FAQs About Ketamine

Ketamine functions by blocking the NMDA receptor, a crucial part of the brain’s glutamate system. This mechanism triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural pathways. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works much faster, often within hours to days, by rewiring the brain and disrupting negative thought patterns associated with depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. Through its unique action, ketamine helps individuals break free from persistent cycles of mental distress, fostering a renewed sense of stability and emotional resilience.

Is Ketamine Safe?

Yes, ketamine is one of the safest anesthetic agents available. It has been used in emergency medicine, surgery, trauma care, and battlefield medicine for decades due to its unique safety profile. Unlike opioids, ketamine does not cause respiratory depression, meaning it does not compromise breathing. It also has a wide therapeutic margin, making overdose exceedingly rare. However, ketamine should be administered by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting to ensure optimal safety. Patients with uncontrolled cardiac conditions, active psychosis, or severe substance abuse disorders may require additional screening before treatment.

What Is the Success Rate for Ketamine Treatment?

Ketamine therapy has shown significantly higher success rates compared to traditional treatments for mood disorders. Nationally, research indicates that up to 70% of patients experience relief from depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. In our clinic, where we integrate ketamine with specialized coaching and supportive care, success rates are notably higher than conventional antidepressants, which have a response rate of only 30-50%. While success varies based on the condition being treated, many patients report significant symptom improvement after their initial series of infusions.

How Many Ketamine Sessions Are Needed for Treatment?

A standard ketamine treatment protocol consists of six infusions over a two to three-week period. This schedule maximizes the neuroplastic effects of ketamine, helping the brain establish new, healthier pathways. After the initial phase, most patients enter a maintenance phase, returning for periodic booster infusions as needed. The frequency of maintenance sessions varies—some patients require a booster every few months, while others maintain lasting benefits for extended periods. Our team customizes each treatment plan based on individual responses and long-term wellness goals.

What Does an Anesthesiologist Do for the Ketamine Process?

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors specializing in administering and monitoring anesthesia, making them uniquely qualified to oversee ketamine therapy. Unlike psychiatrists or general practitioners, anesthesiologists have extensive training in dosing, airway management, and patient monitoring. In our clinic, ketamine infusions are precisely dosed to maintain sub-anesthetic levels, ensuring optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. Our specialists closely monitor vital signs, comfort, and neurological responses throughout the infusion, providing the highest level of safety and expertise.

What Should You Look For In A Ketamine Clinic?

1. A physician on the premises should be participating in your care as opposed to “medically directing” the location from afar.
2. The provider should be able to adjust the dose during infusions so that you receive the optimal dose in every session, rather than following a cookie-cutter recipe or protocol. The provider should also be comfortable discussing your dosage with you.
3. You should have adequate preparation before your first infusion so that you’re in the proper mindset to receive care.
4. The setting should be optimized (private room, music, lighting, etc.) so that you feel safe and comfortable. It should not feel anxiety-provoking like a typical hospital environment.
5. You should have adequate integration of your infusion experiences. Integration is the process of unpacking and analyzing your infusion experiences, and incorporating these insights into your life. Without proper integration, you risk missing out on 95% of the benefit of your experience.
6. Your progress should be tracked and objective quantitative feedback given to you as you complete the treatment process.
7. There should be no external distractions, such as televisions in the room, regardless of the content. The purpose of this treatment is to facilitate you looking within your mind and finding a resolution to your state of suffering. To find your inner peace.
8. You shouldn’t feel rushed out the door immediately after your infusion is complete. You should be given time to decompress and do integration work before you leave.

Is Ketamine Treatment Covered By Insurance?

At this time, most major insurance companies do not cover ketamine infusion therapy. If they do cover ketamine treatments, there are strict inclusion guidelines that must be met. This usually means documented failed treatment care from one of your established psychiatrists or pain doctor. Therefore, Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Center does not accept health insurance at this time. We will be happy to create super bills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You will want to contact your own health insurance company to verify any coverage. You are welcome to use your HSA (Health Saving Account) for care with our clinic. 

What Is Involved In A Ketamine Infusion?

At our clinic, you will be continuously monitored for the entire duration of your infusions. Each patient gets a private room so you can feel safe during your 60 minute (or longer) sessions. Heart rate, oxygen saturation percentages, and blood pressure will be watched closely by our physicians. You will be monitored via live camera at all times for your safety. Additionally, during your infusion, you will have a call button with you so that if you ever need assistance we are just a push of a button away. Periodically, we will enter the room to monitor the level of effect and adjust your specific dosing. 

Patients can expect some temporary changes in vision and the ability to focus on people or objects. Speech can potentially be slurred, slowed, and it isn’t uncommon to feel a floating sensation. After your infusion is complete, you will be monitored for approximately 20-30 minutes during your recovery period. You will then be discharged from the clinic after your faculties return to a safe level. Because you can not drive home after an infusion, you will be discharged to a responsible driver. 

What Is The Process For Ketamine Treatment?

After consultation by one of our physicians,  we will prepare an individualized treatment plan for your particular diagnosis. The induction or stabilization phase usually consists of  3 hours of psychedelic integration coaching and 6 one-hour ketamine infusion sessions. Prior to starting your infusion treatment, you will spend 1 hour with our specialized ketamine integration coaches to prepare you for your first infusion.  During this hour, you will set goals, intentions, and learn what to expect during the ketamine treatment process. Our clinic uses ketamine as a catalyst for change. We will teach you a series of life skills necessary to assist you in healing from your past traumas. We’re aiming to fix the root causes of depression, anxiety, or PTSD.  Your ketamine sessions will open up your subconscious to allow you to address and move on from these past issues.  Our coaches will assist you in unpacking and resolving all of this. We believe that the pathway to achieving long-term success and inner peace is to heal from within. Every single aspect of our process is designed to inspire your inner healing journey. Most of our patients report feeling significant improvement of their symptoms by the third infusion, and more than 70% by the fourth. There are even some patients who report feeling relief after only one infusion. Regardless of the timeline, our patients that complete the full program report life-changing and often life-saving results.

Once patients complete their initial stabilization infusions, they will begin a maintenance phase. Maintenance varies from patient to patient.  Some patients require more frequent infusions than others. It is important to remember that our patients will work closely with our doctors to ensure their infusion path is right for them every step of the way.