Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ketamine, and how is it used in treatment?
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has gained recognition for its use in treating various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Right now, ketamine treatment is reserved for use in certain mental health, mood disorder, and chronic pain medical conditions that has failed to respond to traditional first and second line treatments. At our clinic, ketamine is administered in low doses via intravenous (IV) infusion, nasal spray, or intramuscular (IM) injection under medical supervision.
Is ketamine safe for mental health treatment?
When administered by trained professionals in a controlled medical setting, ketamine is generally considered safe. Our clinic adheres to strict safety protocols, and our medical team monitors patients closely during each session to minimize potential risks.
What mental health conditions can ketamine treatments help with?
Ketamine treatments has shown promising results in treating major depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mood disorders. However, individual responses may vary.
Right now, ketamine treatment is reserved for use in certain mental health, mood disorder, and chronic pain medical conditions that has failed to respond to traditional first and second line treatments. An example is a patient with major depressive disorder that failed to respond with at lest 2 medication treatments such as SSRI's within a robust time frame.
How long does a typical ketamine treatment session last?
A standard ketamine infusion session usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour. IM injection treatments are similar. Nasal spray treatment sessions typically takes around 2 hours. For chronic pain protocols the infusions lasts 4 hours.
How many ketamine treatment sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the specific mental health condition being treated. Typically, an initial series of 6-8 sessions within 4 weeks is recommended, followed by maintenance sessions weekly for best results.
What can I expect during a ketamine treatment session?
During the session, you will be seated or reclined in a comfortable setting while the ketamine is administered. Many patients report feelings of relaxation or altered perception. Our medical staff will be there to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Are ketamine treatments effective?
Ketamine treatments has shown significant, robust, and rapid effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders in various clinical studies. It has also demonstrated efficacy in patients with chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, chronic regional pain syndromes (CRPS), cancer pain, and other chronic pain syndromes. However, individual responses may vary, and not all patients may experience the same level of improvement.
Are there any potential side effects of ketamine therapy?
Ketamine treatment is generally safe when given by medical professionals in a controlled and monitored environment. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or dissociation during or after the session. These effects are usually temporary and subside quickly.
Are ketamine treatments covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for ketamine treatments varies based on the specific health condition being treated. We recommend checking with your insurance company to determine coverage options. Our intake specialist can also help. Intranasal Spravato is covered by most insurance for use in patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who failed to respond to 2 or more antidepressants (Treatment Resistant Depression) or Major Depressive Disorder with Suicidal Ideation. Ketamine by IV infusion and intramuscular medication is not covered by insurances due to its off-label use and our intake specialist can assist with options. IV Ketamine for Chronic pain is also considered off-label and therefore treatments are not covered by insurance companies.
Although the use of IV ketamine in treatment resistant depression, PTSD, other mood disorders, and chronic pain is off-label, multiple recently published systematic reviews and meta-analysis have indicated efficacy of IV ketamine in patients with these medical conditions.
Is ketamine treatment suitable for everyone?
Ketamine treatments may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or medications that could interact with ketamine. Our medical team conducts thorough evaluations to determine the appropriateness of ketamine treatment for each patient.
I am extremely happy with the results of the Ketamine therapy . It has helped me in more ways than anticipated .
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Mark Perkins
4 months ago
I am very grateful to have found ZenKetamine. I sought out IV ketamine treatments for my major depressive disorder. I have seen a tremendous change over the course of a few months. I was immediately relieved when I walked through the door. I knew I had found the right place when I was so warmly greeted by Dr. Boco and Mrs. Dr. Boco. My intake over the phone was with Mrs. Dr. Boco and even though I was at my lowest and struggling she was patient, gentle and kind. They have worked tirelessly to get my insurance to approve the Spravato, esketamine nasal spray, so that my treatment is now financially sustainable for any future treatments. They have all of the things to make a patient feel cozy and comfy during the sessions. They have been accommodating of my husband’s work schedule and generous even offering an Uber when there was a last minute change when my husband couldn’t drive me. I am feeling the best I have felt in a very long time. Dr.Boco made sure at our initial appointment that all of my questions were answered as I was fairly hesitant in seeking something new, yet so desperately seeking a solution. Antidepressants alone always seemed to drop off or stop working initially pulling me out of the hole only to fall back in a couple times a year. Ketamine treatments have brought me a new hope as well as continued improvements in small ways. The simple changes I’ve been able to make, with the aid of this treatment and wonderful care I receive here, have made a lasting affect in my overall wellbeing. Dr Boco is warm and understanding . He leaves me with a different nugget of hope at the end of each session. Whether it be a new idea on how to respond to my thoughts, or an old idea that warms my heart and brings me peace. He always reminds me what to focus on and encourages me in ways that clear the path to hope. Hope is the key for this treatment. ZenKetamine is the perfect place for me to hold on to the seed of hope. The doctors and staff here give careful attention to detail which is what I needed for my hope in myself to grow and thrive. The first treatment brought relief and I have had ups and downs along my path to wellness. Today I am doing great and back to work. I have felt genuine care from the providers at ZenKetamine. If you’re still reading this you might be where I was. You should just go meet them and see for yourself. They saved me.
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Melissa McAley
4 months ago
I came here looking to establish care after moving, and I must say that I am extremely impressed! The office has a very calming and non-clinical vibe. The rooms are all extremely modern and up to date. The consultation itself was extensive, and Dr. Boco spent over an hour with me talking about my treatment and history. There is a strong sense of tranquility in this clinic that makes it stand out. The fact that they work with insurance is also incredible and cuts my out of pocket cost greatly. Thank you again for all you guys do!
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Tony
5 months ago