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When Symptoms Won't Respond to Medication — Find Relief with IV Ketamine Therapy
A rapid, evidence-based option for treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain
If you've struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or chronic pain despite trying multiple medications or therapies, you know the toll it takes — on your daily functioning, your relationships, and your hope for improvement. You're not alone, and there's a powerful option you may not have considered yet.
IV ketamine therapy is a rapid, evidence-based treatment that works differently than traditional antidepressants. Unlike medications that take weeks to show effects, many patients experience meaningful symptom relief within hours to days of their first treatment — even after years of treatment resistance.
At Nexus Neuropsychiatry, we administer IV ketamine infusions in a safe, comfortable, medically supervised setting. Our board-certified interventional psychiatrists and highly trained nursing staff are experienced in supporting patients through this transformative treatment.
Ready to explore if IV ketamine is right for you?
Schedule a consultation with one of our psychiatrists. We'll review your treatment history, discuss whether IV ketamine or another interventional option is the best next step, and answer your questions
What is IV Ketamine Therapy?
IV ketamine therapy involves the administration of ketamine through an intravenous infusion. Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades since it was approved in 1970. Since then, clinicians noticed positive benefits for other indications and further research has revealed its remarkable effectiveness in treating severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain conditions.
How IV Ketamine Works
The treatment works differently than traditional antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which leads to increased glutamate activity. This surge in glutamate triggers a cascade of neurobiological changes that promote neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new connections and pathways. This unique mechanism allows ketamine to work much faster than traditional antidepressants and can help restore healthy brain function in areas affected by depression and anxiety.
What Improvement Looks Like
Response to IV ketamine is often dramatic and measurable. Many patients report:
- Increased motivation and engagement — The ability to get out of bed, pursue work, hobbies, or relationships without feeling paralyzed
- Reduced suicidal ideation — For patients with severe depression, some experience relief from suicidal thoughts within the first infusion
- Improved sleep and appetite — Stabilization of basic functioning that antidepressants often fail to restore
- Emotional flexibility — The ability to feel and respond to emotions, rather than feeling numb or trapped
- Cognitive clarity — Improved focus, memory, and decision-making
While response rates vary (approximately 70-80% in clinical populations), the speed of response is what sets IV ketamine apart. Most patients begin to notice shifts within their first 1-2 sessions — not weeks.
Think this might help? Many patients don't know if they're good candidates until they talk to a psychiatrist. We'll be honest about what to expect.
Who Is IV Ketamine Right For?
- Individuals with treatment-resistant depression (tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief)
- Those who suffer from severe anxiety disorders that haven't responded to traditional treatment
- People with history of trauma and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Those who experience chronic pain conditions alongside mental health challenges
- Individuals looking for rapid symptom relief
- Individuals that prefer an alternative to oral medications or nasal spray treatments
Good fit. You're a good candidate if you check any of these boxes.
Uncertain? Many patients aren't sure if they qualify — that's exactly what your consultation is for. Our psychiatrists will review your history and determine if IV ketamine is right for you, or discuss alternative treatments that might be better suited.
Treatment Process:
Initial Consultation: Before starting IV ketamine therapy, you'll meet with our board-certified interventional psychiatrists for a comprehensive evaluation. We'll review your psychiatric and medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if IV ketamine is the right fit for you.
Treatment Sessions:
- Each treatment session typically lasts 90-120 minutes
- After an IV is placed you can recline in our comfortable treatment room during the infusion
- Vital signs are monitored throughout the session
- One of our highly experienced staff, typically a nurse or a provider, are present with you during the entire treatment
Typical Treatment Schedule: Most patients are recommended to begin with an initial series of 4-6 infusions over 2-3 weeks (typically 2-3 infusions per week). After the initial series, we'll create a maintenance plan tailored to your needs, which may include periodic booster infusions or a step down to another therapy.
Important note: You'll need to arrange transportation home after each session, as you should not drive for the rest of the day.
Common Side Effects (mild and typically resolve within 30-60 minutes of completing infusion):
- Mild dissociation or 'floaty' feeling
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure (monitored during treatment)
- Dizziness
- Vivid dreams or perceptual changes during infusion
Contraindications — IV ketamine may not be appropriate for:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
- Active psychosis
- Active substance use disorder
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Clinical Evidence:
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness of IV ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, with response rates approaching 80% in patients who hadn't responded to traditional antidepressants. Research has also shown promising results for anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Please see our resources section for peer reviewed journal articles outlining the safety and efficacy of ketamine.
Safety Standards & Monitoring
IV Ketamine has been safely used in operating rooms and anesthesia for over 50 years. IV psychiatric ketamine is an established, low-risk procedure in experienced hands. At Nexus:
Questions? Ready to explore your options? We're here to help.
Cost & Insurance
Transparent, straightforward pricing: $500 per IV ketamine infusion session. No packages. No memberships. No hidden fees. You pay only for the treatments you receive.
Insurance coverage: IV ketamine for psychiatric indications is not currently covered by most insurance plans, though coverage is evolving. However, we do offer FDA-approved esketamine (Spravato), which may be covered by your insurance — this is a nasal spray alternative that's less intensive than IV.
During your initial consultation, we'll review your insurance coverage options, discuss the pros and cons of IV ketamine vs. other interventional psychiatry treatments, and help you understand your total costs before you commit to treatment.
Why Choose Nexus for IV Ketamine:
- Expert Evaluations: Our board-certified interventional psychiatrists have extensive experience with ketamine therapy as well as all other interventional treatments available. We can compare and contrast the options for you to make the best choice for the next step in your treatment
- Expert Administration: At Nexus, a physician is always monitoring your treatment plan and administration. Our team is trained in advanced life support techniques (ACLS) and utilizes the most advanced technology to ensure your safety and comfort.
- Highest Standards: We follow evidence based protocols and practices as determined by research and expert consensus (ASKP3)
- Comfortable Setting: Our office provides a peaceful, welcoming environment that feels nothing like a traditional hospital or clinic. Ample parking and waiting area makes access easy and comfortable for you and your support person.
- Collaborative Approach: We work closely with your existing providers to ensure coordinated care throughout your treatment journey.
- Personalized Treatment: Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on their unique needs, symptoms, and response to therapy.
- Comprehensive Support:
We provide thorough follow-up care and detailed summaries to your referring providers, ensuring continuity of care.
