IV Ketamine Therapy is a Breakthrough Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
IV Ketamine Therapy Q&A
What is IV ketamine therapy?
IV ketamine therapy is an innovative treatment approach for patients with depression and certain anxiety and mood disorders who have not responded adequately to traditional therapies. Ketamine is an FDA-approved prescription medication that has been used safely for decades as an anesthetic. In recent years, research has shown that low-dose intravenous ketamine can provide rapid and meaningful relief from symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and other mood conditions.
Multiple studies including research from Yale University and the National Institute of Mental Health have demonstrated that carefully administered, low-dose IV ketamine can significantly improve depressive symptoms, often even when other treatments have not been effective.
At Healthy Mind Psychiatry, IV ketamine is delivered in a comfortable, medically monitored setting under the supervision of Dr. Ananya Sreepathi, a board-certified psychiatrist.
How does ketamine work for depression?
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. Rather than targeting serotonin, it acts on the brain's NMDA receptors and increases the availability of glutamate a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in learning, memory, and mood regulation. This process is thought to promote new neural connections and help "reset" brain pathways affected by chronic depression and anxiety.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take four to six weeks to produce noticeable benefit, many patients experience improvement within hours or days of their first ketamine infusion. For many, a full treatment series provides meaningful and sustained relief.
What conditions can IV ketamine help treat?
IV ketamine has shown benefit for patients living with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum depression
- Generalized anxiety and other anxiety disorders
Dr. Sreepathi will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether IV ketamine is an appropriate and safe option for your specific diagnosis and treatment history.
What can I expect during treatment?
Most patients begin with a series of six infusions over two to three weeks. The first infusion typically lasts about 60 minutes, and subsequent infusions are approximately 45 minutes. Each session takes place in a calm, private treatment room.
Infusions are administered by a trained nurse on-site under the direct supervision of Dr. Sreepathi. Vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are checked before and after each infusion, and the nurse checks in with you periodically throughout the session to ensure your comfort and safety.
The dose of ketamine used for depression is significantly lower than surgical anesthesia doses. You will remain awake during the infusion, though many patients report a sense of deep relaxation or a mild dissociative experience, which typically resolves within 30–60 minutes after the infusion ends.
After treatment, some patients may experience temporary side effects, including:
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Changes in perception or mood
- Transient increases in blood pressure
These effects generally resolve shortly after the infusion is complete. For safety, you will need to arrange transportation home after each session and avoid driving or operating machinery for the remainder of the day.
Will I need ongoing treatment?
After the initial six-infusion series, Dr. Sreepathi will reassess your symptoms and response. Many patients benefit from periodic maintenance infusions to sustain their progress. Treatment plans are always individualized based on your clinical response, overall health, and goals of care.
Is IV ketamine covered by insurance?
IV ketamine is not currently covered by insurance. Healthy Mind Psychiatry offers self-pay pricing, and our team is happy to discuss cost and payment options with you during your consultation.
If you are looking for an insurance-covered alternative, Dr. Sreepathi also offers Spravato (esketamine), an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression that is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare.
Is IV ketamine right for me?
IV ketamine therapy is a powerful tool but not appropriate for everyone. Candidates are evaluated carefully, and the treatment is typically considered for patients who have not responded to standard antidepressant medications and therapy. Dr. Sreepathi will review your medical and psychiatric history in detail during an in-office consultation and answer any questions you may have about preparing for treatment.
Call Healthy Mind Psychiatry today or request an appointment online to learn whether IV ketamine therapy may be right for you.
