Ketamine Therapy for Depression
Depression doesn't look the same for everyone.
For some, depression means feeling sad or hopeless. For others, it shows up as exhaustion, loss of interest, difficulty focusing, or feeling emotionally disconnected. At Northwest Ketamine Clinics, we don't define you by a diagnosis. We take the time to understand how your symptoms affect you and develop an individualized treatment approach.
When Traditional Treatments Fall Short.
You've tried antidepressants, therapy, or both, but the relief hasn't lasted or never fully arrived. Switching medications or increasing doses can feel like starting over. IV ketamine therapy for depression offers a different approach, working through brain pathways that traditional antidepressants don't primarily target.
A Different Mechanism
Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, ketamine primarily affects glutamate signaling, a brain pathway involved in mood, communication, and adaptability.
A Different Timeline
Traditional antidepressants often take several weeks to show effects. Ketamine can produce changes more quickly, sometimes within the first few treatments.
Personalized Treatment
We review your treatment history, current symptoms, and personal goals to build an IV ketamine treatment plan around your needs.
How IV Ketamine Therapy Works for Depression
Most antidepressants work on brain chemicals like serotonin. IV ketamine works differently. It acts on a brain chemical called glutamate, which helps brain cells communicate. This different approach is one reason ketamine is used for people who have not found enough relief from other depression treatments.
New Connections
Ketamine changes how brain cells send signals. Research shows that it supports processes involved in building and strengthening connections linked to mood and stress.
Ketamine acts on brain pathways involved in mood and helps support new connections between brain cells.
Faster Relief
Many traditional antidepressants take several weeks to work. IV ketamine has a faster treatment timeline, with some patients noticing changes after their first few infusions.
Some patients notice changes within their first few infusions instead of waiting weeks.
Personalized Treatment
IV ketamine enters your bloodstream directly. Your care team controls the dose and infusion rate and monitors how you respond during treatment.
Your care team adjusts the dose and pace of treatment based on your needs.
SPRAVATO®
SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved nasal spray treatment for certain forms of depression, offered through our partner, Northwest Healing & Wellness.
Insurance Options
Northwest Healing & Wellness is in-network with Regence and Cigna. An out-of-network session option is also available.
In-network with Regence and Cigna. Out-of-network sessions also available.
$99 Per out-of-network treatment sessionThe Research Behind Ketamine for Depression
Scientists have studied how IV ketamine affects depression, how quickly symptoms change, and how people respond to treatment. These published studies highlight key findings.
IV Ketamine · Clinical Trial
Rapid Relief in Treatment-Resistant Depression
In a clinical trial of 18 adults whose depression had not improved with other treatments, a single IV ketamine infusion reduced depression symptoms more than a placebo. Improvement was seen within hours.
Read the Published StudyDepression Treatment · Research Review
What Multiple Clinical Trials Found
Researchers combined results from clinical trials of ketamine for depression. They found greater improvement in depression symptoms with ketamine than with comparison treatments over the first several days.
Read the Published StudyIV Ketamine · Clinical Trial
Research on Reducing Suicidal Thoughts
In a study of 80 adults with major depression and suicidal thoughts, IV ketamine reduced suicidal thinking more than the comparison medication when measured 24 hours after treatment.
Read the Published StudyWhy Northwest Ketamine Clinics?
50,000+ Infusions
Family-run since 2017, with experience built through more than 50,000 IV ketamine infusions.
Three Locations
Receive depression treatment in Seattle, Bellevue, or Tacoma, with flexible clinic options.
More Ways to Heal
IV vitamins, integration support, and access to additional care through Northwest Healing & Wellness.
Trusted Standards
ASKP3 and LegitScript certified, with recognition from Seattle Met Top Docs.
Care That Understands
A supportive team with trauma-informed care and integration services throughout your treatment.
Start Within 3 Days
No referral needed. Our intake team helps you move from your first call to treatment quickly.
Four Healing Pathways. One Built Around You.
Depression looks different for everyone. Some people feel sad or hopeless. Others feel tired, disconnected, or unable to focus. Our four healing pathways combine IV ketamine therapy with added care focused on how depression affects you.
Mind & Mood Pathway
When depression feels like:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Negative thoughts about yourself
- Losing interest in things you enjoy
- Feeling emotionally disconnected
Your care includes: Six IV ketamine sessions, mood-supportive nutrients, a medication review, and progress calls.
Nervous System Calm Pathway
When depression feels like:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feeling overwhelmed by daily life
- Stress, worry, or constant tension
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling calm
Your care includes: Six IV ketamine sessions, integration support, B12, hydration, and supplements.
