Question 1

What is Ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic for use during medical procedures and surgery. Over the past several decades, it has also been used "off-label" to treat depression and other mental health conditions. More recently, research has demonstrated that ketamine can rapidly improve symptoms for many individuals whose depression or anxiety has not responded to traditional treatments.Rather than working like conventional antidepressants, ketamine acts on different pathways in the brain, temporarily increasing neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections which may help individuals develop healthier patterns of thinking and emotional processing.Ketamine therapy uses carefully controlled doses of ketamine to promote rapid changes in brain function that may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions. When combined with psychotherapy, many patients experience greater emotional insight, increased psychological flexibility, and lasting improvements in well-being.Watch Dr. Matthew Hicks explain what ketamine therapy is and how it works.

Question 2

What Conditions Does Ketamine Therapy Treat?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, particularly when traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief.Our physicians carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether ketamine is an appropriate treatment option based on their medical history, symptoms, treatment goals, and overall health.Ketamine therapy may benefit individuals living with:
Treatment-Resistant DepressionMajor Depressive DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderSocial AnxietyPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Bipolar DepressionPersistent Mood DisordersBurnout and Chronic StressExistential distress related to serious illness
Not every individual is a candidate for ketamine therapy. A comprehensive consultation with one of our physicians is the best way to determine whether treatment is right for you.

Question 3

What does Ketamine Feel Like?

Accepted Answer

Every person's experience is unique.Many patients describe ketamine as creating a dream-like or deeply meditative state. Some report feeling detached from their usual thoughts, experiencing enhanced self-reflection, or viewing difficult emotions from a new perspective. Others describe feelings of calm, openness, or emotional release.Some people may also experience temporary sensations such as changes in perception, numbness, dizziness, nausea, a vivid dream-like state, or feeling as though they are outside their body. These effects generally resolve shortly after treatment.Because our physicians remain with you throughout your session, you'll have continuous support and medical supervision for the duration of your experience.

Question 4

Is Ketamine Therapy Safe? What can I Expect Durning my Session?

Accepted Answer

When administered by trained medical professionals in an appropriate clinical setting, ketamine has an excellent safety profile and has been used in medicine for more than 50 years.Before beginning treatment, every patient completes a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation to determine whether ketamine is appropriate. Throughout every session, your physician continuously monitors your response and vital signs while providing support whenever needed.Your safety & comfort is our highest priority. After arriving, you'll settle into one of our private treatment rooms where your physician will review your treatment plan and answer any last-minute questions.Once treatment begins, you'll relax in a calm, comfortable environment while your physician remains with you throughout the entire session. Many patients choose to wear an eye mask or listen to carefully selected music while focusing inward.Experiences vary from person to person. Some describe the experience as peaceful, dream-like, emotionally meaningful, or deeply reflective. Others report a sense of mental clarity or emotional distance that allows them to process difficult thoughts from a new perspective.Following treatment, you'll spend time recovering before returning home with your designated driver. Depending on your treatment plan, your physician or therapist may schedule an integration session to help you process your experience and apply any insights to everyday life.

Question 5

How many Treatments will I Need? How Often are the Sessions?

Accepted Answer

Treatment recommendations vary depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals. Your physician will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and will adjust recommendations based on how you respond to treatment.Often there is a standard six-session induction series is designed to maximize a process called synaptic plasticity, which is your brain's ability to form new neural connections. While the first dose acts as an introduction and can provide immediate relief, repeated treatments over a short timeframe help cement these neurological changes to achieve longer-lasting results. 
Some patients notice significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others benefit from completing the full induction series and, when clinically appropriate, periodic maintenance treatments to help sustain their progress.Each treatment session lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing time for preparation, the ketamine administration, monitoring, and recovery before you return home.

Question 6

Do I need Someone to Drive me Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Because ketamine temporarily affects perception, coordination, and reaction time, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home after every treatment session. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the following day.

Question 7

How much does treatment cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies depending on the type of treatment and your individualized care plan. Please visit our Pricing & Insurance page for current fees and detailed information about coverage.Ketamine administration sessions are generally not covered by insurance. Depending on your insurance plan, however, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for certain portions of your treatment.

Question 8

Do you Offer Financial Assistance?

Accepted Answer

We believe that financial circumstances should not prevent individuals from accessing quality mental health care.For patients experiencing financial hardship, we offer a scholarship program and may maintain a waitlist for reduced-cost services when funding is available.To learn more or apply, please visit:https://www.synaptic.care/synaptic-scholarship

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