Ketamine therapy refers to the use of ketamine for treating mental health conditions, particularly depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, ketamine can often produce rapid improvements in mood, sometimes within hours.

The therapy typically involves a healthcare provider administering ketamine in a controlled environment. Sessions are usually short, and patients are monitored for side effects.

Ketamine can be used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and even chronic migraines that impact quality of life and cause emotional distress. Ketamine, in its various forms, has been shown to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects and can be effective for treatment-resistant cases where other medications have not worked. Here’s how each form can help:

1. Nasal ketamine (compounded, not approved by insurance)

• Potential Benefits: Nasal ketamine has also been used off-label for other conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and migraines. The nasal form allows for rapid absorption, providing quick relief for symptoms.

• Effectiveness: Multiple studies have indicated that nasal ketamine, including compounded versions, can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The fast-acting nature of ketamine, compared to traditional antidepressants, makes it an appealing option.

• Advantages: Non-invasive and often less intimidating than injections.

2. Oral ketamine

• Uses: Oral ketamine is used off-label to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and in some cases, chronic migraines.
• Effectiveness: While absorption is slower than nasal or injection forms, oral ketamine can still provide significant symptom relief, especially in patients with mood disorders.
• Suitability: It can be an option for at-home therapy, making it more accessible for ongoing care, though it may require more careful monitoring due to slower onset.

Migraines and Mental Health

• Chronic migraines are known to cause emotional distress, which can lead to or worsen conditions like depression and anxiety. Ketamine’s mechanism of action not only helps alleviate depressive symptoms but can also reduce migraine severity and frequency, improving overall quality of life.

Targeting the glutamate system instead of serotonin receptors, ketamine therapy differs from traditional treatments because it repairs neural damage in the brain, allowing for new neural connections to form.

Research suggests that ketamine therapy may work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting neural plasticity, and providing a dissociative experience that can help patients process emotions.

While many people report significant benefits, ketamine therapy is still being studied, and it’s important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits.

Ketamine therapy is effective in over 70% of patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

Administered by a medical professional, ketamine infusion therapy helps patients to reclaim their lives and live pain-free.

Ketamine can produce significant relief from symptoms after administration, but the response time is individually based. If you have any side effects at all, they usually subside by the end of the treatment session.

Tranquil Healing Environment for Your Spravato or ketamine Treatment

At our clinic, we aim to make your Spravato or ketamine treatment as comfortable and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your session:

• Tranquil Environment: Our treatment space features soft lighting, tranquil music, and natural decor to create a calming atmosphere.
• Private, Clean and Relaxing Spaces: Each treatment area is separated by privacy dividers, offering you a sense of personal space during your session.
• Comfort Amenities: We provide noise-canceling headphones, a cozy blanket, and masks to help you relax fully during your treatment.
• Private Room Option: For those who prefer more privacy, we offer one private room, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to day time hours, we offer extended hours to accommodate those with other obligations who still need this level of care and support.

Ketamine therapy have a range of side effects, which can vary depending on the dosage and method of administration. Common side effects include:

1. Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from reality or oneself, which can be distressing for some people.

2. Dizziness: A sense of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

3. Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset.

4. Increased Blood Pressure: Ketamine can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure and heart rate.

5. Visual Disturbances: Changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision.

6. Confusion: Some patients may feel confused or disoriented during or after treatment.

7. Sedation: A feeling of drowsiness or sleepiness.

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

• Hallucinations: Distorted perceptions of reality.

• Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible, leading to symptoms like rash or difficulty breathing.

• Urinary Issues: Long-term use can lead to bladder problems or cystitis.

It’s essential for patients to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider and to report any unusual or severe symptoms promptly.

The cost of ketamine varies depending on factors like dosage, frequency of treatment, and is not covered by your insurance. Please contact our office for pricing.

Appointments may be rescheduled within the same week, even at short notice, without a fee. No-shows will be charged the full visit fee. Exceptions are made for extenuating circumstances, and our staff will do their best to accommodate your schedule.

There are no refunds on ketamine bundle packages. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule if you need to reschedule.

Ketamine therapy is not covered by insurance and is considered a private pay service unless you are seeking treatment for Spravato (Esketamine).