Performance & Focus Pathway
When depression feels like:
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
- Difficulty making simple decisions
- Low motivation throughout the day
- Feeling mentally tired or distracted
Your care includes: Six IV ketamine sessions, Myers' Cocktail, and IV hydration support.
Reset + Recovery Pathway
When depression feels like:
- Feeling physically and mentally drained
- Constant fatigue or low energy
- Trouble recovering from daily stress
- Feeling worn down or exhausted
Your care includes: Six IV ketamine sessions, glutathione, magnesium, signature blend, and hydration.
Don't Let Finances Stand in the Way of Feeling Better Today.
We offer CareCredit financing to help make treatment more affordable. Get started with no money down and monthly payments as low as $79. Choose a payment plan that works for your budget.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Our intake team will help you explore your options.
Explore Healing PathwaysTake the next step. Start feeling better.
Interested in IV ketamine therapy for depression? Start with a free introductory call with our intake team. We'll explain how treatment works, review pricing and payment options, and help you understand the next steps.
Request Your Free Call
Enter your information below. Our intake team will contact you to discuss your treatment options.
IV Ketamine for Depression Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about IV ketamine therapy for depression? Learn how treatment works, what to expect during your visits, how much it costs, and how to get started at Northwest Ketamine Clinics.
Does IV ketamine work for treatment-resistant depression?
IV ketamine is a treatment option for people whose depression has not improved enough with antidepressants or therapy. It works on different brain pathways than most daily antidepressants. Research has shown improvement in depression symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression.
How quickly does IV ketamine work for depression?
Some patients notice changes within hours or days of treatment. Others notice improvement over several infusions. Traditional antidepressants often take weeks to show their full effects. Our team tracks your progress throughout your treatment series.
How many ketamine infusions do I need for depression?
Our standard starting plan includes six IV ketamine infusions over about two to three weeks. Your care team reviews your symptoms and progress during the series to help plan your ongoing treatment.
Can I continue taking antidepressants during ketamine treatment?
Many patients continue their prescribed antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs. Our medical team reviews your full medication list before treatment. Do not stop or change your medications without guidance from your prescribing clinician.
How is IV ketamine different from SPRAVATO?
IV ketamine is given through a small tube in your vein. SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray for certain forms of depression. IV ketamine lets our team control the dose and infusion rate. SPRAVATO is offered through Northwest Healing & Wellness, which is in-network with Regence and Cigna.
What does IV ketamine treatment for depression feel like?
Many patients describe a relaxed or dreamlike feeling. Your sense of time, sound, or surroundings can change. Our clinical team monitors you during treatment and supports you throughout your appointment.
Is IV ketamine therapy FDA-approved for depression?
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic medication. Its use for depression is off-label. SPRAVATO, a related nasal spray, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in adults. Our medical team reviews treatment options during your evaluation.
How long do the effects of ketamine for depression last?
The length of relief varies from person to person. Some patients return for booster infusions after their initial six-session series. Our care team builds a maintenance plan around your response and needs.
How often are ketamine booster infusions needed?
Many Northwest Ketamine Clinics patients schedule boosters every three to six weeks after their first series. Your schedule depends on how your depression symptoms respond and how long your improvement lasts.
What are the side effects of IV ketamine therapy?
Side effects include dizziness, nausea, changes in perception, and temporary increases in blood pressure. Some people feel anxious during treatment. Our clinical team monitors your vital signs and response during your infusion.
Can I drive home after a ketamine infusion?
No. You need a responsible adult to drive you home after treatment. Ketamine affects alertness and coordination. Plan to rest and avoid driving for the remainder of the day.
How much does IV ketamine treatment for depression cost?
A standard private IV ketamine infusion at Northwest Ketamine Clinics costs $450. Our six-infusion Advanced Healing Series costs $2,700. We also offer healing pathways with added support and treatment services.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy for depression?
IV ketamine therapy at Northwest Ketamine Clinics is a cash-pay service. We accept CareCredit, with qualifying financing plans starting as low as $79 per month. Our partner, Northwest Healing & Wellness, is in-network with Regence and Cigna for SPRAVATO treatment and offers a $99 out-of-network session option.
Where can I get IV ketamine therapy for depression near Seattle?
Northwest Ketamine Clinics offers IV ketamine treatment for depression in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, Washington. No referral is needed to contact our intake team. Start with a free introductory call to review your options and the next steps.