What to Look for in Ketamine Therapy in Sacramento

Ketamine therapy is a promising treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It works differently from traditional medications and can offer rapid relief when other therapies fall short. If you're in the Sacramento area, finding a safe and reputable clinic like ZenKetamine in Rocklin is key to getting effective care. Here's what to consider before starting ketamine therapy.

Different Types of Ketamine Administration 

Ketamine can be administered in different forms, so understanding what type of ketamine therapy is being offered by clinics can help you determine a provider that’s right for you. 

Intravenous (IV) Ketamine

IV ketamine is the most commonly used method. It involves administering ketamine directly into the bloodstream, ensuring quick and reliable absorption. Although IV ketamine is used off-label for mental health disorders, clinical studies have shown it can be highly effective when other treatments have failed.

Spravato (Esketamine)

Spravato is a nasal spray made from esketamine, a form of ketamine. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and depression with suicidal ideation. Spravato acts on NMDA receptors, which are key to its therapeutic effects, and must be administered in a certified clinic like ZenKetamine.

Nasal Spray and Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine

Other forms of ketamine therapy include generic nasal sprays and intramuscular injections. Nasal sprays differ from Spravato because they are not FDA-approved and are used off-label. IM injections are administered into muscle tissue and are an alternative for patients who prefer not to use IV therapy.

In-Clinic vs. Telehealth Services

Ketamine treatments like IV therapy and Spravato are typically administered in clinics under professional supervision to monitor patient safety. Some providers also offer telehealth services, delivering ketamine in forms like sublingual tablets or nasal sprays for at-home use.

While telehealth options are convenient, they lack the safety of in-person monitoring. At-home treatments also miss out on the interpersonal care that can be critical to a patient’s overall experience and success.

Ketamine services at ZenKetamine

At ZenKetamine in Rocklin, we offer both IV ketamine infusions and Spravato to meet individual patient needs. Our trained staff monitors every session to ensure safety and comfort.

Medical Credentials and Expertise 

Ketamine infusions can only be administered by licensed medical professionals. However, there are no specific federal regulations detailing the qualifications required for providers. This means experience and expertise can vary widely between clinics. It’s essential to choose a clinic with skilled staff who understand how to safely manage ketamine therapy and handle any potential complications.

Spravato (esketamine) has stricter regulations. Because it is FDA-approved, Spravato must be administered in certified healthcare settings by staff trained in the Spravato REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. This ensures patients receive treatment under strict safety protocols.

To receive the best care, choose a clinic where staff have specialized training in ketamine therapy. These providers can manage side effects like dissociation, ensuring the process is safe and comfortable. Additionally, a healthcare team experienced in mental health care can provide sensitive support, enhancing your overall well-being and recovery.

At ZenKetamine, our Founder and CEO, Dr. Erwin Victor Boco, is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician with nearly two decades of medical experience. He is also a certified ketamine treatment provider through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), ensuring you receive expert care every step of the way.

Comfort and Safety of the Environment

The environment plays a crucial role in ketamine therapy. At ZenKetamine, we provide private suites with reclining chairs, noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, pre-warmed blankets, aromatherapy, and ambient mood lighting. These elements create a relaxing, patient-focused experience.

At ZenKetamine, we go to extra lengths to promote patient experience. Ketamine infusions occur in private suites, where patients lie on comfortable recliners with an eye cover and noise-canceling headphones playing carefully curated playlists. There will also be the option for pre-warmed blankets, aromatherapy, and ambient psychedelic mood lighting. 

Safety 

Safety is our top priority. Our staff monitors vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout treatment to ensure any adverse reactions are quickly addressed. Ketamine can cause fluctuations in these parameters, so consistent observation ensures that adverse reactions are detected early and treated promptly. 

Ketamine also causes dissociation, which, although pleasant for some, can also be disorientating and confusing for others. Well-trained staff will be able to psychologically support patients experiencing dissociation, helping them feel at ease. 

Integration Support

Integration is the process of understanding and applying insights gained during ketamine therapy to daily life. This step is crucial for ensuring the benefits of ketamine extend beyond the treatment session. After therapy, patients often experience new perspectives or heightened emotional awareness, and integrating these insights can support long-term mental health improvements.

Integration typically involves ongoing support, such as talk therapy, group integration circles, or mindfulness practices. Therapists familiar with psychedelic or ketamine-assisted therapy can be especially helpful in guiding patients through this process.

While ZenKetamine does not offer formal integration services, our team can identify when additional support is needed. We connect patients with local therapists or wellness professionals specializing in integration to help you get the most out of your ketamine therapy.

Personalized Treatment Plans 

Personalized treatment plans are essential for effective ketamine therapy because each patient’s needs and medical history are unique. At ZenKetamine, this starts with an in-depth consultation where our healthcare providers assess your symptoms, goals, and past treatment experiences. Based on this evaluation, we create a tailored plan that fits your specific needs.

As your treatment progresses, our team continuously monitors your response. Dosage and frequency can be adjusted to ensure you receive the most effective care for your mental health or chronic pain management. This dynamic approach helps you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Cost and Payment Options

The cost of ketamine therapy is an important factor, especially for IV infusions, which often require out-of-pocket expenses. At ZenKetamine, we work with insurance providers to reduce costs, with infusions starting as low as $300 depending on your plan. However, insurance coverage for IV ketamine is still limited in the Sacramento area.

Spravato, on the other hand, is covered by most insurance plans, making it a more affordable option. Many clinics, including ZenKetamine, also accept Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses to ease financial strain.

Patient Reviews and Success Rates 

Patient testimonials can provide valuable insight into a clinic’s quality of care and effectiveness. Feedback often highlights factors like staff professionalism and improvements in mental health.

One of our patients, shared her experience:

"I am very grateful to have found ZenKetamine. I sought IV ketamine treatments for my major depressive disorder and have seen a tremendous change. I was relieved the moment I walked through the door. Dr. Boco was patient, gentle, and kind. The team worked tirelessly to get my insurance to approve Spravato, making my treatment financially sustainable. They provide everything to make patients feel cozy and comfortable. I’m feeling the best I have felt in a long time".

How to Get Started with Ketamine Therapy

Starting ketamine therapy begins with finding the right clinic and scheduling an initial consultation. During this meeting, our team at ZenKetamine will review your medical history, symptoms, and goals to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you. This is also the perfect time to ask about treatment options, protocols, and pricing.

Schedule a free consultation with ZenKetamine to learn more about our high-quality care and see if our services fit your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Different Administration Methods: IV ketamine and Spravato offer different benefits depending on your needs.
• Safety and Comfort: Choose a clinic that prioritizes your safety, with professional monitoring in a relaxing environment.
• Personalized Care: Opt for a clinic that tailors treatment plans to your specific symptoms and progress.
• Cost and Coverage: Spravato is often covered by insurance, while IV ketamine may have out-of-pocket costs. Look for flexible payment options like HSAs or FSAs.
• Credentials Matter: Ensure providers are licensed and experienced, especially for Spravato, which requires REMS certification.
• Patient Feedback: Check reviews to gauge the clinic’s effectiveness and quality of care.