Ketamine Therapy FAQ

Ketamine therapy combines the rapid-acting effects of ketamine with structured therapeutic support. Unlike standalone infusions offered at many clinics, our supported approach includes preparation sessions before treatment, professional guidance during the experience, and integration sessions afterward. At CARMAhealth, every ketamine treatment plan is designed by a board-certified psychiatrist. Visit our ketamine therapy page for a detailed overview.

Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain to promote rapid synaptic neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new neural connections. This mechanism is different from traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine. According to a systematic review published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, combining ketamine with psychotherapy can initiate and prolong clinically significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Many patients notice improvement within hours rather than the weeks required by conventional medications.

Yes. Ketamine has been FDA-approved as an anesthetic since 1970 and is widely used off-label for psychiatric conditions under medical supervision. A specific form called esketamine (brand name Spravato) received FDA approval in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression. At CARMAhealth, all ketamine treatments are prescribed and supervised by board-certified psychiatrists in a clinical setting.

Ketamine therapy is typically recommended for patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, chronic pain conditions (such as fibromyalgia and migraine), or acute suicidal ideation who have not responded adequately to other treatments. Your psychiatrist will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals during a psychiatric evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate.

Ketamine may not be appropriate for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, active psychosis, a history of certain substance use disorders involving ketamine, or certain cardiovascular conditions. Pregnant or nursing individuals should not undergo ketamine treatment. Your psychiatrist will screen for all relevant medical factors before recommending ketamine therapy.

During a session, most patients experience a temporary altered state of awareness that may include feelings of relaxation, heightened perception, or a sense of detachment. You remain conscious throughout. The experience typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and you rest comfortably in a recliner in a softly lit room with optional music and eye shades. A trained therapist stays with you during the entire session. Your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are monitored before and after treatment.

Common side effects are temporary and may include dizziness, nausea, mild dissociation, and changes in perception. These typically resolve within a few hours of treatment. The FDA emphasizes that ketamine should always be administered under qualified medical supervision, which is why CARMAhealth provides in-office treatment with vital sign monitoring and a trained therapist present throughout every session. You should not drive on the day of treatment.

At many clinics, ketamine is administered without therapeutic support, often by anesthesiologists or emergency medicine physicians. At CARMAhealth, every session includes preparation work with a trained therapist beforehand, guided support during the experience, and integration sessions afterward. Your treatment is directed by a board-certified psychiatrist who coordinates ketamine therapy with other therapies such as medication management, TMS therapy, or Spravato as part of a comprehensive psychiatric treatment plan.