward reaching your goals. Connect with us today to learn more about our other therapy offerings.