Ketamine Treatment For Depression: Does Ketamine Therapy Work?

By Austin Dixon | Updated February 11, 2023 | Effects & Benefits, Ketamine
Depressed woman sitting in dark room

There’s a new buzz topic in the mental health world: Ketamine treatment for depression.

Ketamine has been found to have antidepressant effects in humans.

Many patients are turning to ketamine therapy rather than turning to the use of antidepressant drugs.

In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know in regards to treating depression with ketamine therapy.

What Is Ketamine Therapy Like?

Ketamine therapy takes effect within 10 minutes, and the user will typically feel euphoria, dissociation or anesthesia which can last up to 2 hours.

You will also experience an increased sense of connection with others, both intimate and therapeutic in nature.

Some patients also report seeing visuals during their therapy session that are similar in appearance to an acid trip.

Ketamine therapy is not for everyone.

If you’re interested in limiting your use of drugs and opiates, or experiencing something new, then ketamine therapy may be useful for you.

Side Effects Of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy can be very beneficial for treating depression and some other mental disorders.

However, there are some side-effects of ketamine therapy.

These side effects include:

  • Auditory hallucinations
  • Disrupted perceptions of the environment
  • Impaired motor functions

Aside from those side effects, there may also be cognitive changes or alterations in mood which may last for up to 24 hours after the ketamine therapy session.

The good news is that ketamine is used for anesthesia quite often in a variety of different settings.

So, it’s been known to be a very safe form of therapy as a whole.

How Much Does Ketamine Treatment Cost?

Ketamine therapy costs between $350 and $800 per infusion.

Costs depend on the provider, location, dosage, duration of infusion, and the condition being treated.

The cost of ketamine treatment for depression is often on the lower end of that cost. This is because lower amounts of ketamine are typically needed to treat depression.

High pain conditions require higher doses of ketamine and are, therefore, typically more expensive.

Ketamine infusions for depression are usually $400 to $800 per treatment.

Most providers offer 6 infusions over 2 weeks for a total of around $2,400 to $4,800.

Is Ketamine Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Ketamine for depression is, unfortunately, not covered by the majority of insurance companies.

Ketamine treatment for depression is still considered experimental by insurance companies because it’s not FDA-approved.

Some parts of a ketamine treatment may be covered by insurance, such as the initial patient consultation.

Does Ketamine Therapy Work?

Ketamine therapy has shown strong therapeutic potential in the management of depression.

Ketamine infusions are often considered a viable treatment option for managing depression, especially in environments where access to appropriate mental health care is limited.

In addition, ketamine can induce an immediate improvement in mood within minutes of administration, even when given at doses.

Ketamine Infusion Near Me

Here’s a list of ketamine clinics in major US cities:

Austin, Texas

Austin Ketamine Specialists

Illummina

Austin Ketamine Clinic

Denver, Colorado

Ketamine Denver

Klarisana

Los Angeles, California

TMS & Brain Health

Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles

New York City, New York

NY Ketamine Infusions

Lenox Hill Mind Care

Field Trip Health

Orlando, Florida

Revitalizing Infusions

Ketamine Health Centers

Nona Medical Arts

Seattle, Washington

Lighthouse Infusions & Seattle Ketamine

Northwest Ketamine Clinics

Ketamine Clinic of Seattle

Austin Dixon

About the Author

Austin Dixon is a recently converted psychonaut with a newfound interest in psychedelics and their affects on mental health. After thinking psychedelics were "weird hippie drugs" for 28 years, his mission is to now help educate others who are new to psychedelics.

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