If you’re considering ketamine treatment for depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, it’s important to know how to prepare for ketamine therapy to ensure a safe and successful experience. This guide will walk you through the key steps to get ready for treatment and maximize its benefits.
Understanding Your Options
Before starting ketamine therapy, it’s essential to explore the different treatment options available. At Emerge, we offer both intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions and Spravato, an FDA-approved nasal spray based on ketamine.
IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
IV ketamine therapy delivers ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an IV drip. Treatment typically involves multiple sessions, with the dosing schedule tailored to each patient’s specific needs and response.
This method is used to treat various mental health conditions, including major and bipolar depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more. It is also used to treat chronic pain conditions.
Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato is the brand name of esketamine, a form of ketamine which is administered as a nasal spray. Spravato has a more rigorous treatment plan, with patients receiving two doses per week for the first month, then transitioning to once-weekly sessions for the second month.
Unlike IV ketamine, Spravato is FDA-approved but only available to individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDSI).
At-Home Ketamine Therapy
Some providers offer at-home ketamine therapy, typically in the form of sublingual tablets (dissolved under the tongue), which arrive through the post. While this option is convenient for those with mobility limitations, it lacks the medical supervision and safety measures of in-clinic treatments.
Medical Evaluation
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for ketamine therapy and certain conditions may increase the risks associated with treatment. For instance, ketamine increases heart rate and blood pressure so those with hypertension and a history of cardiovascular disorders are excluded from the therapy.
At Emerge Ketamine, we conduct comprehensive medical evaluations to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for you. This includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, and any underlying health conditions. Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks.
Understanding the Costs of Ketamine Therapy
Financial considerations are an important aspect of planning your treatment so you can budget ahead of time.
- Insurance Coverage: Spravato is covered by most insurance providers for individuals with TRD or MDSI. However, coverage for IV ketamine infusions varies. At Emerge Ketamine, we work with insurance companies to help reduce the cost of treatment. Our patients are given a ‘super bill’ that they can send to their insurer for reimbursement at the end of treatment.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Understanding your financial responsibility is crucial. Not all insurance companies cover ketamine or may only partially cover treatment costs. Our team at Emerge Ketamine is available to help you navigate the costs associated with your treatment plan.
Considering Talk Therapy
Pairing ketamine therapy with psychotherapy can improve treatment outcomes in two key ways:
Processing Experiences
Ketamine can produce psychedelic effects, leading to new insights and emotions. Talk therapy provides a structured space to process these experiences, helping patients make sense of any changes in perspective and mood that arise during treatment.
Boosting Neuroplasticity
Ketamine has been shown to increase neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections. Engaging in therapy while your brain is in this adaptable state may help people more easily shift ways of thinking and behavior.
Practical Steps
To ensure a smooth and effective treatment experience, consider the following practical steps:
Limit Substance Use
- Avoid Alcohol and Illicit Drugs: Refrain from consuming alcohol and illicit substances before your treatment, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of ketamine therapy.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
- Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation or deep breathing can help you approach your session with a calm and open mindset.
- Set Positive Intentions: Reflect on your goals for the therapy session to create a focused and purposeful experience.
Arrange Transportation
- Secure a Ride: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. It’s recommended that you don’t drive post-treatment.
Plan Post-Treatment Care
- Have Support Available: Ensure a trusted person can assist you after the session, providing comfort and safety.
- Engage in Calming Activities: Participate in relaxing activities and avoid making major decisions immediately following treatment.
Summary
Proper preparation is key to maximizing the benefits of ketamine therapy. It’s essential to first determine whether ketamine therapy is right for you, and, if so, which type is best. Following this, being well-prepared financially, psychologically and practically will help ensure the best possible outcomes.
At Emerge Ketamine, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about services and how ketamine therapy could serve you.