Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Ketamine safe?
Ketamine is a well-known drug that has been safely used in hospitals and in the hands of healthcare providers all over the world for over 50 plus years. Ketamine can cause sedation (sleepiness), dissociation (disconnection between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and sense of space, time, and self), and changes in vital signs (such as blood pressure and heart rate). This is why during your treatment you will be under the supervision and in the care of our licensed medical providers to ensure a safe and comfortable space for healing.
Will Ketamine therapy interfere with my current mood disorder medications?
Ketamine does NOT interfere with your current anti-depressive medications such as your typical SSRI and SNRIs. It will not reduce nor negatively impact its therapeutic effect in the treatment of depressive symptoms. Patients often find they can reduce and even eliminate their typical regimen of medications of antidepressive medications with ketamine infusion therapy. However, each case is personalized and should be closely managed with the prescribing provider.
When would Ketamine therapy not be recommended?
There are some situations where ketamine may not be recommended based on medication interactions and risks associated with medical history. The most current medical research indicates that ketamine is not recommended for those who have a new cardiac diagnosis or heart procedure within the last year, uncontrolled blood pressure, unmanaged bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. We also cannot administer ketamine to anyone who is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol at the time of your appointment as this can hinder the effects of your session. If you are uncertain if ketamine would be right for you, talk with your provider or schedule a consultation with our team to discuss this.
Will I be able to return to work the next day?
Yes, you will be able to work the next day, however, we require you to have a safe and scheduled ride to and from our clinic for therapies. We also would highly recommend refraining from making any big or important life decisions within 24 hours of treatment. All of these questions can be happily answered by our professional team during your consultation.
How effective is Ketamine therapy?
Many patients report improved symptoms after just one infusion therapy, some after multiple infusions, while some may never experience any improvement. Studies have shown that after 6 weeks of ketamine infusion therapy, 50% of patients showed improvement in symptoms while 20% showed remission of depressive symptoms. What is even more impressive is that after 10 weeks of therapy, 72% of patients reported improved symptoms with 38% in remission from their depressive symptoms. The same study showed patients had a 50% reduction in self-harm/suicidal ideations with an overall 30% reduction in anxiety symptoms. Although ketamine is a relatively new treatment for mood spectrum disorders with such promising studies and personal testimonies, we believe this treatment could help with your depression and anxiety when traditional treatments have not worked.
How do I get started?
You will need to have an initial appointment in order to screen if ketamine is a suitable option for you. This can be done in one of two ways. 1) you may self-refer meaning that you do not have to have a referral from a medical provider. This does require you to schedule an initial consultation with us in order for us to review your medical history, medications and discuss if ketamine is right for you. Your initial consultation and first ketamine treatment is not able to be scheduled for the same day. 2) you may schedule an initial treatment by obtaining a medical provider referral. If you have discussed this treatment option with your primary care provider or licensed mental health provider who has reviewed your medical history and feel that this is an appropriate treatment option for you, they may refer you to our practice. This would waive the initial consultation.
Can I use Insurance to pay for treatment?
We are unable to directly bill insurance companies; however, we can provide you with an itemized statement for you to submit for reimbursement. Please consult your insurance provider to determine if reimbursement is an option. We are always here to assist you with any insurance forms you may need help completing.