Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Most patients benefit from at least 4 sessions to start, as ketamine often has a cumulative effect meaning benefits build over time. Some patients need more sessions, others fewer. During your initial consultation and throughout treatment process, your provider will work with you to determine optimal frequency and duration for your individual situation. Many patients begin with more frequent sessions (like twice a week) and then space them out as their symptoms improve.

Great question! Intranasal racemic ketamine allows for flexible, personalized dosing that can be adjusted based on your individual response and needs. However, because it’s used off-label for mental health treatment, it’s typically self-pay.

Unlike Spravato® (esketamine) is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and may thus be covered by insurance if you qualify. The trade-off is that Spravato® comes in only two fixed doses, limiting our ability to customize. Both are effective; the best choice depends on your priorities regarding customization versus insurance coverage.

Simple answer: no needles, and it is just as effective. The “racemic” medication we use intranasally is the same stuff used in IV ketamine, it is just delivered differently. IV ketamine gives faster onset and more precise control, but it requires an IV line and longer monitoring. Our intranasal option is completely needle-free, still closely monitored, and gives you the same therapeutic benefits with a slightly gentler onset and shorter visit. We offer both intranasal racemic ketamine and Spravato® to give you effective, needle-free choices.

Like with any medication, ketamine has a variety of potential side effects, most of which are mild and transient. Common side effects during treatment include a sense of dissociation, or feeling separated from your body or surroundings mild dizziness, nausea, or temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Some patients also report perceptual changes, such as altered sense of time or mild visual effects.

The good news is that all patients are carefully monitored during treatment, and these effects usually resolve within an hour or two following your session. We will discuss your medical history at the time of your consultation to make sure ketamine is safe for you, and we will be with you during the treatment to make any uncomfortable effects manageable.

Yes, our clinic does take insurance for those services that are covered under your plan. The specifics of coverage regarding ketamine therapy depend on which option you select:

Intranasal racemic ketamine is usually self-pay because most insurance companies do not cover the off-label use of ketamine for psychiatric illnesses.

Spravato® (esketamine) is FDA-approved. Your insurance may cover this if you meet the clinical criteria, including having a plan that includes this benefit. Insurers each have slightly different requirements for coverage but typically require documentation that you have tried other antidepressants without sufficient benefit.

We are happy to verify your benefits prior to initiating treatment and provide documentation for any out-of-network claims you would like to submit for possible reimbursement.

Ideal candidates are adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or treatment-resistant mental health symptoms who haven’t found adequate relief with standard treatments. You might be a good candidate if:

• You have tried multiple antidepressants or other treatments without sufficient improvement
• You are experiencing significant impairment in your daily functioning
• You are looking for a treatment that works more rapidly than traditional options
• You are medically healthy enough for ketamine therapy (determined during screening)

A medical screening is required before beginning treatment to ensure your safety. Some medical conditions or medications may make ketamine inappropriate, which is why the consultation process is so important.