7. Ketamine Frequently Asked Questions

Ketamine therapy is a fast-acting treatment that works by targeting glutamate—the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain—believed to play a key role in mood regulation and depression. It has shown positive results in patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) who have not responded to traditional medications.

Ketamine is typically administered via IV infusion, intramuscular injection, or nasal spray in a clinical setting under medical supervision. Many patients experience rapid relief of depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours of treatment.

Ketamine therapy is often used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective.

Coverage for Ketamine therapy varies depending on the provider and type of insurance. Some plans may offer partial coverage for certain forms of Ketamine (such as esketamine nasal spray, which is FDA-approved for depression), while others may not cover off-label use.

We can help determine your insurance eligibility and assist with any prior authorization or appeals process. In some cases, out-of-pocket payment or financing options may be available.

Ketamine therapy is used for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), especially those who have not responded to prior antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. It may also be considered for individuals with suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders, or PTSD, based on clinical judgment.

During Ketamine treatment—whether it’s an IV infusion, injection, or nasal spray—you will be closely monitored in a comfortable medical setting. Patients often describe the experience as a mild dissociative state, feeling disconnected from their thoughts or body.

Many report a sense of calm or introspection during the session. The effects typically wear off within 1–2 hours, and patients return to baseline before leaving the clinic.

Ketamine therapy is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include dizziness, nausea, elevated blood pressure, and dissociation (a sense of detachment), all of which are temporary and subside within hours after treatment.

Patients are monitored throughout each session to ensure safety and comfort, and most can return home shortly after treatment.

Ketamine treatment typically involves a series of sessions over 2 to 4 weeks, often beginning with 2–3 treatments per week. Some patients may then transition to maintenance treatments on a monthly or as-needed basis.

Each session lasts approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the form of administration and your provider’s protocol.

Each individual responds differently to Ketamine therapy.

While many patients experience rapid relief, follow-up or maintenance sessions are often recommended to sustain long-term results. We will discuss a personalized treatment plan based on your response and ongoing needs.

Response times can vary. Some individuals begin to notice improvements in mood and depressive symptoms within hours to days, especially after the first few sessions.

Clinical data suggest that a series of 6 to 8 initial treatments may be needed for optimal results. At North Springs Psychiatry, we will evaluate your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades, originally as an anesthetic. In lower, controlled doses used for depression, it is considered safe and effective when administered by trained professionals.

It is FDA-approved in the form of esketamine nasal spray for depression and is used off-label in other forms by many mental health providers under careful supervision.

While Ketamine therapy is well tolerated by most, certain individuals may not be appropriate candidates.

People with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, active substance use disorder, certain cardiovascular conditions, or psychotic symptoms may not be eligible. At North Springs Psychiatry, we will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if Ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate for you.