Ketamine medication is delivered intravenously (through an IV) in a very low dose over a 30 to 40-minute period. The medication works directly on the awareness cortex of the brain to cause a patient to experience mild dissociation from the surrounding environment. Ketamine interacts with and modulates the action of multiple brain receptors.

Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist meaning it blocks activation of these receptors using a chemical called glutamate. This process decreases firing of neurons within the brain which is thought to prevent overstimulation that can lead to some disease processes. Inhibition of the NMDA receptor can lead to feelings of euphoria and can inhibit negative feelings, such as pain. While not entirely understood, this is thought to be the mechanism behind why this medication is effective against a variety of disorders.

While ketamine has been most closely studied in patients with depression, it is thought to be effective in treating anxiety or panic disorders, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain and pain disorders, fibromyalgia, migraines, suicidal ideation, and even addiction disorders.

Many negative mental and physical health problems stem from maladaptive behavioral habits caused by deeper symptoms of depression. There are theories that ketamine infusion therapy can help with the underlying symptoms that exacerbate problems such as drug addiction, narcotic addiction, alcohol addiction, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

Ketamine is also thought to be an opioid receptor antagonist. By stimulating the neurons that decrease the perception of pain, patients may be able to decrease or completely eliminate their intake of harmful opioid medications.

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that received FDA approval in 1970 for anesthesia and, later, for treatment of pain. The FDA approved the ketamine nasal spray, Spravato®, to treat depression under the supervision of a physician. A physician may use their discretion to use IV ketamine off-label to treat depression and other disorders.

Studies performed to evaluate the efficacy of ketamine administration for treatment of depression have widely ranged in modality including oral ingestion, intranasal spray, intramuscular injection, and intravenous or IV infusion. Over the years, it has become very clear that intravenous or IV infusions lead to higher success rates in reversal of depression symptoms as compared to patients using other methods of administration.

Studies of ketamine used to treat depression have shown that it is an effective treatment used without additional medications (monotherapy), and also when it is used in addition to a patient's previously prescribed psychiatric medications. Most initial studies of ketamine for treatment of depression were performed on patients who had failed to respond to numerous other treatments like pharmaceuticals and talk therapy.

Read more about the different studies on our Science Page.

We have compiled many scientific publications, clinical trial information, and news stories about Ketamine therapies to help you be as informed as possible. You can find all of these on our Science Page.

Ketamine Infusion therapy is safe, effective and the benefits are long-lasting. Ketamine is an anesthetic that received FDA approval in 1970 and is commonly used in hospitals worldwide.

All patients will undergo a phone consultation and a physical to screen for possible underlying health conditions.

During the treatment session, the physician is continually monitoring each patient’s heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

Important Note:

Patients with a history of psychotic mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar with psychotic mania, and/or a history of drug induced psychosis should take extreme caution when considering ketamine or other psychedelic therapies as they can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and lead to worsening of the disorder.

It is important that you understand the risks of undergoing ketamine infusion therapy based on your physical and mental health. Do not take part in ketamine infusion therapy treatment if you have or experience any of the following: brain mass, brain aneurysm, hydrocephalus, prior history of adverse reaction to anesthesia, history of allergy or adverse reaction to ketamine administration, decompensated congestive heart failure, unstable angina, recent heart attack or other severe cardiac illnesses, uncontrolled blood pressure, untreated glaucoma, untreated hypothyroidism, pregnancy, breastfeeding, current drug or alcohol intoxication, psychosis or agitation.

Rare side effects may include delirious emergent reaction, respiratory suppression, severe hypertension, or bladder inflammation.

In rare cases during the treatment, patients may experience mild nausea or anxiety for which medications can be provided to inhibit these symptoms. The infusion can easily be stopped or slowed leading to a rapid reversal of associated symptoms.

Patients may experience mild dissociation and sensitivity within 24 hours after the infusion. It is recommended to avoid stressful or over-stimulating situations and environments.

