What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is a decades-old anesthetic that, at sub-anesthetic doses, has shown rapid antidepressant effects. It is used off-label in psychiatry for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, OCD, and certain chronic pain conditions. Ketamine works on the NMDA glutamate receptor and triggers synaptic regrowth — many patients report relief within 24–72 hours of their first session.
The most common forms are IV infusions (40–60 minutes, the most studied route), IM injections, and sublingual lozenges for at-home protocols. A typical induction course is 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, followed by booster sessions as needed. Sessions occur in a clinic with vital sign monitoring; you'll need a ride home.
- FDA status: Off-label for mood disorders (only the esketamine nasal spray, Spravato, is FDA-approved).
- Insurance: Rarely covered — most clinics are cash-pay, $400–$800 per IV session.
- Onset: Hours to days, vs. 4–6 weeks for SSRIs.
You Look Like a Good Candidate
Your profile is consistent with the kind of patient most ketamine clinics treat. A consultation will involve a full medical screen, blood pressure check, and a treatment plan. Most clinics offer a free 15-minute phone consult.
Read the Full Ketamine Guide Find a Ketamine ProviderYou May Be a Candidate — Worth a Consult
Most providers prefer patients try at least one first-line treatment first, and cost can be a barrier since insurance rarely covers IV ketamine. A psychiatrist can help you decide whether ketamine, Spravato (insurance-covered), or TMS makes more sense for your situation.
Learn More About Ketamine Check Spravato Eligibility (Insurance-Covered)Ketamine May Not Be Safe Right Now
Active psychosis, uncontrolled mania, severe cardiovascular disease, or active substance use disorder are typical exclusions for ketamine therapy. That doesn't mean you have no options — TMS has a much friendlier safety profile, and a psychiatrist can map a safer path.
Compare Other Treatments Try the TMS Eligibility QuizThis quiz is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Only a licensed clinician can determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for you.
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TMS Specialists
- Mani Vahidi — Newport Beach, CA
- Paul Jackson — Wilton Manors, FL
- Mackenzie Dajani — Washington, DC
- Vsevolod Rudoy — Brooklyn, NY
