Ketamine-assisted group psychotherapy integrating cognitive processing therapy to address identity-based trauma: a pilot study
Frontiers in Psychiatry January 22, 2026 Jae Sevelius, Rachel Lynn Golden, B. Stott et al. 1 citation
A novel group-based ketamine-assisted psychotherapy program called Kindred, which integrates cognitive processing therapy, was tested with eight transgender and gender-expansive adults. The nine-week intervention alternated ketamine dosing sessions with cognitive skills-building and integration sessions. All participants completed the program and reported high satisfaction. Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and cognitive fusion scores were observed, alongside qualitative reports of decreased shame, suicidality, and internalized transphobia. Participants identified group belonging, peer validation, and shared identity as important therapeutic factors. The findings suggest Kindred is a feasible and promising intervention for addressing mental health symptoms related to identity-based trauma in this population.