Ketamine Therapy FAQ
Get all of your questions answered by searching below, or contact us and we would be happy to help.
How much does Ketamine treatment cost?
The cost of your therapy will depend on the number of treatment sessions that are part of your plan, whether you would like to work with a ketamine therapist during treatment sessions, your insurance coverage, and if you want to use HSA or FSA funds.
Do you offer Spravato (Nasal Spray Esketamine)?
Yes! We now offer Spravato (Esketamine) nasal spray ketamine. While this treatment method offers symptom relief to our traditional ketamine treatment methods, Spravato is an opportunity to utilize your commercial insurance or Medicare Benefits to get access to this FDA approved treatment.
Do you offer financing for Ketamine Therapy?
Yes, in addition to working with health insurance and accepting payments made with HSA or FSA funds, we also partner with CareCredit so our patients can finance their ketamine therapy with convenient monthly payments that fit their budget.
How long does it take for Ketamine Therapy to work?
Generally speaking, people will feel immediate benefit from ketamine therapy after their first treatment.
Who provides Ketamine Therapy at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry?
Dr. David Danish was one of the first psychiatrists (if not the first) to begin offering Ketamine Therapy in the Philadelphia area following the NIH study in 2015. We now have an entire Ketamine Therapy team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and registered nurses.
What Ketamine Therapy programs does Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry offer?
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we will tailor your ketamine treatment plan to your individual goals. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all ketamine therapy program. This means that the dosing, number of sessions, and whether you have a therapist present with you for the entire treatment process (in addition to a nurse) will depend on what your needs are and what feels most comfortable for you.
What is the benefit of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
Collaborating with a KAP therapist during ketamine treatment has been shown to enhance the effects of ketamine by integrating subconscious and altered mind experiences into everyday life. People undergoing ketamine treatments often gain new perspectives, and KAP therapists help them make sense of these changes, applying what they've learned to improve their lives, make better decisions, and recover from trauma.
Can I start Ketamine treatment before working with a Ketamine Therapist?
Beginning ketamine treatment can help you become familiar with the effects of the medication before starting sessions with a KAP therapist. Although psychedelic dosing requires the presence of a KAP therapist, you can still experience the positive effects of the medication and feel the effects after even the first session.
What method is used to treat patients with Ketamine?
There are multiple ways that ketamine can be introduced to the body: Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (injection), Intranasal (nasal spray), or Oral (lozenges). We will administer your ketamine medication using the method that best suits your comfort and treatment goals.
Does Ketamine Therapy replace my needs for my current medication?
Ketamine can be used alongside or as a replacement for other medications. If you are currently taking psychotropic medications, our ketamine treatment team can collaborate with you to create a plan to either continue these medications or gradually taper off them before or after your treatment.
What is the minimum age for Ketamine Therapy?
You must be at least 18 years old to receive Ketamine Therapy. We’d love to learn more about your treatment goals.
What are the possible side effects of Ketamine?
We are prepared to treat most common side effects related to ketamine treatment. Learn more about the most common side effects and our remedy for each.
Is Ketamine FDA Approved?
Ketamine itself is not FDA-approved for the treatment of depression or other psychiatric conditions. However, a related medication called esketamine, a nasal spray marketed under the brand name Spravato, has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
Can I work or travel immediately after a Ketamine Treatment session?
Generally speaking, working after a Ketamine Therapy session should be avoided. If you must return to work or another productive activity, keep it limited to administrative tasks and avoid machinery, working with people, etc. We will review this and other safety measures well before you receive treatment.
Do you offer psilocybin or other psychedelic treatments?
We do not offer any other types of psychedelic medicine at this time since they are not yet commercially available for legal use in a psychiatric/medical setting. We are watching the clinical trials closely and plan to implement these medicines when they become approved and available for therapeutic medical use by the FDA.