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How To Choose A Ketamine Clinic

Ketamine has become an effective therapy for depression, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and many other symptoms and disorders. Ketamine has been used for Veterans in the war as a surgical anesthetic and pain reliever. Its effects work quickly to treat illnesses, and only take a few sessions to see lifelong results. The treatments often involve some mystical experiences that are profound — similarly to the experiences many indigenous cultures had during their rituals. These studies, on ketamine, have been going on since the 1950s for their benefits in treating some mental illnesses. But what is ketamine therapy and how do you choose a ketamine clinic that’s reliable? We’ll go over what you need to know below.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine has been approved for use at high doses as an anesthetic for operating. Today, lower-dose ketamine injections are used during therapy to treat depression, mental health ailments, and pain. Before any therapy session, a person will first have a consultation to determine whether ketamine therapy is the right option. A provider will go over medical history, current medical records, and overall goals. Should a person choose to proceed, ketamine is usually given via IV.

There are very few ketamine treatments that are approved by the insurance, so as a result there are numerous less than scrupulous ketamine clinics popping up all over the place trying to capitalize on what they see as a great money maker. With so many clinics to choose from, how do you know which clinic offers the safest, most effective treatment?

Ketamine Clinics

Some clinics are run by anesthesiologists who offer the most experience with the drug. However, they have no experience with mental health treatment, so they are relying on referrals from psychiatrists or other mental health professionals. That means they merely provide you with a drug but have no training in the other needs you may have. Treating mental health issues means taking responsibility for your mental state, not solely relying on drug treatments to improve your health. Therapy treatments are still needed to address the underlying issues.

Other clinics are run by psychiatrists who are experienced in the mental health needs of their patients but have no experience in infusion treatments. This means they are relying on nurses to provide and monitor the treatment. Nurses do not have the level and training of anesthesiologists in dealing with this drug treatment and the dangers if not handled properly or in the case of rare possible reactions. 

So, while you may have the highest level of mental health treatment available, you are not in the most experienced hands possible for the infusion treatment. Anesthesiologists are trained in determining the lowest dosage possible for your needs and the dangers involved, which is crucial in dealing with ketamine.

Choosing the Best Ketamine Clinic for Therapy

If you are looking for the best, safest, most effective treatment, you should seek a facility that is run by both anesthesiologists and psychiatrists working together. Another factor that needs to be considered in choosing a ketamine infusion clinic is the cost. With very few insurances covering ketamine infusion treatments, most people are paying out of pocket. Since the average ketamine treatment includes four to six initial treatments and then maintenance treatments as needed, the cost per treatment can be a huge factor. 

Some clinics charge over $1,000 per treatment. Others may charge only $400, but then you need to consider whether you are receiving the personalized care you need and the proper dosage of the drug. The American Society of Ketamine Physicians states that $500-$800 is a reasonable cost for a 40 to 60-minute infusion, depending on the level of personalized care and dosage of the drug.

About Ketamine Infusion Centers

At Ketamine Infusion Centers our team has anesthesiologists and mental health professionals working side by side to provide the full spectrum of treatment to meet your needs. You are screened before ever beginning treatment to gauge the state of your mental health and determine whether you qualify for treatment. 

A personalized treatment plan is put into place to deal with your unique needs, providing the proper ketamine infusion dosages as well as psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments as needed. You are also monitored to determine whether the treatment is effective in relieving your symptoms and any need for continued or adjusted treatments.

Final Thoughts on Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Collaboration between mental health providers and anesthesiologists provides the most successful ketamine treatment benefits. Ketamine Infusion Centers provide help and support from both to provide you with the safest, most effective treatment available from experienced anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals. Call us today to get started.

How To Choose A Ketamine Clinic