Ketamine Treatment.
What is Ketamine Treatment?
At Clarity Mental Health and Wellness, we are dedicated to offering innovative, evidence-based solutions for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Ketamine treatment, available in two forms—intravenous (IV) ketamine and esketamine nasal spray (Spravato)—is a groundbreaking option for those who have not found relief from traditional therapies. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has shown remarkable promise in rapidly alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
Ketamine works differently from conventional antidepressants by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, promoting neural plasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life) and rapidly improving mood. Both IV ketamine and Spravato offer unique benefits, and our experienced psychiatric providers work closely with you to determine the best approach for your needs. Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to help you find relief and reclaim your well-being.
Understanding Ketamine.
We offer two forms of ketamine treatment, each with distinct delivery methods and applications.
IV Ketamine
Administered intravenously in a controlled clinical setting, IV ketamine involves a series of low-dose infusions, typically lasting 40–60 minutes per session. It is highly effective for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), suicidal ideation, PTSD, and certain anxiety disorders. IV ketamine is often used “off-label” for mental health conditions, supported by extensive research showing rapid symptom relief, often within hours or days.
Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato is a nasal spray form of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Administered under supervision in our clinic, Spravato is typically used alongside an oral antidepressant. It offers a less invasive option than IV ketamine and is covered by many insurance plans.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment
At Clarity Mental Health and Wellness, ketamine treatments are delivered in a safe, comfortable, and closely monitored environment. Here’s what you can expect:
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Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our psychiatric providers. They will review your medical and mental health history, current symptoms, and previous treatments to determine if ketamine is appropriate. You’ll discuss whether IV ketamine or Spravato is better suited to your needs, considering factors like symptom severity, medical history, and insurance coverage.
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Treatment Sessions: Spravato: You’ll self-administer the nasal spray under supervision in our clinic, with sessions lasting about 2 hours, including monitoring. Treatment typically involves twice-weekly sessions for the first 4 weeks, followed by weekly or biweekly maintenance doses. Dissociation or mild side effects (e.g., dizziness) may occur but are manageable.
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IV Ketamine: Infusions are administered in our clinic over 40–60 minutes, with a typical course involving 6–8 sessions over 2–4 weeks. You’ll relax in a private room while a provider monitors your vital signs. Many patients experience mild dissociation or a dream-like state, which is temporary and generally well-tolerated.
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Professional Support
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Monitoring and Support: Both treatments require observation for 1–2 hours post-administration due to potential side effects like dissociation, sedation, or elevated blood pressure. Our team ensures your safety and comfort throughout. You’ll need a trusted person to drive you home after sessions, as driving is not permitted immediately following treatment.
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Follow-Up Care: After the initial treatment phase, your provider will assess your progress and recommend maintenance sessions (e.g., monthly IV infusions or ongoing Spravato doses) or complementary treatments, such as therapy or medication management. We integrate ketamine treatment with our other services, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or telehealth, for holistic care.
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Telehealth Integration: While ketamine administration occurs in-clinic, follow-up appointments and therapy sessions can be conducted via telehealth for convenience.
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Is it for me...
Ketamine treatment offers unique advantages, particularly for those with treatment-resistant conditions:
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Rapid Relief: Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to work, ketamine often reduces symptoms within hours or days, making it a critical option for severe depression or suicidal ideation.
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Effective for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Both IV ketamine and Spravato are highly effective for individuals who have not responded to other treatments, offering hope for conditions like TRD, PTSD, and anxiety.
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Neuroplasticity: Ketamine promotes brain plasticity, helping to “rewire” neural pathways and support long-term mental health improvements when combined with therapy.
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Flexible Options: IV ketamine and Spravato provide different administration methods, allowing us to tailor treatment to your preferences and medical needs.
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Insurance Coverage for Spravato: Spravato is FDA-approved and often covered by insurance, increasing accessibility compared to IV ketamine, which may be out-of-pocket but is cost-efficient in some cases.
