Ketamine therapy costs $450 to $850 per infusion or $2,700 to $6,800 in total for a complete series of 6 to 8 infusions for depression. For pain management, ketamine treatment costs $650 to $1,500 per infusion or $2,600 to $12,000 for a full series of infusions, with the total cost varying based on the severity of the condition.

Other factors that affect the cost of ketamine treatment include:

• Type of treatment: Ketamine infusions are typically not covered by insurance, which can significantly increase your out-of-pocket costs. In comparison, insurance may cover intranasal ketamine treatments, depending on your plan and condition. Oral ketamine is generally the least expensive option but may not be as effective as other methods for some patients.
• Condition being treated: Ketamine treatments for pain management are more expensive because each infusion takes longer and uses a higher concentration of the drug than infusions for depression or other mental health conditions.
• Number of treatments needed: Most clinics recommend a series of 6 to 8 infusions administered over 2 to 4 weeks for treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine therapy for other psychiatric conditions like PTSD or OCD may require anywhere from 3 to 12+ treatments, depending on the specific diagnosis and individual response. Some patients with pain-related conditions may require only a few treatments, while others may need more. Most doctors recommend a series of 3 to 8 treatments, depending on the condition and severity of the pain.
• Treatment facility & location: The provider's experience, clinic's reputation, and geographic location also impact the cost. Fees at clinics in major metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are typically on the higher end of the price range.

Ketamine therapy uses low doses of ketamine, a controlled substance commonly employed in higher doses for anesthesia, to alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. It's also used to treat various pain conditions.

Ketamine therapy is most often administered through intravenous (IV) infusions lasting 45 minutes to over an hour. Alternatively, ketamine can be delivered via an intranasal spray. Most patients require multiple infusions or intranasal treatments to achieve lasting results.

There are three types of ketamien treatment currently available:

• Ketamine infusions: IV infusions are the most common option and tend to provide the quickest results. Ketamine infusions cost $450 to $850 each for depression or other mental health conditions and $650 to $1,500 each for pain management.
• Intranasal ketamine: Spravato, an FDA-approved ketamine-derived nasal spray, is often covered by insurance when used for depression. Spravato costs $650 to $1,600 per treatment without insurance or $15 to $120+ per treatment with insurance coverage. Spravato must be self-administered under medical supervision at a healthcare provider's office.
• Oral / sublingual ketamine: Oral ketamine costs $35 to $120 per dose and is available in tablet or lozenge form for at-home use. Some patients use oral ketamine to extend the time between maintenance infusions or potentially eliminate the need for them altogether.

The experience during ketamine therapy can vary significantly from person to person, and even the same patient may experience it differently from one session to the next. However, most people find ketamine therapy to be pleasant, often reporting feelings of deep relaxation and contentment.

Other common experiences that may occur during a ketamine treatment session include:

• A sensation of floating or being detached from one's body
• Feelings of bliss, tranquility, or euphoria
• Mild visual hallucinations, such as colors appearing more vivid
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Altered perception of time
• Feeling mildly intoxicated or uncoordinated

These sensations typically fade within about 20 to 30 minutes after the infusion ends. However, because ketamine therapy may cause fatigue or dizziness for several hours, you'll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home. Medical professionals recommend resting for the remainder of the day following treatment.

A single ketamine treatment typically provides relief for a few days to two weeks. Longer-lasting relief usually requires a series of 6 to 8 treatments administered regularly over the course of about a month.

Some patients who complete the entire series may never need another treatment, but most individuals require periodic booster treatments every 4 to 8 weeks. Many patients find they need maintenance treatments less frequently as time goes on.

Ketamine therapy is generally considered safe when administered by an experienced medical practitioner. However, ketamine should be avoided or used only with extreme caution for patients who meet any of the following criteria:

• Individuals with unstable hypertension or pre-existing aneurysmal vascular disorders
• Older adults with symptoms of dementia
• People with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Individuals with a history of substance use disorder
• Adolescents

Most health insurance plans do not cover ketamine infusions for depression, other mental health conditions, or chronic pain because the FDA considers it an "off-label" use of the drug.

Many insurance providers do cover Spravato, an FDA-approved ketamine nasal spray, if it's prescribed for treatment-resistant depression. However, most plans only cover it if the patient has already tried and failed to respond to two to four oral antidepressants.

Ketamine therapy is legal when administered by a licensed medical provider who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). However, using ketamine to treat pain, depression, or other psychiatric conditions is considered "off-label," meaning it's legal for doctors to prescribe but not FDA-approved for those specific conditions.

Many patients describe experiencing a floating sensation during ketamine therapy. Some patients also report mild hallucinations—such as perceiving colors more vibrantly—or a sense of dissociation. Your medical provider will carefully adjust the dosage as needed during each infusion to ensure you remain comfortable without experiencing excessive dissociation.

Ask these important questions to ensure you find the best provider for ketamine therapy:

• How long have you been offering ketamine therapy, and approximately how many patients have you treated?
• Which medical specialty are you board-certified in?
• What specific experience do you have in using ketamine to treat my particular condition?
• Are you a member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP) or any other ketamine-related professional organizations?
• Based on my condition, do you recommend ketamine infusions or intranasal treatment?
• Do your ketamine therapy sessions include any form of psychotherapy or integration support?
• What other mental health services and support do you offer in conjunction with ketamine treatments?
• Are you willing and able to work collaboratively with my current mental healthcare professional?