Ketamine is a well-established medication most commonly used for surgery and pain relief. It has been recognized by the FDA as a safe and effective medicine when used properly. It is commonly used throughout the world by physicians for pain treatment and anesthesia. Recently, ketamine has been recognized as an effective treatment option for behavioral complaints and chronic pain. 

Instead of targeting neurotransmitters like traditional medications, ketamine affects neural pathways and neuronal connectivity. This has proven to be far more effective than neurotransmitter level changes associated with serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or daily anxiolytics (benzodiazepines). Many people who haven’t found adequate improvement through traditional treatments are now able to experience life-changing relief. 

Ketamine infusion therapy can help treat many different disorders. It can help with depression, suicidality, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, BPD, sleep disorders, and chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome. 

There is no evidence that ketamine infusion therapy causes addiction, although there aren’t many widespread studies regarding ketamine. Ketamine infusions use a lower dose than when taken recreationally, and the clinical setting hinders the possibility of addiction.

Unlike many other medications, ketamine has few side effects. During the infusions, ketamine can cause nausea, temporary hallucinations, and a lack of appetite. These are often very short-lived and mild. Patients commonly feel tired and groggy after an infusion, but this goes away completely after a night of sleep. 

No. If you are currently seeing a psychiatrist that is providing you medication management, we are happy to collaborate, but we do not require a referral.  If you do not have a psychiatrist, our staff can determine if you are a candidate for ketamine infusions.

We do not typically perform infusions on children younger than 12, but every case is different. We can treat teens and adults of any age. We would be happy to talk with you about your specific situation to see if ketamine infusion therapy is the optimal path for treatment. 

You can drink non-alcoholic beverages and eat a small meal before your infusion, but eating at least 4 hours before your appointment would be best.

Our patients report immediate relief immediately post-infusion. Most note dramatic reduction in symptoms over the following hours and days. Usually, those who struggle with thoughts of self-harm and suicide notice those thoughts and feelings go away first, bringing immense relief. Patients notice a continued gradual reduction of their symptoms as they go through the course of their treatments. 

Patients usually have a few infusions over a short period of time. Sometimes patients require infrequent infusions for maintenance. The recommended course depends on multiple things and differs from person to person. We will work with you to create a unique treatment plan that is optimal for you. 

You must arrange transportation for after your infusions and you can not drive or operate any dangerous machinery until the next day. 

Maybe. Some insurance companies are starting to pay for portions of ketamine infusion care, including the office and telehealth time spent with our psychologist and physician. We are considered out-of-network for all insurance companies. If you have out-of-network coverage and your insurance pays you back when you see out-of-network providers, then you could receive payment from your insurance company to cover a portion of your treatment. This can be anywhere from 20% to 80% of the cost of treatment. We can provide you with the documentation necessary to ask your insurance company for reimbursement. 

Each infusion series includes Medical Review of Appropriateness for Treatment by a licensed Physician. It also includes 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of integration with our licensed Psychologist. Additionally, your ketamine infusion treatment involves two (2) hours of attentive personal support from our professional staff (Physician, Psychologist and Registered Nurse). That means over 3 hours of professional level medical treatment and psychological support for $500 per session for behavioral health. Chronic pain therapy cost will depend on length of infusion. We accept credit cards, debit cards and HSA/FSA cards. Checks must be deposited at least ten (10) days before scheduled infusion appointments. 

We have partnered with Advance Care, a third party finance company that helps patients finance payment for medical treatments.  This is their link - advancecarecard.com. The card has no annual fee and 0% interest free options if paid in full. We are also affiliated with Care Credit, which offers lower interest financing options with monthly payments and if the balance is paid in full within 6 months, no interest is charged. Their information can be found at CareCredit.com. Inquiries on either of these products will not affect your credit score.

If you are interested in learning whether or not ketamine infusion therapy is right for you, we are more than happy to talk to you. Schedule a free consultation.