However, our office may send you for baseline labs and that will be the only time your insurance is used. In this case, you may go to a local Quest or LabCorp and use your insurance.

Ketamine can be used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and even chronic migraines that impact quality of life and cause emotional distress. Ketamine, in its various forms, has been shown to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects and can be effective for treatment-resistant cases where other medications have not worked. Here’s how each form can help:

1. Nasal ketamine (compounded, not approved by insurance)

• Potential Benefits: Nasal ketamine has also been used off-label for other conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and migraines. The nasal form allows for rapid absorption, providing quick relief for symptoms.

• Effectiveness: Multiple studies have indicated that nasal ketamine, including compounded versions, can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The fast-acting nature of ketamine, compared to traditional antidepressants, makes it an appealing option.

• Advantages: Non-invasive and often less intimidating than injections.

2. Oral ketamine

• Uses: Oral ketamine is used off-label to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and in some cases, chronic migraines.
• Effectiveness: While absorption is slower than nasal or injection forms, oral ketamine can still provide significant symptom relief, especially in patients with mood disorders.
• Suitability: It can be an option for at-home therapy, making it more accessible for ongoing care, though it may require more careful monitoring due to slower onset.

Migraines and Mental Health

• Chronic migraines are known to cause emotional distress, which can lead to or worsen conditions like depression and anxiety. Ketamine’s mechanism of action not only helps alleviate depressive symptoms but can also reduce migraine severity and frequency, improving overall quality of life.

Whether you choose in-home ketamine therapy or in-office therapy, rest assured that your care will always be provided by a licensed and trained professional who follows strict safety protocols.

• In-Home Therapy: You will receive step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of an emergency, along with continuous monitoring, including vital signs, and the presence of a required support person for your safety, although rare. Your treatment options at home include nasal or oral administration. 

• In-Office Therapy: You can choose from injection, nasal, or oral treatment options.

Our goal is to ensure that your experience is safe, comfortable, and supportive, regardless of where you receive treatment.

Your safety is our top priority throughout your treatment. We want you to feel confident and informed as you embark on your ketamine therapy journey. Here’s what you can expect regarding safety protocols and emergency preparedness:
• Clear Emergency Instructions: Before your ketamine session, we will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. This ensures you and your support person are fully prepared.
• In-Home Treatment: For patients receiving in-home therapy, you will receive step-by-step guidance for your support person on how to respond effectively in case of unexpected reactions.
• In-Office Treatment: During in-office sessions, our licensed professionals will continuously monitor your vital signs and are trained to respond swiftly to any unexpected situations, ensuring your safety at all times.
• Research-Backed Safety: Ketamine has been shown to have a favorable safety profile when administered by trained professionals. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ketamine is considered effective for treatment-resistant depression and is generally well tolerated by patients. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes the importance of monitoring during treatment to minimize risks.

Sources:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2019). “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.”
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). “Ketamine for Depression.”
3. Zanos, P., & Gould, T. D. (2018). “Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(5).
4. Keresztury, K. K., et al. (2020). “Safety and Efficacy of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review of Current Literature.” Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Ketamine is safe because it will be given in a controlled  environment, under the guidance of a trained and licensed professional with strict protocols in place. Additionally, you will be receiving smaller doses of Ketamine that have been quantified by licensed pharmacist that also have strict protocols in place. 

1. American Psychiatric Association: Their guidelines on the use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression can provide valuable context on safety protocols.
• Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2019). “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.”
2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): The NIMH provides information on various mental health treatments, including ketamine.
• Source: National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). “Ketamine for Depression.”
3. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: This journal often publishes studies on the safety and efficacy of ketamine treatments.
• Source: Zanos, P., & Gould, T. D. (2018). “Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(5).
4. BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance): While focused more broadly, this organization offers guidelines and certification for practitioners using biofeedback and may touch on safety in complementary therapies, including ketamine.
• Source: BCIA. “About Biofeedback and Neurofeedback.”
5. Katalin K. Keresztury et al. (2020): A research study discussing the safety profile of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression.
• Source: Keresztury, K. K., et al. (2020). “Safety and Efficacy of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review of Current Literature.” Frontiers in Psychiatry.