Offered via Telehealth: NY, FL, CA + PSYPACT • In-person: Miami + NY
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR combines a low dose of ketamine (called a "psycholytic" dose) with EMDR reprocessing. The ketamine helps quiet habitual thought patterns, soften avoidance, and increase emotional tolerance so you can stay present with difficult material without getting overwhelmed.
The goal isn't to push faster. It's to create conditions where the work feels more accessible and better contained.
What is KA-EMDR ?
This approach can be especially helpful if you feel stuck in patterns that won't shift through insight alone. Maybe you understand what happened, but your body still reacts like the threat is here.
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR may be a good fit if you're dealing with:
Trauma, PTSD, or complex trauma
Depression or persistent shutdown
Anxiety or chronic overwhelm
Avoidance that makes it hard to access emotions in regular EMDR
It can also help if you've tried EMDR before but struggled to stay within your window of tolerance or found yourself too defended to really engage with the material.
Who Can Benefit?
Ketamine can create flexibility in your nervous system and widen your window of tolerance. Many people describe feeling less guarded, more able to observe emotions without drowning in them, and more connected to the process.
When paired with EMDR, trauma-related material can be processed with more steadiness while still honoring your pacing and internal readiness.
Why Combine Ketamine with EMDR?
Dr. Montalvo offers Ketamine Assisted EMDR as a structured process with support before and after the ketamine session. Preparation and integration sessions are scheduled separately to help clients feel grounded, clear, and supported throughout the work.
Preparation Session (50 minutes, telehealth) We assess fit, review informed consent, and create a personalized plan. We'll go over resourcing skills, clarify what you want to work on, and make sure you feel prepared for the ketamine session.
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Session (1.5 to 2 hours, in-person or telehealth) This is the reprocessing session using a low dose of ketamine alongside EMDR. I'm present the entire time to provide structure, grounding, and support, with plenty of time for a thorough closing.
Integration Session (50 minutes, telehealth) A follow-up to process insights, track shifts, and translate the work into daily life. We'll reinforce regulation tools and create a clear plan for ongoing integration.
What is the Structure?
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR isn't appropriate for everyone. We'll do a thorough consultation and assessment to determine safety and fit, including your mental health history, current stability, and any medical considerations.
You'll also need to complete a medical evaluation with a psychiatrist or qualified provider who will determine medical eligibility and prescribe the ketamine if appropriate. The psychiatric evaluation and medication are provided by the prescribing clinician and billed separately from my psychotherapy services
Is it Right for You?
Have Questions ?
If anything here isn't clear, or if you want to talk through whether these approaches might work for you, reach out. I'm happy to answer questions about the process, safety, scheduling, or anything else.