Ketamine treatment

Overview

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for decades. It is also used in clinical care for treatment-resistant depression, when symptoms have not improved with other antidepressants.

It acts on the brain’s glutamate system, a different target from many common antidepressants. At Lott Behavioral Health, ketamine is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion after a psychiatric evaluation.

What an infusion may feel like

During an infusion, you may notice changes in how you experience your body or surroundings, sometimes called dissociation. Each person’s experience is different. Our clinical team monitors you throughout the infusion and recovery.

What treatment involves

Your first step is a screening call, followed by a psychiatric evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment history. If ketamine is recommended, your clinician will explain the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and treatment plan.

At a treatment visit, you will receive a 40-minute IV infusion in a private room while staff check your vital signs and monitor your response. You will then have time for monitored recovery. The full visit typically lasts about 90 minutes.

Payment and insurance

IV ketamine infusions cost $350 per session, due at the time of treatment. The infusions are not covered by insurance.

We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and submit claims for evaluation appointments. Evaluation benefits and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan. For other insurance, you pay our regular rates directly and may request a receipt or superbill.

Before you begin, ask our office about evaluation benefits and expected costs.

Other treatment options

If ketamine is not a good fit or does not help, your clinician can discuss other approaches based on your symptoms and previous treatment. Options may include:

• Additional medication trials
• Psychotherapy
• Esketamine (Spravato)
• TMS at Lott Behavioral Health
• ECT or VNS through outside providers