Yes. A physician anesthesiologist is present for every infusion and closely monitors your treatment. That level of oversight is a core part of how we approach safety.

We use ketamine-specific response questionnaires along with ongoing clinical evaluation to track how you are responding over time. We are not guessing. We are looking carefully at what is changing, what is not, and what makes sense next.

Ketamine has been used for decades in anesthesia and pain management. In this setting, it is given at sub-anesthetic doses with physician oversight and monitoring. Safety still depends on the patient, which is why screening, medical history, and clinical judgment matter.

For mental health treatment, the infusion itself typically takes about 40 minutes. Most visits last longer than that once you account for getting settled, monitoring during treatment, and a recovery period afterward.

Pain treatments are longer and tailored to your needs. Read more about our approach to pain treatment and schedule a consult if you still have questions.tem description

We begin by reviewing your medical history and treatment plan. On treatment day, we place an IV and monitor your heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen level throughout the infusion. You will be awake during treatment, and most people spend that time resting quietly or listening to music. Afterward, we continue monitoring you before discharge.

No. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after your infusion. You should also avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions for the rest of the day.

A common starting protocol is a series of six infusions over about three to four weeks. From there, ongoing treatment needs vary. Some patients benefit from maintenance infusions, while others may follow a different plan depending on their response.

In many cases, yes. You should not stop your prescribed medications on your own in order to pursue treatment. We review your current medication list carefully before treatment begins and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted.

No, but it is the route with the strongest clinical track record and the most predictable delivery. Ketamine can also be given in other forms, but IV treatment remains the gold standard in most of the research and offers the greatest control over dosing.

It may. Many patients come to Vitalitas after other approaches have not provided enough relief. The goal of the consultation is to look at your symptoms, history, and current care to determine whether this is a reasonable next step and what kind of response to expect.

Ketamine is not considered physically addictive in the way some other substances are, but it can be misused recreationally at much higher doses and frequencies than we use clinically. In a medical setting, treatment is carefully controlled and monitored.

We will give you specific instructions before treatment. In general, that may include fasting for a period of time before your visit and following any medication guidance we provide ahead of the appointment.