Due to psychoactive and dissociative effects ketamine can be abused recreationally. There are no reported cases of development of ketamine addiction or withdrawal symptoms following the regimented infusion protocols performed under physician supervision. The therapy is proven to be safe and effective with virtually no lasting side effects.

During the infusion, patients often report experiencing a gradual onset of deep relaxation with mild dissociative symptoms. While fully conscious for the entirety of the procedure, many describe feelings of mental clarity, deep introspection and inquisitiveness. It is possible for patients to experience psychedelic tactile and visual sensations.

Some patients report immediate relief of symptoms after just one session while others have a more gradual onset of improvement in depressive symptoms over the course of several infusions. It is recommended to complete a full course of infusions to achieve the maximum effectiveness of the treatment.

For many patients, the benefits of a course of ketamine infusion therapy can last months or years. To increase the longevity of the effects, we encourage patients to integrate their experiences with other daily activities for improving mental health. These include exercising at tolerated levels, eating a healthy diet, connecting with friends and family, and using other mental health resources including therapy, meditation, and outpatient psychiatry follow-up.

You should be able to continue your normal course of medication depending on the type of medicine. During your consultation, you will need to disclose all medications you are currently taking to our physician as well as any other medical conditions you might have.

The common course of treatment consists of six sessions over the course of three to six weeks. Our doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. All sessions in a treatment plan must be used within 10 weeks of beginning the first session.

A treatment plan including six Infusion treatments typically costs about $3,600, but can vary depending on the treatment plan you and the doctor decide on.

Some individuals may only need a few treatments. We also offer the opportunity to purchase sessions as you need them for a maintenance plan after a treatment series is completed. It is not possible to purchase only a single treatment. Efficacy is not proven to be as significant or lasting when the ketamine infusion is not administered in series. There are few clinical indications for single treatments, though often in conjunction with initiation of more mainstream oral depression pharmaceutical treatment.

We offer booster or maintenance treatments. A booster is equivalent to a full treatment session. Boosters are only for patients that have completed a treatment plan as recommended by the doctor through our providers. Not applicable for individuals who have received infusion treatments with other providers.

The consultation with our physician is completely free of charge. Don’t wait any longer and contact us today.

During the consultation, our physician will assess your current mood and depression symptoms as well as understand your medical and psychiatric history. You will need to disclose all current medications you are taking as well as any medications you have taken for depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions.

If you prefer, we can contact your psychiatrist or therapist to gather a deeper understanding of your medical history to be able to provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

The common course of treatment consists of six sessions over the course of two to three weeks. Our doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Some patients will need a “booster” after a few months to maintain the benefits of the treatment.

Most insurance policies do not cover the cost of Ketamine Infusion Therapy. Contact us about financing options available. We accept all major credit cards, Care Credit, Advanced Care Card, FSA and HSA debit cards.

No, it is not necessary to have a referral from your primary care physician or psychiatrist. That being said, our physician will request consent to contact your current physician or psychiatric treatment team to ensure that we are all working together to provide you with the best care.

Ketamine infusion therapy is delivered intravenously during six 1-hour treatments sessions over the course of two to three weeks. Some patients may prefer a more protracted treatment plan of weekly infusions over six weeks. Our doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

The dosage administered is based on the weight of the patient.

No, we do not recommend that you drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, perform any dangerous or strenuous activities, sign important documents or make important decisions for 24 to 48 hours after your infusion session.

We will give you a comprehensive guide on what to expect with your therapy session. On the day before your treatment, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. Try to avoid caffeine or eating anything larger than a small snack six hours prior to your session. Three hours prior to your infusion, do not eat or drink anything.

You want to create a relaxing environment for yourself. We will provide noise canceling headphones with peaceful music or you can bring your own playlist. Avoid reading books, watching movies, or playing video games during the session.

Patients may experience mild dissociation and sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours after the infusion. It is recommended to avoid stressful or over-stimulating situations and environments.