What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment designed to provide rapid relief for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety. Administered in low doses through intravenous (IV) infusion in a controlled clinical environment, ketamine offers hope where traditional therapies have failed. With a unique mechanism of action and rapid onset, it’s transforming the landscape of mental health care.
How Does It Work?
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works by acting on the glutamate system, particularly the NMDA receptors. This increases glutamate activity in the brain, stimulating the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key protein involved in neural repair, synaptic plasticity, and emotional regulation.
- Neuroplasticity Boost: Ketamine promotes the growth of new synaptic connections, especially in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, regions commonly impaired by depression.
- Anti-inflammatory Action: It reduces inflammatory markers that contribute to mood disorders.
- BDNF Upregulation: This enhances mood stability and cognitive flexibility.
- Rapid Action: Unlike SSRIs that may take weeks, ketamine can relieve symptoms within hours or days.
This unique mechanism is why ketamine is effective even when other treatments have failed.
Who Is It For?
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is ideal for individuals who:
- Have not responded to at least two traditional antidepressants (treatment-resistant depression)
- Experience suicidal ideation
- Struggle with PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, or Depression
- Need fast-acting relief from debilitating symptoms
If you’ve felt like nothing else has worked, ketamine may offer the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
What Is the Patient Experience Like?
Each session takes place in a calm, monitored environment at Mind Spa. You’ll relax in a comfortable chair while ketamine is delivered slowly through an IV line over 60–90 minutes. Here's what to expect:
- Initial Course: 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks
- Maintenance: Booster infusions every 4 weeks or as needed
- Sensation: Many patients experience a mild “floaty” or dissociative feeling during the infusion
- Monitoring: Vitals are closely tracked by trained clinical staff
Common side effects (usually short-lived and mild):
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Temporary dissociation
- Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
Most patients return to normal activities within an hour or two post-treatment.
Expected Results
Clinical research supports ketamine’s rapid and robust effects:
- Up to 70% response rate for treatment-resistant depression
- Noticeable improvement often occurs within 24–72 hours post-infusion
- Neuroplastic gains can support long-term mental wellness when paired with ongoing care
When integrated into Mind Spa’s comprehensive treatment plans, which may include TMS, HBOT, and talk therapy—ketamine can deliver symptom remission in as little as 2–3 weeks.
Start Your Healing Journey
If you've tried everything and still feel stuck, Ketamine Infusion Therapy may be your next step.
👉 Click here and fill out our new patient forms to schedule a consultation with our care team.
Selected Research Citations:
- Zarate, C.A. et al. (2006). Arch Gen Psychiatry
- Price, R.B. et al. (2009). Biol Psychiatry
- Murrough, J.W. et al. (2013). Am J Psychiatry
- Abdallah, C.G. et al. (2015). Neuropsychopharmacology
- Duman, R.S. & Aghajanian, G.K. (2012). Science
