Ketamine infusions, psilocybin, MDMA-assisted therapy, and psychedelic medicine
Psilocybin therapy is moving from fringe to mainstream, with clinical trials showing remarkable results for depression, anxiety, and more. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works, who it’s for, and what a treatment session actually involves.
IV ketamine infusion is the original and most studied ketamine protocol for treatment-resistant depression. Here is how the standard protocol works, what the experience feels like, and how IV compares to Spravato, oral, and IM delivery.
At a Glance IV ketamine infusions typically cost $400-$800 per session; a standard 6-session initial series runs $2,400-$4,800 before any add-on costs. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and can be covered by insurance, though patient cost-sharing still runs $600-$900+ per session initially. At-home ketamine via telehealth (sublingual troches) costs $200-$400/month and…
At a Glance Spravato (esketamine): FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation Administration: Self-administered under medical supervision in a certified healthcare setting (REMS program) Cost: ~$600-900 per session without insurance; most commercial insurers now cover it with prior authorization Treatment schedule: Twice weekly for 4 weeks, then weekly for…
Safety Monitoring During Ketamine Sessions Every clinical ketamine session should include the following safety measures – if a clinic does not provide these, that is a red flag: Continuous vital sign monitoring: Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation throughout the infusion Trained medical staff present: A physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse should be…
At a Glance IV ketamine infusions: $400-$800 per session, with a standard 6-session course costing $2,400-$4,800. Rarely covered by insurance. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray): $600-$900 per session, but increasingly covered by insurance with prior authorization. IM (intramuscular) ketamine: $200-$400 per session, a more affordable in-clinic alternative to IV. At-home ketamine (oral/sublingual): $200-$400/month through telehealth services;…
At a Glance TMS and ketamine both treat depression through fundamentally different mechanisms, magnetic brain stimulation versus NMDA-receptor modulation. Ketamine works faster (hours to days), while TMS effects build gradually (2-6 weeks) but tend to last longer without ongoing treatment. TMS is better covered by insurance and has fewer systemic side effects. Ketamine (especially IV)…
Psychedelic therapy is one of the most significant shifts in mental health treatment in decades. After being sidelined by prohibition since the 1970s, substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine are now the focus of serious clinical research at institutions like Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Imperial College London. The results so far have been remarkable: treatment-resistant…
Ketamine works through NMDA receptor blockade and glutamate signaling to lift severe depression within hours. Learn about response rates (60-70% for treatment-resistant depression), IV vs nasal spray vs oral options, treatment protocols, and side effects.