Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Specialist in St Thomas, USVI

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) uniquely integrates the rapid-acting effects of ketamine, a medication with proven antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties, with the healing power of psychotherapy in a safe, structured, and compassionate environment.

KAP at our practice involves a collaborative approach between our medical and mental health experts. Before beginning treatment, you will engage in thorough preparation sessions with your dedicated therapist. These sessions help you set intentions, understand the process, and establish a supportive therapeutic relationship—essential elements for a holistic healing journey.

During the ketamine session itself, you’ll receive a carefully tailored dose based on your unique needs and our clinical assessment. Throughout your experience, our team ensures your comfort and safety, guiding you through the altered state of consciousness that ketamine can induce. This state often allows clients to access deeper emotions and insights, supporting breakthroughs that may be more difficult to achieve in traditional talk therapy alone.

Integrative Healing and Support
After your ketamine session, integration therapy plays a central role in our holistic model. Our therapists work with you to process your experiences, connect them to your life story, and translate new insights into meaningful changes. We believe that healing is not just about symptom relief, but about fostering growth, self-understanding, and resilience.

Research suggests ketamine may enhance neuroplasticity, making your brain more adaptable and responsive to change. By combining ketamine with psychotherapy, we create an optimal environment for healing, particularly for individuals facing depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health concerns that have not fully responded to conventional treatments.

Ideal candidates for KAP at our practice are those who have explored multiple medications or traditional psychotherapies without achieving desired results. Because we focus on holistic wellness, we carefully assess each individual’s overall physical and emotional health to ensure KAP is both safe and appropriate. Generally, candidates should be in stable physical health and not have medical conditions—such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant heart issues, or serious liver disease—that might complicate ketamine treatment.

For your safety, individuals with a history of psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) or active substance use disorders may not be suitable for KAP, as ketamine can sometimes worsen these conditions. Our team will conduct a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine your eligibility.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit. KAP is not just about the medicine—it’s about engaging actively in the therapeutic process. Your commitment to psychotherapy and willingness to explore your inner world are vital to achieving lasting benefits from KAP.

ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a valuable adjunct to traditional therapies for individuals struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Ketamine distinguishes itself from traditional antidepressant medications by working through the brain’s glutamate system, rather than serotonin or norepinephrine pathways. As an NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine rapidly increases glutamate availability and stimulates neuroplasticity—the brain’s natural ability to form new neural connections. This unique mechanism can accelerate healing, making the mind more receptive to positive change and growth.

In the context of our holistic approach, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not just about symptom relief; it’s about creating an environment where deeper healing can occur. During KAP sessions, many patients experience a temporary reduction in psychological defenses, greater emotional openness, and enhanced self-compassion. This state can facilitate the safe exploration of traumatic memories, core beliefs, and emotional pain—allowing individuals to process difficult experiences that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Ketamine’s rapid-acting antidepressant effects can be especially helpful for those suffering from severe symptoms, such as hopelessness or suicidal thoughts. By alleviating these barriers, patients are often better able to engage in meaningful therapeutic work, fostering lasting transformation and greater well-being.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, our experienced clinicians are trained in both the safe medical administration of ketamine and in integrative psychotherapy. We carefully assess each patient’s needs, ensuring that ketamine-assisted therapy is provided as part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging therapeutic approach that combines the rapid-acting antidepressant effects of ketamine with the supportive environment of psychotherapy. This unique integration aligns with our holistic philosophy: supporting not only symptom relief, but also deeper healing and personal growth. Our experienced team carefully guides each patient through the process, ensuring safety, compassion, and individualized attention throughout every step.

Who Can Benefit from KAP at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry?

• Treatment-Resistant Depression: For clients who have struggled to find relief with standard medications or talk therapy, KAP offers new hope. Many individuals experience significant improvements in mood, energy, and overall functioning, empowering them to re-engage with life and wellness.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): KAP can facilitate gentle exploration and processing of traumatic memories. By leveraging ketamine’s dissociative effects in a supportive therapeutic setting, patients often find it easier to reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing.
• Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: If you are living with persistent anxiety, social fears, or cycles of obsessive thinking, KAP may help disrupt these patterns. Our integrated approach supports both immediate symptom relief and the development of long-term coping skills.
• Substance Use Disorders: For those facing challenges with cravings or relapse, KAP can offer a renewed sense of perspective and motivation, addressing both the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.

For those exploring Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), choosing a provider with deep expertise and an integrated medical background is essential for safety and efficacy.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, KAP is led by Founder Dr. Laurie McCormick, MD, DFAPA, who is a specialist in this advanced modality. Dr. McCormick is certified in Psychedelic-Assisted and Ketamine Therapy and has been facilitating KAP for over five years. Her expertise extends beyond medication: as an Integrative/Holistic Psychiatrist and Functional Medicine-certified Family Physician, she views KAP not as a standalone solution, but as a catalyst to address the root causes of mental illness. Dr. McCormick also provides workshops to train other therapists and providers in KAP, highlighting the clinic’s position as a leader in innovative, comprehensive healing.

Before starting KAP, our psychiatric specialists conduct a comprehensive assessment to ensure that this approach is appropriate for your unique needs and wellness goals. Throughout your journey, we monitor your progress closely, combining medical expertise with compassionate care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 9150 Estate Thomas, Suite 206 St. Thomas 00802. We serve patients from St Thomas USVI, Charlotte Amalie USVI, Smith Bay USVI, Northside USVI, East End USVI, John Oley USVI, and surrounding areas.