Quick Facts About Ketamine Infusion Therapy ● Some patients notice improvement within hours or days ● May help some patients with treatment-resistant symptoms ● Physician-supervised IV infusions ● Used off-label for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain ● Customized treatment protocols for each patient ● No driving after treatment — safety first For some individuals, …
Quick Facts About Ketamine Infusion Therapy
● Some patients notice improvement within hours or days
● May help some patients with treatment-resistant symptoms
● Physician-supervised IV infusions
● Used off-label for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain
● Customized treatment protocols for each patient
● No driving after treatment — safety first
For some individuals, depression and chronic pain remain stubbornly resistant to traditional treatments such as medications and psychotherapy. In these cases, Ketamine Infusion Therapy is an option that research suggests may help some patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is being studied in carefully monitored, low doses, and research suggests it may help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain types of chronic pain. Unlike many medications that take weeks to show benefit, some patients notice improvements in mood and well-being within hours to days. Individual results vary.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine Infusion Therapy involves the intravenous (IV) administration of ketamine in a controlled, safe medical environment. At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, infusions are supervised directly by a physician, with a focus on safety and individualized care.
Important: IV ketamine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain. At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, it is used off-label based on physician judgment, following a full evaluation. Individual results vary.
The treatment works by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, enhancing communication between neurons and promoting new neural connections. This “reset” effect is believed to restore balance in mood regulation pathways, helping patients break free from cycles of depression and pain.
Potential Benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
● Some patients notice relief from depression within hours or days
● May help some patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
● Research suggests it may help reduce suicidal thoughts in some patients
● May help with PTSD and severe anxiety
● May provide relief from certain chronic pain conditions
● May complement ongoing therapy
Why Choose Ketamine Therapy?
Traditional antidepressants may take weeks or months to work, and they do not work for every patient. Ketamine offers a new avenue of hope, particularly for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. For some patients, research suggests it may work more quickly than traditional antidepressants, though results vary from person to person.
Our Approach
At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, Dr. Kotbi—a quintuple board-certified physician with over two decades of experience—provides expert oversight of all ketamine infusion treatments. As a distinguished educator and clinician, Dr. Kotbi provides a comprehensive care approach, combining expert diagnostic skills with personalized treatment planning for patients with complex co-morbidities. His expertise spans psychiatric, neurological, medical, and addiction disorders, allowing for compassionate and holistic care. This approach includes personalized evaluations, ongoing medication management, and second-opinion consultations, with collaborative behavioral support from licensed therapists when necessary.
Each patient undergoes a full evaluation before starting treatment to determine candidacy. Infusions are then tailored to the individual, including dosage, frequency, and overall treatment plan, with safety as the top priority.
Who Can Benefit?
Ketamine Infusion Therapy may be appropriate for patients experiencing:
● Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
● Suicidal thoughts or severe depressive episodes
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Severe anxiety disorders
● Chronic pain conditions (such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy
1. Does the infusion hurt?
No, the infusion itself is not painful. A small IV is placed, and most patients experience only mild discomfort at the insertion site. During treatment, patients may feel relaxed, dissociated, or drowsy—these effects typically fade shortly after the session ends.
2. How long does each session last?
Infusion sessions usually last about 40 minutes to one hour, depending on your personalized treatment plan. Patients are monitored closely throughout the infusion and for a short time afterward to ensure comfort and safety.
3. When will I notice results?
Some patients notice symptom relief within hours to days after treatment, while others may need several sessions or may not respond. Individual results vary. A full course often involves multiple infusions over a few weeks, and results may continue to improve with ongoing care.
4. Are there side effects?
Some patients may experience mild dizziness, nausea, or temporary changes in perception during the infusion. These effects usually resolve quickly after treatment.
5. Can I drive after treatment?
No. For your safety, patients are not permitted to drive after ketamine infusion therapy. Please arrange for a family member, friend, or other transportation to take you home.
6. Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy addictive?
Ketamine has a potential for misuse, which is why it is only given in our office under direct physician supervision, at carefully controlled doses, and never sent home with patients. Treatments are always monitored directly by Dr. Kotbi.