Transforming Mental Health:
The Promise of Ketamine Therapy in California

Intravenous (IV) ketamine treatment involves administering ketamine, a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia, directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This therapy has gained attention for its rapid-acting effects, particularly in treating conditions like severe depression, chronic pain, and other mood disorders.

The Process:

• Consultation and Screening: Before starting IV ketamine infusions, patients undergo a detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine if ketamine is a suitable treatment option.
• Dosage and Administration: Ketamine is administered in a controlled, clinical setting, under the supervision of a medical professional. The dose and frequency of ketamine infusions vary based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
• Monitoring: During the infusion, which can last about 40 minutes to an hour, patients are closely monitored for psychological and physiological responses. Vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure are watched to ensure safety.
• Immediate Effects: Patients might start to experience effects during or shortly after the treatment, often reporting a dissociative experience or altered perception during the infusion.
• Follow-up: The effects of ketamine therapy can be rapid in terms of mood improvement, with benefits potentially seen within hours to days after an infusion.
• Supportive Therapy: Combining ketamine treatment with psychotherapy may enhance and extend its benefits, helping patients process insights or emotional release that may occur during the ketamine experience.