Ketamine therapy involves using sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine to treat various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. It is administered under the supervision of our skilled healthcare providers.

Ketamine works by affecting the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation. It promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), offering relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders when other treatments have been ineffective.

When administered by trained professionals in a clinical setting, ketamine therapy is very safe. During a ketamine infusion patients may experience side effects such as increased blood pressure, nausea, or disorientation during the session. All of these potential side effects are easily managed.

Ketamine therapy is primarily used to treat:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome)
• Bipolar disorder (in some cases)
• Suicidal thoughts (as a rapid intervention)

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion – The most common method.
• Intramuscular (IM) injection – A less common method.
• Nasal spray (Spravato) – A version approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression.

A typical ketamine infusion session lasts between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the individual and the type of treatment. For nasal spray treatments, the session usually lasts around 2 hours.

During a session, you will be monitored closely by medical staff. You may experience a sense of dissociation or altered perception. Some people report vivid visual experiences or a feeling of floating. After the session, you may feel groggy but are typically able to return to normal activities shortly after.

Our Mood Series (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD) consists of 6 sessions over the course of 2 – 3 weeks, alternating 1-hour and 2-hour infusions.  Our Pain Series (Chronic Pain, CRPS, Fibromyalgia and more) consists of 6 infusions over 2 – 3 weeks, alternating 2-hour and 3-hour infusions. Each patient receives an individual treatment program, after evaluation by our very experienced practitioners.

Some patients report feeling improvement after the first session, especially in terms of mood. However, full effects may take several sessions. Usually by the third or fourth infusion patients begin to see benefits.

Ketamine therapy has some potential side effects, including:

• Dissociation or out-of-body sensations
• Nausea
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Dizziness or headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Fatigue or grogginess after the session

These side effects are easily treated during a treatment session, are usually short-lived and resolve quickly after an infusion.

Ideal candidates are those with treatment-resistant conditions, meaning they have not responded to other traditional treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Ketamine therapy is often not covered by most insurance plans, as it is considered an off-label treatment. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of ketamine treatment for specific conditions, such as chronic pain, but this varies by plan. Many insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the cost of ketamine treatment.  Check with your provider to understand the coverage details.  We are happy to provide you with invoices for submission to your insurance company.

No, it’s recommended that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery immediately after a ketamine session. You need to arrange for someone to take you home, as you may feel disoriented or groggy.  Uber, Lyft and taxi rides are also an option.

The benefits of ketamine therapy are unique to each individual.  The immediate effects of a ketamine session may last a few hours, but its therapeutic effects (such as mood improvement) can last much longer—anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the individual. Some patients experience long-term relief, while others may need follow-up sessions for maintenance.

When used as part of a well-monitored treatment plan, ketamine therapy is not addictive. It is important to receive treatment from a licensed healthcare provider in a controlled setting.