Ketamine works on a different system in the brain than traditional antidepressants, targeting NMDA receptors and promoting rapid neuroplasticity. Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results, ketamine can provide relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD within hours or days.
Ketamine is not a cure, but it can provide significant, often rapid relief from the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Many patients experience long-lasting benefits, though maintenance treatments may be necessary to sustain improvements.
Yes, ketamine is effective for conditions beyond depression, including PTSD, chronic pain syndromes, and anxiety disorders. Its ability to reset neural pathways and disrupt negative thought patterns makes it versatile for various conditions.
During the infusion, you may experience a feeling of dissociation, altered perceptions, or a dreamlike state. Afterward, patients often report feeling calm, introspective, and in some cases, lighter emotionally. These effects typically subside within a few hours, and many feel an “afterglow” of relief for days following the treatment.
When administered in a clinical setting and under medical supervision, ketamine is not considered addictive. Its use is carefully monitored, and the dosage is controlled to minimize any risk of dependency.
Not everyone responds to ketamine after just one infusion. Many patients experience improvement after the full course of six treatments, and some may require adjustment in dosage or treatment plan. The response is individual, but your provider will closely monitor your progress.
Ketamine therapy may be right for you if you have not responded to traditional treatments like antidepressants, therapy, or other medications. A thorough evaluation with a healthcare provider will help determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Many patients start to notice improvements within the first 1-3 ketamine infusions, often experiencing a lift in mood or a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety or negative thought patterns. Some may even feel a sense of relief or a shift in perspective within hours of their first session. However, because each person’s experience is unique, it’s important to complete the full series of infusions to give the therapy time to reach its full potential.
Yes, ketamine can enhance the effectiveness of talk therapy. By promoting neuroplasticity and reducing emotional numbness, ketamine helps patients engage more deeply in therapy, allowing them to explore emotions and patterns in a more productive way.
Many patients experience long-term relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain after completing ketamine therapy. While maintenance infusions may be needed, the improved mood, emotional regulation, and overall well-being can persist for months or even longer.
Ketamine therapy can lead to lasting shifts in perspective, often helping patients view their lives and challenges in a new light. This shift can support long-term healing and personal growth, even beyond the immediate symptom relief.
Insurance often doesn’t cover ketamine therapy because it is considered an “off-label” use. While ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, its use for mental health conditions and chronic pain is not yet FDA-approved. As a result, many insurance companies view ketamine treatments as experimental or investigational, even though research shows it can be highly effective for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Additionally, because ketamine therapy is relatively new in the mental health field, it may take time for insurance companies to adjust their policies to cover this treatment as more data and approvals emerge.
Some insurance plans may cover portions of the treatment, and we are happy to offer super bills to submit to your insurance provider for out-of-pocket reimbursement.
Ketamine promotes healing in the brain by enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. It works by increasing the release of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Glutamate activates receptors that stimulate the growth of new neural pathways, which can help the brain “rewire” itself. This process allows the brain to create healthier patterns, break free from entrenched negative thought loops, and recover from emotional distress. By fostering this renewed connectivity, ketamine helps reset the brain’s response to stress and depression, offering a fresh start for those who have struggled with long-standing mental health challenges.
Yes, ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts, often within hours of treatment. This makes it a valuable option for individuals in crisis or those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
While ketamine is not a classical psychedelic, it does have dissociative properties that can create a similar introspective experience. Like psychedelic-assisted therapy, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity and emotional healing. The key difference lies in the mechanisms of action and the regulatory framework, with ketamine being more widely accessible in clinical settings.
Ketamine is a legitimate medical treatment that offers a new pathway to healing, especially for those who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies. Mental health and chronic pain conditions often involve complex neurobiological factors, and just like you wouldn’t consider taking insulin for diabetes or using a cast for a broken bone as “cheating,” using ketamine to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain is simply another tool to support your well-being when other avenues have not been helpful.
Ketamine therapy is costly due to several factors: it requires medical supervision by trained professionals, personalized treatment plans, and specialized clinical equipment to ensure safety. The highly individualized and carefully monitored nature of the treatment can make it a worthwhile investment for those who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies. The cost of ketamine therapy can vary significantly between clinics, and the price often reflects differences in the quality of care, level of medical supervision, and overall treatment approach.
Ketamine can reduce cravings and alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression that often co-occur with addiction. By disrupting negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use, it may allow patients to gain new perspectives on their behaviors and underlying emotional triggers, making it easier to engage in recovery. When combined with therapy, ketamine can offer a fresh approach to treating addiction by addressing both the physiological and psychological components of substance use.
After a ketamine infusion, you may experience lingering effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or altered perception, which can impair your ability to drive safely. Ketamine affects your coordination and reaction time making it unsafe to operate a vehicle for at least 12 hours post-treatment. For your safety and the safety of others, it’s important to arrange for a family member, friend, or ride service to take you home after your session.
It’s generally recommended to avoid eating for 4 hours before your ketamine infusion. This is to reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting, which can sometimes occur during or after the treatment. You can drink clear liquids up to your infusion.
Over time, repeated ketamine infusions may lead to more stable changes in synaptic connectivity, promoting long-lasting improvements in mood and cognition.
To maximize the lasting benefits of ketamine therapy, engage in regular therapy to process insights, set intentions before each session, and practice mindfulness to stay present during and after treatment. Journaling your experiences can help solidify new perspectives, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including exercise, balanced nutrition, and good sleep—supports the brain’s ability to form new connections. Consistent follow-up treatments or booster sessions may also help sustain the positive changes, ensuring long-term progress and well-being.