Yes, Ketamine infusion therapy for depression and pain control is an outpatient procedure requiring no hospital admission.

We do not require a formal written referral from your doctor or therapist, but we do require evidence from your medical history for your treatment resistant condition. We reserve the right to contact you doctor or therapist to confirm your medical history and treatment if necessary.

No. Ketamine is reserved for treatment resistant depression such as major depressive disorders, bipolar depression, PTSD, as well as some chronic pain conditions.

Every patient is different; however, many studies have reported a 70% success rate for the patients that receive ketamine infusion therapy. This is very encouraging, and we will assess the effectives of the treatment after you have received two infusions.

We start with two infusions 48 hours apart. For depression, if your response is good, we recommend 3 more infusions over the next 10 days. The time required to feel better varies from an hour to days. Patients with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation often respond almost immediately. For chronic pain, the number of infusions, their length and frequency will depend on your type of pain and your response.

No. Ketamine works on the brain in different ways to restore a more healthy thinking process. At this time, we cannot predict who will respond and to what degree. Once the initial infusions are completed, you will return to your referring mental health care provider to resume therapy. If Ketamine infusion is the only therapy that works for you, “booster” infusions can be scheduled. The frequency of the “booster” infusions varies from patient to patient, but you will notice a much longer effect from the booster than with the initial infusions.

For depression, the Ketamine infusion lasts about 45 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for recovery. For pain, the Ketamine infusion lasts about 2 hours with an additional 30 minutes for recovery.

You will not lose consciousness. You may feel like you are floating or disconnected and have some light and sound sensitivity. Most patients tolerate the infusions quite well and will notice that the Ketamine effects will diminish rapidly once the infusion is finished, usually in 10-20 minutes. You will feel a little tired and perhaps dizzy, but there are no delayed “flashbacks.”

You must arrange for someone to bring you and take you home. They may remain with you during the infusion if you wish. You are advised not to drive a car, operate heavy/dangerous machinery, sign any contracts, or engage in any potentially risky activities until the next day.

You cannot eat 4 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. You may have clear liquids up to two hours before your appointment.

No.

No. There is no need to stop any taking your antidepressants. We will obtain a list of your medication at the time of your appointment.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable heart condition, untreated thyroid disease and substance abuse prevent the administration of Ketamine.

No. Ketamine has a long history of safety with no evidence of addictive properties.

Yes. We are serving as consulting physicians for this procedure and encourage you to continue therapy with your current mental health care provider or pain management physician.

At present choosing an oral antidepressant is a difficult process and take weeks to months to find if it will be effective. Poorly tolerated side effects are common as well. With Ketamine, you will know the effect in hours to days, and there are no lasting side effects.

Generally within a day or two of your call. At the urgent request of a mental health care provider, we can see you that same day.

This fee covers all cost for each treatment. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. At this time insurance companies do not reimburse ketamine infusion therapy so we do not participate in any insurance plans and will not bill them on your behalf. We will provide you the necessary forms to submit to your insurance company.