Ketamine Treatments
Time to Think Outside of the Pharmaceutical Box
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine, approved by the FDA in 1970 for sedation and anesthesia, is widely used in hospitals and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. It has a strong safety record when used correctly. More recently, ketamine has been used “off-label” in lower doses to treat conditions like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, and Neuropathic Pain.
Since ketamine is generic, pharmaceutical companies lack incentive to pursue FDA approval, making insurance coverage rare despite its effectiveness. However, Spravato (esketamine), a variation of ketamine, has gained FDA approval for Treatment-Resistant Depression. It contains only the “S” enantiomer of ketamine, allowing exclusive marketing rights but at a higher cost. Our clinic offers both traditional ketamine and Spravato, with the latter often covered by insurance.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, acting like a “reset” for the brain. While its exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it rapidly increases glutamate activity, which may promote the growth of new synapses and improve neurotransmitter signaling. It also opens blocked neural pathways and may reduce inflammation.
Unlike medications that act on serotonin, ketamine directly affects glutamate, allowing it to work quickly, especially in cases of suicidal ideation. It enhances neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and “re-wire”—by increasing BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which helps neurons heal and form new connections. This makes other treatments like psychotherapy and neurofeedback more effective.
Ketamine Pricing Options
Consultation and Initial Intakes:
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation: $140 – $230 (discounted cash price, varies by time and complexity). This intake can be billed to insurance, even if insurance doesn’t cover ketamine treatment. The evaluation assesses your candidacy, reviews other treatment options, and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Ketamine Treatments:
Insurance Billing: Ketamine treatments, including injected ketamine and Spravato, can often be billed to insurance. In fact, over half of our treatments are insurance-billed. During your intake or consultation, we’ll review your billing options.
Cash Pay: $200 Single injection/infusion session (about 1.5 hours). Given to patients participating in KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy) and for those who struggle to tolerate multiple injections or just prefer an easier recovery.
Regular session consisting of 2 injections (about 2.5 hrs): $250
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP):
KAP sessions vary in cost depending on insurance coverage. The breakdown of costs is as follows: around $320 total per session if paying out of pocket, but could be much less depending on insurance coverage. The costs are broken down as follows:
Psychotherapy: $120 ($150 for intake)
Ketamine and medical monitoring: $200-$250 (cash price)
Individual Integration Therapy Sessions: $120 per session (done without ketamine)
Psychedelic Integration Workshops: FREE
Spravato:
How is Ketamine given?
Ketamine is typically given in 6 sessions over 3-4 weeks, followed by boosters every 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on patient progress. Some patients may achieve remission and need boosters less frequently or not at all. The first booster is usually recommended 2-3 weeks after the initial treatment, then spaced out as needed.
Since ketamine isn’t well absorbed in the stomach, it’s best administered via IV, injection, or nasal spray. At our clinic, we prefer injections for their comfort, lower cost, and more predictable absorption compared to IVs or nasal sprays. Depending on the treatment goals and insurance, we may use IM (intramuscular), SQ (subcutaneous), or intranasal methods (for Spravato).
IM injections are quickly absorbed, peaking at 15 minutes, with many patients receiving a second injection 30-60 minutes later. Sessions typically last about 2.5 hours. SQ injections have a slower, flatter absorption curve and are ideal for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Intranasal ketamine starts working in 5-15 minutes, with effects peaking at 40 minutes.
Still have questions? Request a Free Consultation
In-office or on the phone with one of our medical providers.