Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely in medicine for more than 50 years as an anesthetic. In recent years, research has shown that low-dose ketamine may provide rapid relief for certain mental health conditions when administered under medical supervision.

At our practice, ketamine is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion. During treatment, a carefully controlled dose of ketamine is delivered through a small IV placed in your arm or hand over approximately 40 minutes. Throughout your treatment, you will be monitored by trained medical professionals to ensure your safety and comfort.

Ketamine treatment may be considered for:

• Treatment-resistant depression (depression that has not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant treatments)

• Acute suicidal ideation as part of a comprehensive treatment plan

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Certain anxiety disorders

Your provider will determine whether ketamine is an appropriate treatment based on your individual symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.

One of ketamine's unique characteristics is its rapid onset of action. Some individuals notice improvement in depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts within hours to days after treatment, whereas traditional antidepressants often require several weeks to become fully effective.

Although many patients experience improvement after the first treatment, others may require several treatments before noticing meaningful benefits. Individual responses vary.

Treatment plans are individualized.

For depression and other psychiatric conditions, many protocols begin with a series of six treatments administered over two to three weeks. If meaningful improvement occurs, maintenance or "booster" treatments may be recommended based on symptom recurrence and your provider's clinical assessment.

During your treatment:

• You will relax in a comfortable recliner or treatment chair.

• A small IV catheter will be placed in your hand or arm.

• The infusion typically lasts approximately 40 minutes.

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and overall condition will be monitored throughout treatment.

• You will remain awake and able to communicate with the treatment team.

Many patients describe the experience as relaxing or dreamlike.

You may notice:

• A floating sensation

• Changes in perception of time

• Mild visual or auditory changes

• A sense of detachment from your surroundings or thoughts (dissociation)

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

These effects are expected, temporary, and generally resolve within one to two hours after treatment is complete.

While ketamine itself can create a temporary window of increased neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt—it does not, by itself, teach new coping skills or resolve the underlying emotional patterns contributing to mental health conditions. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine with psychotherapy to help patients process emotions, gain insight, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding.

At our practice, we believe that integrating psychotherapy before, during, and after ketamine treatment can help maximize and sustain the benefits of therapy. Preparation sessions help clarify your treatment goals and create a safe therapeutic framework, while integration sessions focus on processing your experience and translating new insights into meaningful, lasting changes in your daily life.

Although ketamine treatment can be beneficial on its own for some individuals, combining it with psychotherapy often provides a more comprehensive, personalized approach to healing and long-term recovery. Your provider will discuss whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is appropriate based on your individual treatment goals and clinical needs.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Sleepiness

• Temporary increases in blood pressure or heart rate

• Blurred vision

• Headache

• Mild anxiety during treatment

• Temporary dissociation or unusual sensory experiences

Most side effects are short-lived and improve shortly after treatment. Medications can often be provided to reduce nausea or anxiety if needed.

Although uncommon, serious adverse events can occur. Your treatment team will monitor you closely throughout your treatment.

When administered by trained clinicians in a properly monitored clinical setting, ketamine has an established safety profile. Before beginning treatment, your provider will review your medical history, psychiatric history, medications, and any potential risks to determine whether ketamine is appropriate for you.

Ketamine may not be appropriate for individuals with:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Significant cardiovascular disease

• Active psychosis or a primary psychotic disorder

• Untreated hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis

• Elevated intracranial or intraocular pressure

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks)

• Active ketamine or other uncontrolled substance use disorder

• Hypersensitivity to ketamine

• Certain neurovascular conditions

Additional medical conditions or medications may also affect eligibility. Your provider will discuss your individual risk factors during your consultation.

No.

Because ketamine can temporarily impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. Do not drive, operate machinery, consume alcohol, or make important financial or legal decisions until the following day or as directed by your provider.

Insurance coverage varies.

IV ketamine for psychiatric conditions is generally considered an off-label treatment and is frequently not covered by insurance. Patients are encouraged to verify their benefits with their insurance carrier.

Esketamine (Spravato®), an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior, may be covered by some insurance plans if eligibility requirements are met. At this time, our practice does not offer Spravato® treatment.

However, we may offer this treatment option in the future as our services continue to expand.

Our office is happy to discuss your treatment options, expected costs, and whether IV ketamine treatment may be appropriate for your individual needs.

Although both medications affect similar brain pathways, they differ in several ways:

IV Ketamine

Administered through an IV infusion.

Used off-label for psychiatric conditions.

Dosage can be individualized based on your needs and response to treatment.

Insurance coverage is often limited.

Spravato® (Esketamine)

Administered as a nasal spray.

FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

Follows a fixed FDA-approved dosing schedule.

May be covered by insurance if eligibility requirements are met.

Your provider can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for your condition.

To help ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

• Do not eat for at least 4–6 hours before your appointment.

• Clear liquids are generally permitted up to 2 hours before treatment unless instructed otherwise.

• Take your routine medications unless your provider advises otherwise.

• Wear comfortable clothing.

• Arrange transportation home.

• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Current evidence suggests that medically supervised ketamine administered intermittently at therapeutic doses has a favorable safety profile.

However, frequent or prolonged exposure to high doses of ketamine has been associated with bladder inflammation, urinary symptoms, liver abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and dependence. Your provider will monitor your treatment carefully and recommend the lowest effective dose and frequency to minimize these risks.

Not everyone responds to ketamine therapy. If you do not experience meaningful improvement after an appropriate treatment course, your provider will discuss other evidence-based treatment options.

Our practice specializes in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and understands that recovery often requires an individualized, comprehensive approach. In addition to ketamine treatment, we offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and personalized treatment planning to help address complex mental health conditions. When appropriate, we may also recommend other evidence-based interventions or coordinate your care with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your individual needs.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports long-term symptom improvement, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Lucid Mind Care is an out-of-network, self-pay psychiatric practice. This model allows us to provide highly individualized, comprehensive care without many of the restrictions commonly imposed by insurance companies.

By operating as a private-pay practice, we are able to:

• Spend more time with each patient during evaluations and follow-up appointments.

• Develop personalized treatment plans based on your clinical needs rather than insurance limitations.

• Offer specialized services, including ketamine infusion therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

• Maintain greater flexibility in treatment recommendations and scheduling.

• Reduce administrative barriers that can delay or limit access to care.

Payment is due at the time of service. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide you with a detailed receipt (superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual insurance plan.

We believe that investing in high-quality, personalized psychiatric care can lead to better long-term outcomes and a more collaborative treatment experience.

Fees vary depending on the type of service provided, including psychiatric evaluations, follow-up medication management appointments, psychotherapy, ketamine infusion therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Please visit our Fees & Pricing page or contact our office for current pricing and available treatment packages.

Your first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

During your evaluation, we will review your medical and psychiatric history, current medications, previous treatments, and treatment goals to determine whether ketamine treatment is an appropriate option for you.

Together, we will develop an individualized treatment plan designed to support your recovery and overall well-being.

Disclaimer: Ketamine treatment is an off-label treatment for most psychiatric conditions. Individual responses vary, and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. Ketamine treatment should be provided as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.