Ketamine for depression

IV ketamine is the gold standard, and nothing has been proven to work as well as the intravenous route. Chances of success with IV ketamine are higher than with any other route.

Although ketamine can be administered orally, intranasally, and intramuscularly—research has found that these aren't as effective as intravenous. With these methods, much of the drug is reduced by the liver before it can reach the brain and take effect.

With protocols that have been developed over years of meticulous research based on thousands of patient experiences, IV ketamine is by far the preferred method of administration to achieve maximum benefit from treatment.  

Because IV ketamine is almost 100% available to the brain, we are able to give lower doses to achieve the same result as higher doses given via other routes, exposing you to the lowest possible effective dose, and fewer potential side effects than other methods.

When administered by skilled hands, ketamine is an extremely safe medication. Short-term side effects may include small increases in blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and visual misperceptions. These can typically be resolved with medication during the treatment session. 

Research over a span of over 20 years has not shown any significant long-term side effects from repeated ketamine infusions, even from higher doses used in Complex Regional Pain Syndromes (CRPS) and with other pain conditions. 

Medically, very few people fail to qualify for ketamine treatment. Some conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, may require tight medical control before treatment begins.

Patients on a class of medication known as MAOIs should use caution or avoid ketamine. Due to a lack of research, we cannot offer treatment at this time for people with a history of psychosis.

We are out of network with insurance carriers but we are happy to check your out-of-network benefits and provide a rough estimate of any reimbursement you could qualify for.  

We proudly offer Care Credit with low monthly payments including 6 months same as cash/ deferred interest for those who qualify.

See our Insurance page for more details.

No, our medical staff will review your medications with you prior to treatment and advise you, but it is very uncommon for any changes to be suggested prior to starting ketamine.

We strive to remove barriers and make the process of starting your ketamine treatment simple and painless. At Northwest Ketamine Clinics, we only require an upfront referral for patients under 18 years of age.

When you are ready to begin treatment, the next step is to schedule a 30-minute intake call with our nurse practitioner.  During this phone call, the nurse practitioner will review your health history and confirm that you are a good candidate.  At this time, we only treat "treatment-resistant" conditions, so, while referral is not necessary a previous diagnosis is required.  Make an appointment to talk with one of our experienced nurse practitioners for more information.

We offer finance programs including 6 months same as cash/ deferred interest programs as well as longer-term financing with affordable monthly payment plans through our lending partners Care Credit and United Medical Credit.  Payment is required prior to beginning treatment but balances for unused sessions may be refunded if treatment is discontinued for any reason. 

While ketamine is a powerful medication on its own, we recommend engaging in at least one therapy or psychedelic integration session during your treatment.  This allows you to make sense of the ketamine experience and gain a deeper understanding of the process of psychedelic healing. 

At NWKC we have many options available including a robust Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) program, individual integration sessions with experienced therapists, and low-cost group integration sessions.  Virtual options are also available.  Our internal data shows that, even though ketamine infusions without therapy or integration sessions are extremely effective, outcomes are even greater when therapy is added.  

We believe in your ability to choose the best treatment for you.  We seek to guide you and help you with that choice, rather than push you into a program that may not work for your needs or your life.  Our intake team and nurse practitioners can provide education and help guide you to the program that fits your needs best, then prescribe a treatment plan for you.  Regardless of the path you choose, our standard ketamine treatment, our full Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy program, or some level in between, your chances of a successful outcome are excellent.