our most common questions

We strongly recommend working closely with a therapist during this time. Ketamine works to make your brain more flexible, and the treatment period is the best time to make changes in your life. A therapist can help you to integrate what comes up for you during your treatment and discover the insights you need for lasting change. Ketamine is a key to unlock the door to change, but you must actively choose to walk through.

Most patients will not need a written referral from their doctor to receive ketamine treatment. Dr. Gallegos will review your medical history during your consultation, and if there are any required materials or referrals in your case, that will be discussed at that time.

While we do not necessarily require a referral from a mental health provider, we do require that you be established with a psychiatrist, mental health therapist, and/or a primary care physician for ongoing treatment and follow up.

When you arrive in our relaxing, welcoming office, we will begin by making sure you are comfortable in our spa-like treatment room. Dr. Gallegos will review your goals and more with you, take your vitals, and prepare your IV. You will have the opportunity to select from different playlists of music to enhance your experience and will be provided with noise-cancelling headphones. We will also provide an eyemask and a cozy blanket.

Once the treatment begins, you can expect to feel a calm, relaxing sensation. Patients may experience a floaty feeling and see patterns and/or images. Pay attention to what comes up for you during your infusion, as you will want to give those bits of information or insights attention after your session in order to integrate your experience and make the most of your treatment. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your session.

Some patients may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, elevated blood pressure, or anxiety during or after their treatments; we have medications that can help with these.

After your infusion, we will monitor you as you rest and recover. You will not be able to drive or operate any heavy machinery for 24 hours after your treatment, so plan on arranging a ride home.

Not everyone is a responder. However, most patients will have significant relief from their symptoms. Many patients experience a relief from depression symptoms after just one infusion. However, the maximum effect will typically not be felt until after the full 6-session regimen. A 6-session series has been shown in studies to provide the most relief, with the longest-lasting results.

It depends. Some patients need a booster every few weeks or months, and some never need a booster. It all depends on your particular situation, and we will work with you to monitor your progress and determine the best plan of action for your healing.

To prevent potentially serious nausea and/or vomiting, do not eat anything for 4 hours prior to your appointment. You may have clear liquids up to 2 hours before your appointment.

Please bring a pair of comfortable socks with you.

We have snacks and drinks on hand for after your infusion, since you will have been fasting beforehand. However, if there is something in particular you would prefer to eat or drink, you are welcome to bring in your own snack.

No. You may not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after your treatment. Please make sure you have arranged a ride home after your appointment.

Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray used to treat the same symptoms as ketamine. Based on recent data, IV ketamine appears to be more effective than esketamine for the treatment of depression. Additionally, esketamine cannot be stopped once it has been administered, should a medical need arise. Finally, supplemental medications such as magnesium are sometimes given with IV ketamine, but the intranasal route does not allow for this. Therefore, we find ketamine to not only be a more effective drug, but a safer one.

While ketamine infusion therapy is not yet covered by insurance in many cases, we have found that some insurance companies do provide reimbursement for a portion of your costs. Please contact your insurance company directly to learn what you can expect. We can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please contact us. Please note that we have a 24 hour cancellation policy and a $100 cancellation fee.

Expect to be with us for about 2 hours. This allows time for preparation before your infusion and recovery time afterward.