Ketamine Treatment Experience: What to Expect at Keta Medical Center

Yes, when administered under medical supervision by trained physicians, ketamine therapy is safe. Every session at Keta Medical Center is led by emergency medicine physicians with extensive training and experience. 

The physician conducts a pre-treatment assessment, and monitors you during your session. Vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, are checked before and during treatment by our clinical team, who are prepared to address common transient side effects.

Side effects may include mild nausea, dizziness, feelings of dissociation, anxiety or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the treatment session. Our medical team monitors patients closely to manage any side effects effectively.

Keta Medical Center accepts most major insurance plans that offer coverage for Spravato, which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 

IV ketamine Infusions are not covered by insurance as they are considered off-label, but patients can request superbills to submit to their insurance provider. 

As each situation is unique, our team will review benefits and handle the paperwork for you to ensure the best possible financing plan.

Our medical team conducts a careful evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The evaluation considers your diagnosis, prior treatment history, medical contraindications, and insurance coverage. Our physician reviews the risks, benefits, and your personal history before selecting the safest and most effective option together with you. 

Preparing your mind and body is an important part of setting yourself up for a successful session. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat clean in the day leading up to your appointment. Please avoid alcohol, marijuana, and violent media for 24 hours before treatment, and do not eat or drink for one hour prior to your session. Wear comfortable clothes so you can fully relax. We also encourage you to arrive with a positive, hopeful mindset. Practices like meditation,  journaling, or intention-setting can be wonderful tools to foster self-reflection and focus as you prepare for your healing journey.

Many people describe a dreamlike or dissociative experience during treatment, with temporary changes in sensory perception or emotional awareness. In a therapeutic, safe environment like ours, this altered state presents an opportunity for meaningful healing and insight. Side effects are short-lived and may include mild nausea, dizziness, feelings of dissociation, anxiety, or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the session. We also offer medications to help manage side effects, and our medical team monitors patients closely throughout to ensure your comfort and safety.

The timeline varies depending on the treatment. With Spravato, the induction phase includes eight sessions over four weeks, each lasting two hours. From there, patients move into a monthly optimization phase before transitioning to a maintenance schedule tailored to their needs.

With IV ketamine therapy, the induction phase consists of six infusions over three weeks, typically given twice a week, with each session lasting about 90 minutes. This is followed by a maintenance phase scheduled around individual needs.