IV Ketamine Therapy - Serene Psychiatry

IV Ketamine

Therapy

At Serene Psychiatry, we are dedicated to offering innovative, evidence-based treatments for mental health. For patients who haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants or therapy, IV Ketamine Therapy offers a transformative path toward healing.

An initial assessment is required to determine appropriate candidates for treatment.

Your safety and comfort are our priorities. Our IV Ketamine treatments are:

Medically Supervised: Administered in a controlled, clinical environment by experienced professionals.
Personalized Care: We tailor the dosage and frequency to your specific clinical needs.
Comfortable Environment: Relax in a quiet, private room designed to minimize external stimuli during your infusion.

What We Treat*

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Severe Anxiety

Bipolar Depression

What is IV Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that, when administered intravenously in low, sub-anesthetic doses, has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Unlike traditional medications that can take weeks to work, many patients experience significant improvement within hours or days.

What should I expect and how should I prepare?

To ensure the ketamine is as effective as possible, your brain and body need to be prepared.

24 Hours Prior: Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs. Ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.

8 Hours Prior: Please refrain from taking benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin) or opioid pain medications. These can reduce the therapeutic depth of the infusion.

Blood Pressure: If you take blood pressure medication, please take it as scheduled on the morning of your infusion.

Fasting: We recommend not eating a heavy meal for 4 hours before your appointment to prevent nausea. We have medication available to alleviate any nausea that may occur.

What does the actual process look like step-by-step?

First an initial evaluation will occur to determine if IV ketamine is appropriate.

Arrival & Setup You will be escorted to a private, dimly lit room with a reclining chair. A medical professional will gently place a small IV in your arm to deliver the medication.

The Experience (40–60 Minutes) As the infusion begins, you will likely feel a sense of deep relaxation. Some describe it as a dreamlike or “floating” state. You may experience mild shifts in how you perceive time or your surroundings; this is a normal and expected part of the “reset” process.

Safety & Monitoring Our staff will monitor your vitals and comfort throughout the session. You are never alone; we are just outside the door and can check in whenever needed. You will also be provided with a nurse call button.

The Recovery (15–20 Minutes) Once the infusion ends, the effects wear off quickly. You will stay in your suite for about 20 minutes to “ground” yourself and ensure you are steady on your feet.

What about after the infusion?

No Driving: You must have a pre-arranged ride home. You are legally impaired for the remainder of the day and cannot drive or operate heavy machinery.

Take it Easy: Avoid stressful situations or major life decisions for 24 hours. This is a time for your brain to begin its repair work.

The “Lift”: While some feel better immediately, most patients require the full initial series of 6 sessions to see significant, long-term results.

Is it safe?

When administered by medical professionals in a clinical setting, IV Ketamine is considered very safe with minimal long-term side effects. Please be aware that IV ketamine is not currently FDA approved for treatment of psychiatric conditions.

Can i use insurance?

Since IV ketamine is not currently FDA approved for treatment of psychiatric conditions, insurance will typically not reimburse expenses. Serene Psychiatry will not bill insurance for ketamine sessions but can provide invoicing upon request. This invoicing can be used for patients to attempt to seek reimbursement.

The initial assessment is a typical psychiatric outpatient appointment and can be billed through insurance. See our insurance page for plans we’re contracted with.

How long does a session take?

A typical infusion lasts about 40 minutes, with an additional 20–30 minutes of monitoring afterward.

I have additional questions.

We’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to call/text us at 602-492-3692 or fill out our contact us form.

Get Started Today!

*Please note that while Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, its use for the treatment of psychiatric conditions is considered ‘off-label’ and has not been specifically approved by the FDA for these indications.