Thinking about ketamine treatment but not sure what happens when you pick up the phone? Here’s what to expect from your first conversation with Keta Medical Center.
Taking the first step toward a new mental health treatment can feel overwhelming.
If you’ve been living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another condition that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments, even making that first phone call can feel like a lot. You may have questions about whether you’re a candidate, what treatment will actually be like, whether your insurance will cover it, or simply whether Keta Medical Center is the right place for you.
And you may be wondering: What happens when I call?
As the Director of Patient Intake at Keta Medical Center, I speak with people every day who are taking that first step. Sometimes I can hear the hesitation in someone’s voice before we even begin. That’s completely understandable.
So I wanted to pull back the curtain and explain exactly what happens during a 20-minute intake call. Hopefully this takes some of the uncertainty out of the process.
First, know this: It’s just a conversation
Your initial intake call is not an interrogation, and it’s not a commitment to treatment. It’s simply a conversation.
We know that for many people, this may be the first time you’re sharing your story with someone new. Talking about your mental health, what you’ve been experiencing, or what you’ve been struggling with isn’t always easy, and we understand that.
Our Intake Team is trained to listen, not judge. We’ll take the time to hear your story, understand what you’ve been experiencing, answer your questions, and help you understand whether Keta Medical Center may be able to help.
You may be asked about:
- Your current symptoms and diagnoses
- Medications and therapies you’ve tried
- How you responded to previous treatments
- Your current psychiatrist or therapist
- What you’re hoping to accomplish through treatment
These questions aren’t meant to put you on the spot. They help our team understand your individual circumstances and determine what the appropriate next steps may be.
Because the truth is, everyone’s story is different.
This is your opportunity to ask questions, too.
One of the most important things to know about your intake call is that we expect you to have questions.
For many people, ketamine treatment is unfamiliar. You may have heard about IV ketamine or Spravato® but have no idea what treatment actually involves.
You might be wondering:
- What does ketamine treatment feel like?
- How often would I need to come in?
- What’s the difference between IV ketamine and Spravato?
- What happens after the intake call?
These are all questions we hear regularly.
What about insurance and cost?
We know that deciding whether treatment is right for you isn’t just about the medical side of things. There are practical questions, too:
How much does treatment cost? Does my insurance cover it? Can I come on weekends, or will I need to take time off work? What do I need to do before I get started?
These are all questions our team can help you navigate. During your intake call, we’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what moving forward could look like.
Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is covered by many major insurance plans, including Medicare. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your expected costs before treatment begins. We’ll also handle the insurance paperwork and work with your insurer on the authorization process, taking that administrative burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.
IV ketamine is a self-pay treatment, so we’ll explain the cost ($500 a visit), the induction period, and available financing options.
Above all, we believe transparency matters. Before you decide whether treatment is right for you, you should have a complete understanding of both the medical and financial aspects of the process.
So, what happens after the intake call?
If it seems that you are a good candidate for treatment and you’re interested in taking the next step, we will help schedule a consultation with Keta Medical Center’s Medical Director.
The doctor will review your treatment history, current symptoms, medications, overall health, and treatment goals. This allows our medical team to determine whether IV ketamine or Spravato may be medically appropriate and which treatment approach may be best suited to your individual needs. It’s also another opportunity for you to ask questions and talk through any concerns you may have.
When appropriate and with your authorization, we can coordinate care with your current psychiatrist and/or therapist. If you do not currently have a mental health provider, we also offer in-house psychiatry and therapy services to help support your treatment journey. We believe collaboration among your care providers plays an important role in creating a more comprehensive, personalized, and effective approach to care.
Need time to think?
Take it.
There’s no pressure to make a decision during your first call. We understand that trying a new treatment is a big decision, and you may want to discuss with your family, speak with your current provider, or simply take some time to process everything you learned.
That’s okay.
Our job during the intake process isn’t to pressure you into treatment. It’s to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Sometimes, making the call is the hardest part.
If you’ve been struggling for a long time, reaching out for help can feel like a huge step. You may feel nervous. You may not know what to say. You may even wonder if your situation is “bad enough” to call.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
You don’t have to know which treatment you want.
You simply need to be ready to start a conversation.
At Keta Medical Center, we believe that even when you feel like you’ve tried everything, there may still be options worth exploring. Your first call is simply the beginning of that conversation. From the moment you reach out through your treatment journey, our goal at Keta is to provide thoughtful care, clear guidance, and a safe, supportive experience.
When you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here.
Ready to start the conversation?
If you’ve been considering ketamine therapy but weren’t sure what the first step looked like, we hope this gave you a better idea of what to expect.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation.
"Your journey toward feeling better can start with one conversation. We’re here when you’re ready."
