The Catalyst Center

The Catalyst Center is a mental health practice in Denver, Colorado, run by trauma specialists, that offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) alongside therapy, EMDR, psychological assessment and integrative psychiatry. Its team includes psychologists, therapists and psychiatric providers, and it describes itself as LGBTQ+ affirming and neurodivergent-inclusive.

Approach

After a review of each case, the KAP team suggests one of several tracks: high-dose psychedelic intensives, low-dose psycholytic sessions that often fold in EMDR or IFS, or group ketamine therapy. Clients have two preparation sessions with their therapist first. Each ketamine session takes place on site and lasts about two hours, of which roughly 45 to 70 minutes are under the medicine, with the therapist and medical staff present throughout. The centre usually suggests four to six sessions to begin with, each followed by an integration session the next day, and coordinates with a client’s own psychiatrist, doctor or therapist.

Who it is for

The centre says many KAP clients come after years of therapy or medication that did not shift anxiety, depression, trauma or numbness, and some after ketamine infusions without therapeutic support. It also works with couples, families, men’s mental health, postpartum and eating disorder recovery.

Practical details

The practice is private pay and does not bill insurance, but provides superbills for out-of-network claims. Individual therapy costs $175 to $235 depending on scholarship need, couple or family sessions $255 and the KAP medical intake $350, and scholarships are available for all services.

Care and safety

KAP begins with a free introductory call and a medical intake with Adrienne Long, PMHNP-BC, the practice’s psychiatric nurse practitioner, who screens each client. Clients are never alone in a session, as a KAP therapist or a trained assistant stays with them from start to finish.