There are some things to look out for when you’re searching for a ketamine infusion provider. Here’s our advice, based on more than a decade of experience.
Expertise
Ketamine falls into an interesting gray-area of medical procedures between psychiatry, which has patients with mental health and mood disorders, and anesthesiology, as ketamine is an anesthetic agent. Independently, ketamine also has a significant learning curve to administer sensitively and correctly.
It is important to find a provider with experience and expertise not only in psychiatry and anesthesiology, but with the administration of ketamine, specifically.
Frequency
In addition to experience and expertise, you should look for a ketamine provider who administers infusions frequently.
Original protocols for ketamine infusions involved an initial series of ketamine infusions, scheduled 3 times a week for 2 weeks — for a total of 6 initial ketamine infusions — before moving to a maintenance infusion schedule. Although the original protocol may not work for everyone, this standard protocol acts as a good base for a standard of care. It is important that your ketamine provider is able to offer infusions with enough frequency for you to be able to complete your initial series.
There may also be times when you are struggling, whether you’re dealing with a change of other medications or generally having a difficult time with your mental health, when you need to be able to schedule an infusion. It is important that your ketamine provider is able to be available during these times for you to schedule a ketamine infusion.
Training
There are institutions that provide education and training specifically for the administration of ketamine to treat mental health. This might include organizations such as the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and the American Society of Ketamine Physicials (ASKP3).
Look for a provider with experience with ketamine in particular, whether through years of training independently or with certification from another organization.
Setting
Look for a provider with sensitivity to the nature of ketamine infusions and the need to administer them in a quiet, comfortable environment. They should recognize the need for privacy and for features such as an eye mask, blanket, calming music, and the ability to dim the lights.
space
A provider should also have sensitivity to the disruption that a ketamine infusion can cause in a patient’s psyche.
Whether they have a good trip or a bad trip, ketamine can cause patients to realize they need to make changes in life. Some of those realizations or changes can be very significant, disruptive, and unsettling. During treatment, patients may have memories come up for them that may be a lot to handle.
It is important that your provider is able to hold psychological space for you in these intense moments, and that you are able to take the time to decompress and process after your infusion without being rushed out the door. Look for a provider who, in both the literal and psychological space, gives you time to get your feet under you after treatment.
Holistic approach
While ketamine is an effective anti-depressant on its own, it is important to look for a provider who has a holistic approach to treatment. Ketamine is the most effective when combined with therapies and holistic lifestyle changes.
Administration
Some providers administer ketamine alongside adjunct medications. It is important that your provider understands how other medications might interact with your experience of the ketamine treatment. Although it is convenient to be able to receive other fluids or medications when you are already hooked up to an IV, it is often not the best idea to combine them with ketamine treatment.
For example, an IV drip spa that provides ketamine treatment might also offer to pair it with saline. However, ketamine infusions already make some patients feel the need to pee. If they are also administered a liter of fluid, they may become very uncomfortable during the middle of their infusion when they suddenly have the need to go to the bathroom.
Some clinics pair ketamine with NAD. However, NAD infusions can cause some dysphoria. Some patients receive iron alongside their ketamine infusion. Iron infusions can cause itching and allergic reactions, alongside dysphoria and general discomfort in the body. While efficient, to combine these treatments with ketamine may not be a skillful application.
Look for a provider who is thoughtful about how they administer ketamine and who understands the interactions of other medications with the infusion experience.
When searching for a provider for ketamine treatment, look for someone with experience, expertise, sensitivity to the nature of ketamine, and a bedside manner that makes you feel comfortable.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
