Rapid Relief When Other Treatments Haven't Worked
Esketamine (Spravato) therapy for difficult-to-treat depression. Office-based, physician-led ketamine therapy for depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Supported Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy (KT) combines the rapid-acting effects of ketamine with in-office support. We provide KT with a physician on-site to ensure the highest level of medical support and safety. When indicated, we collaborate with therapists to facilitate preparation, in-office support, and post-session integration.
At CARMAhealth, ketamine is administered primarily through intramuscular (IM) injection, with intravenous (IV) infusion available on a case-by-case basis. You sit in a comfortable recliner in a softly lit room with optional music and eye shades while a trained medical practitioner ensures close support and safety. Your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are monitored before and after each session.
Supported by Growing Clinical Research
Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Rather than targeting serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine acts on NMDA receptors to promote rapid synaptic neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new neural connections. This mechanism may explain why patients often notice improvement within hours rather than the weeks required by conventional medications.
A systematic review published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that combining ketamine with psychotherapy can initiate and prolong clinically significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while encouraging treatment engagement. For PTSD specifically, research published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology shows that repeated ketamine administration significantly improved symptoms compared to active placebo.
Harvard Health emphasizes that ketamine therapy should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. At CARMAhealth, every KT treatment plan is designed by a board-certified physician. Your physician coordinates KT with other treatments when appropriate, including medication management, TMS therapy, or Spravato.
What to Expect from Start to Finish
Start with a Psychiatric Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your psychiatrist reviews your symptoms, treatment history, and goals to determine whether KT is the right approach for your condition.
Prepare for Treatment
Before your first session, your care team helps you set intentions and understand what to expect. When therapist support is part of your plan, you meet with a trained KT therapist beforehand to prepare for the experience.
Experience Your Ketamine Sessions
During each session, you recline comfortably while ketamine is administered via intramuscular injection. A physician is on-site and a trained medical practitioner provides close support, monitoring your vital signs before and after treatment. When indicated, your KT therapist offers additional guidance.
Integrate and Build Forward
After each session, integration work helps you process insights and apply them to your daily life, with therapist support when part of your plan. Your physician monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
Most Major Plans Accepted
We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance.
Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy
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 physicians.
The cost of ketamine therapy varies based on the number of sessions and your treatment plan. A typical course for depression includes six sessions. Insurance plans do not currently cover IV, IM, or oral ketamine for psychiatric conditions. CARMAhealth also offers Spravato (esketamine nasal spray), which is FDA-approved and may be covered by many insurance plans. Contact our team at (512) 212-4670 or ketamine@carmahealth.com to discuss your options.
KT is typically recommended for patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, chronic pain conditions, 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 KT is appropriate for you.
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 with optional music and eye shades. A trained medical practitioner stays with you during the entire session, with a physician on-site.
At many clinics, ketamine is administered without medical oversight. At CARMAhealth, a physician is on-site for every session, and when indicated we add therapist support for preparation, in-session guidance, and integration. Your treatment is directed by a board-certified psychiatrist rather than an emergency medicine physician or anesthesiologist, ensuring your KT fits within a comprehensive psychiatric treatment plan.
Physician-Directed Care, Every Step
Unlike many ketamine clinics, CARMAhealth's KT program is led by board-certified physicians who design your treatment plan, monitor your progress, and coordinate with other therapies as needed.
Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen.
Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available