Ketamine and Spravato treatment is provided as a service at our clinic.
Ketamine is approved for use in hospitals and other medical settings as an anesthetic. It is safe to use in a controlled, medical practice by a trained practitioner. Many people suffering from mental health conditions have tried many therapies with little to no relief from their suffering.
Ketamine treatment offers new hope to those whose lives have been shattered by ongoing mental health conditions as well as those in acute situations where the impact of trauma can be life-altering. Ketamine has been shown to be both effective for chronic mental health issues and as a crisis intervention.
Spravato (esketamine)
Spravato is an FDA approved derivative of ketamine, termed esketamine. Due to its approval, it can be covered by health insurance. Spravato is indicated for treatment-resistant depression, and it can offer drastic changes in depressive symptoms.
Ketamine Treatment Services
At our clinic, we use ketamine treatment to treat for the following mental health conditions, all of which have research to support its use for these conditions:
Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression (Spravato)
Crisis Intervention
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Eating
Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Ketamine Work for Treating Mental Health Conditions?
Most antidepressant drugs work in the brain by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which moderates mood and helps preserve emotional balance. Ketamine also influences serotonin levels, but it does so in a uniquely different way.
Ketamine acts as a neural growth stimulator. It causes an increase in the connections between synapses and boosts the brain’s overall functional capacity. This results in serotonin production being ramped up quickly and in a natural, sustainable way. The way ketamine works explains why those who undergo ketamine infusion therapy for depression or anxiety experience positive effects that last long after the ketamine has been flushed from their system.
What Happens During a Ketamine Infusion Session?
Ketamine infusion therapy is performed in our clinic. It does not require hospitalization. A typical session takes 40 minutes. During the ketamine infusion, many patients describe a feeling of floating and/or mild dissociation. After the session, some patients experience mild nausea, a headache or brief elevation in blood pressure. We have patients wait for 15-30 minutes after their session and these symptoms usually go away quickly within that timeframe. They are then able to safely return home.
How Many Sessions are Needed for Ketamine Treatment to be Effective?
Research shows that a six-treatment protocol over the course of two weeks provides optimal results. After the initial six infusions, a maintenance program is often needed and varies in frequency from person to person.
How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Treatment Last?
For many, relief is immediate. Others feel the positive effects in a few hours or days. Sometimes it takes a few sessions before effects are felt. Since ketamine impacts neurogenesis (the regrowth of neurons), the effects can continue to last for quite some time. Around 70 percent of those who have received ketamine therapy report an alleviation of their symptoms, often with the feeling of dread, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts being the first to dissipate.
Are There Side Effects Associated with Ketamine Infusion?
Unlike antidepressants – which can cause sexual dysfunction and weight gain – there are no known long-term side effects from ketamine therapy infusion.
Can I Take Other Medications While on Ketamine?
Ketamine does not interfere with most medications. Before your first ketamine infusion, we will conduct a thorough medical review of your history and the medications you take.
Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Treatment?
Ketamine treatment for depression, crisis intervention and other mental health conditions is considered “off label” use. Therefore, insurance companies do not reimburse for ketamine treatment.
Ketamine Treatment & Arizona State Board of Nursing
In addition to using ketamine treatment only where research shows it to be effective, we also follow the Arizona State Board of Nursing guidelines for safe and effective low-dose continuous IV ketamine administration. These guidelines should be practiced by any clinic offering ketamine therapy for physical pain or mental health treatment to ensure
- The healthcare professional providing ketamine therapy is trained in how to use it safely
- The clinic maintains a written policy and procedure for ketamine therapy administration
- Ketamine therapy is administered in alignment with all Arizona State Board of Nursing guidelines for proper dosage and administration