Ketamine Therapy for Bipolar Depression

Keta Medical Center offers 2 types of ketamine-based treatments for bipolar depression —  Spravato (Esketamine) nasal spray and Intravenous Ketamine Infusions.

As a physician-led mental health clinic, all sessions are supervised by trained clinicians to manage safety, dosing, and overall comfort. We also offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and integrated psychiatric care to deliver an integrated treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

Yes. At Keta Medical Center, patients are encouraged to work with their existing mental health providers and our lead doctor will call your psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist to coordinate your care.

Our medical team reviews your medical and psychiatric history during the initial consultation to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. Partnering with therapists and other clinicians is a great way to ensure that ketamine treatment is paired with your ongoing mental health support — helping you integrate ketamine’s effects with therapy and other management strategies.

A good candidate for ketamine therapy for bipolar depression is someone experiencing persistent depressive episodes that have not responded well to oral medications or whose improvement has plateaued.

Individuals who may benefit include:

• Patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression who have tried multiple mood stabilizers, antidepressants or therapy without sufficient improvement
• Those whose depressive symptoms significantly impact daily functioning, energy, or quality of life
• Individuals who cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional bipolar depression medications

Keta Medical Center’s clinicians will carefully evaluate your diagnosis, medications, and mood stability to ensure ketamine is a safe and appropriate option as part of your overall bipolar depression treatment plan

Most bipolar patients continue their prescribed mood stabilizers during ketamine treatment, but it requires clinical review.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) - Generally considered compatible with ketamine. Some studies suggest it may slightly reduce ketamine’s intensity, but it does not appear to interfere with its antidepressant benefits. Most patients continue Lamotrigine during treatment.

Lithium - Usually safe to continue, but clinicians monitor carefully because Lithium can affect blood pressure, kidney function, and sedation levels, all of which are important during ketamine therapy. Dose levels and recent lab work may need to be reviewed before starting treatment.

A physician at Keta Medical Center assesses all patients on an individual basis to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan for each individual.

The overwhelming majority of Keta Medical Center’s patients are covered by insurance and pay $50 or less per treatment.

Insurance coverage for bipolar depression depends on the type of ketamine treatment you receive:

• Spravato® (Esketamine) is FDA-approved and many insurance providers will cover it for depression that meets the medical criteria.  Keta Medical Center will work with your insurer to complete the required prior authorization and provide documentation of your treatment history.
• IV Ketamine is considered an off-label treatment, so most insurance plans do not cover it. At Keta Medical Center, IV ketamine is typically an out-of-pocket service, and prior authorization is generally not available. Superbills for patients to submit to insurance providers are available upon request. 

Keta Medical Center’s team can help you review your benefits, understand your coverage options, and determine the best financing plan to suit your needs and budget. Unsure? Schedule a consultation, and we can help clarify.