Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Retreat in Malta
Three weeks of online preparation, a one-week retreat in Malta, and three weeks of online integration.
Who you will meet
The same three clinicians are with you for your whole week in Malta.
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Dr Christopher Gauci
Medical lead
Licensed and practising anaesthetist and intensive care specialist. Hospital experience in Malta and the United Kingdom. Teaches cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Dr Peter Muscat
Lead psychiatrist
Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, thirty-five years in psychiatry. Trained and worked in the UK, then Consultant Psychiatrist at Mount Carmel hospital for ten years. Former Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Malta and past member of the Medical Council.
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Audra Micallef
Chief psychotherapist
Warranted psychotherapist, twenty years in practice. Leads therapeutic groups and retreats, and supervises other therapists.
A 7-week programme: 6 weeks from the comfort of your home, and 1 week at our Malta retreat.
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Assessment stage
Prior to commencing treatment, the medical team undertakes a thorough medical and psychiatric assessment to ensure the best possible outcome.
The KAP service team takes an individually tailored approach to your care, addressing your unique needs and concerns. Assessment is an important step in determining if therapy is right for you.
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Preparation with psychotherapist
Our programme includes a 3-week online preparation phase with a licensed psychotherapist.
This phase is designed to help us understand your goals and challenges so that we can provide the best possible treatment.
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Tranquil Retreat in Malta
In our villa you’ll receive 3-4 ketamine treatments with the guidance of the experienced and caring team of qualified professionals, including a psychotherapist who will work with you throughout the process.
Our programme also includes a range of additional holistic therapies and activities to complement the ketamine treatment, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices.
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Integration Sessions
for Lasting ResultsOur programme includes three weeks of integration online sessions with a psychotherapist to help you reflect on your experiences during the retreat and take the final steps towards feeling better.
These sessions will provide a supportive environment for you to discuss any lingering questions or concerns, process any emotions that may arise, and develop a plan for moving forward with your newfound insights.
Four ways people come to Malta
All four are run by the same clinical team. Pick the closest one, nothing is fixed until you speak to our doctors.
The seven-week programme
One week on the island, held either side by the work that makes it stick.
- 01Three weeks of preparation, by video
- 02Three or four medically supervised ketamine sessions
- 03Four guests in the house, no more
- 04Three weeks of integration with your therapist
Or, if a full week away is not possible
What you can verify about us
Everything here can be checked without asking us. If something you need is missing, say so on the call and we’ll send it.
Learn more
What comes up on the first call, in the order it comes up
Am I a candidate for this programme?
The programme is for people with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, burnout and some substance-use disorders. The medical screening decides whether it fits you, not this page, and it happens before you pay anything.
What happens if I do not pass the medical screening?
We tell you why, and where else to look. Some psychiatric and heart conditions make ketamine unsafe, and that isn’t something we can work around.
What does it cost?
The full six-week programme is the main format. There are shorter options for people who need the medical part without the retreat week. Which one fits depends on the screening, so we talk about cost on the call rather than putting a single figure on this page.
Who is with me during a ketamine session?
A doctor and a nurse are in the room for every ketamine session, and a psychotherapist works with you before and after it. The same people stay with you for the whole week.
Can I take part while I am on antidepressants?
Often yes, and it depends on which medication and at what dose. This is one of the first things the medical team checks. Don’t stop anything before you speak to us.
What happens if something goes wrong medically?
Ketamine sessions are run by an anaesthetist and intensive care specialist with nursing staff present.
How soon can I come?
Preparation takes three weeks, so the earliest retreat week is about a month after screening. Retreat weeks run with four guests at most, so there are four spaces a week.
A 15-minute introductory call with the HIVE BIO concierge team
We answer your questions about the programmes, the villa and how the week runs, and explain what the medical assessment involves.
- You speak to the concierge team, who arrange everything around your stay
- Your medical history is discussed only with Dr Muscat and Dr Gauci, at the assessment stage
- Whether the programme suits you is decided at the medical assessment with Dr Muscat and Dr Gauci, not on this call
- We talk about cost here, because it depends on what you need
The house on the island
Traditional Maltese stone in San Lawrenz, with room for four guests and the clinical team. Meals are cooked on site by a dedicated chef.
- Five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom
- Open courtyard and a living room with a fireplace
- Dining room with a private kitchen and a dedicated chef
- Swimming pool and an outdoor area facing the sunset
- Hot jacuzzis, an ice bath and a sound bath dome
- Olive garden and a bonfire zone
Our story
We develop next-generation mental health care protocols and the tools needed to deliver safer access to life-changing therapies for the millions who need them.
We are opening a network of clinics using ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.