Exploring the Potential of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Conversation with Dr. Daniel Zimmerman

Jackie Ourman
Aug 1
4 min read

Updated: Sep 2

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining more attention in the mental health world. Many people are starting to ask whether it could be a supportive tool in their healing process. I’ve been curious myself, so I recently had a conversation with Dr. Daniel Zimmerman, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and the founder of Acheron, a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy practice in New York City.

This Q&A isn’t meant to recommend ketamine therapy. Instead, it offers a window into what it is, why it’s gaining traction, and how it’s practiced at a high level. Dr. Zimmerman and I share a commitment to trauma-informed care and depth-oriented psychotherapy. I was genuinely moved by his passion for this work. He was generous in sharing his story, his clinical approach, and his insights into what makes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy so unique.

Understanding Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a novel approach that combines the use of ketamine with traditional psychotherapy. This method aims to enhance the therapeutic experience and facilitate deeper emotional healing. The process allows individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Ketamine

Ketamine can quiet the usual mental chatter and allow access to parts of the mind that are typically out of reach. People often describe feeling more connected to themselves, to others, or even to something bigger than themselves. There can be a sense of letting go or observing from a new vantage point.

The experience is highly individual. Some describe an emotional release, while others report greater clarity or insight. Common effects include feelings of spaciousness, softened defenses, and, in some cases, relief from long-held emotional or physical tension. However, these journeys are not always light or easy. This is why the therapeutic relationship and integration work matter so much.

A Deeper Look into Acheron's Care Model

The Holistic Approach at Acheron

At Acheron, we see medicine as one part of a broader process. We don’t rely on ketamine to do the heavy lifting on its own. Instead, we combine it with psychodynamic psychotherapy. The meaning that surfaces during the experience is just as important as the experience itself.

We help clients prepare for their journey, sit with them as needed, and guide them through integration afterward. We pay attention to the unconscious material that emerges, shifts in perception, and core beliefs that might be ready for transformation. Our goal is always healing with depth and intention.

Preparing for the Journey

Preparation is crucial for a successful ketamine therapy experience. Clients are encouraged to engage in discussions about their goals and expectations. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of safety and trust, allowing for a more profound therapeutic experience.

Research and Evidence Supporting KAP

Current Research Findings

The field of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is still evolving. However, growing evidence supports the use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Some clinical trials have shown significant improvement in depressive symptoms and reductions in suicidal ideation, especially when combined with psychotherapy.

Organizations like MAPS and academic centers such as Yale, Johns Hopkins, and Mount Sinai have been publishing research in this area. This body of work continues to shed light on the potential benefits of KAP.

The Importance of a Therapeutic Relationship

Of course, no treatment is right for everyone. Ketamine does have potential side effects. A thorough screening process and an ongoing therapeutic relationship are essential. People considering this work should be fully informed and feel empowered to ask questions and take time before making any decisions.

Personal Insights from Dr. Zimmerman

The Journey to Acheron

Q: Dr. Zimmerman, what led you to this work and the creation of Acheron?

Dr. Zimmerman: I’ve been practicing psychiatry for more than a decade. In 2020, I attended a conference where I was introduced to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Something clicked. At the time, I felt disheartened by how routine and mechanized psychiatric care had become. KAP offered a renewed sense of purpose. It helped me reconnect with why I went into this field: to be part of real, meaningful transformation.

That conference was a turning point. I began building Acheron shortly after and have been focused on this work ever since. The practice has grown rapidly, and I’ve been deeply inspired by what I’ve witnessed in clients who engage in this kind of therapy with support, structure, and care.

The Experience of Ketamine Therapy

Q: For someone new to the concept, how would you describe what ketamine therapy actually feels like?

Dr. Zimmerman: Ketamine can quiet the usual mental chatter and allow access to parts of the mind that are typically out of reach. People often describe feeling more connected to themselves, to others, or even to something bigger than themselves. There can be a sense of letting go or observing from a new vantage point.

The experience is highly individual. Some describe an emotional release, while others report greater clarity or insight. Common effects include feelings of spaciousness, softened defenses, and, in some cases, relief from long-held emotional or physical tension. That said, these journeys are not always light or easy, which is why the therapeutic relationship and integration work matter so much.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or just want to understand your options better, I encourage you to reach out to Acheron directly. As part of our collaboration, referrals from my practice are eligible for a discounted consultation rate.

Visit Acheron to learn more, or contact their office to ask questions, explore next steps, and decide whether this is something worth pursuing further.

Please note: Psychedelic medicine is not a fit for everyone. Like all treatments, it comes with risks and possible side effects. Always speak with a qualified medical provider before making decisions about care.