Authors: Ryan Shinazy & Cole Butler, MACP

(7-minute read)

Introduction

Ketamine therapy is rapidly becoming a promising treatment option for various mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation and chronic pain states Future Psych Solutions and Verywellmind. As ketamine therapy continues to gain popularity, understanding its costs, potential for insurance coverage, and treatment options is essential for those seeking treatment.

Methods of Ketamine Administration

Ketamine therapy is not a one size fits all treatment option. In fact, there are various types of Ketamine that can be administered during treatment, each with their own unique benefits. Along with the different forms of Ketamine, the treatment procedure and costs may vary. Let’s look at each type of Ketamine used in treatment:

Ketamine Intravenous (IV) Infusions: This form of treatment involves the administration of ketamine directly into the bloodstream through an IV according to Axis Integrated Mental Health. Typically, this process occurs in a clinic or hospital to safely monitor the patient during the entire process.
Intramuscular (IM) Injections: Another effective treatment option is intramuscular injections. This technique involves a single shot of Ketamine administered into a large muscle such as the arm or thigh states Verywellmind. Similar to IV infusions, injections are usually administered in the hospital or clinic setting.
Oral Lozenges (Troches): Ketamine can also come in the form of lozenges. These are ingested orally either at home or in a clinic according to Verywellmind. Lozenges, also known as troches, can be used as primary treatment or maintenance measures between other treatments.
Nasal Sprays: Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that contains esketamine, a neighboring form of Ketamine states Axis Integrated Mental Health. Axis also suggested that patients take Spravato in a doctor’s office under medical supervision.

What to Expect/Treatment Plan

Ketamine therapy involves a series of treatments tailored to individual needs, typically combining ketamine administration with therapeutic support. Here’s a succinct roadmap of what to expect:

Initial Evaluation

First Appointment: An intake session where the provider evaluates your mental health history and medical history including current medications. This is an important step for tailoring the treatment plan.

Example: For a comprehensive evaluation, see Wild Heart Integrative Health’s Services or book an appointment with Shannon Darling, PMHNP.

Ketamine Infusion Sessions

Session Structure: Infusion times vary but generally last around 40 minutes for the ketamine administration alone. Including therapy, sessions can extend up to 3 hours.

Procedure: Vitals are monitored throughout the session. Clients may use an eye mask and headphones to enhance the experience.
Post-Infusion: Clients may feel dissociated or "floaty" during and shortly after the infusion according to Verywellmind. During this time monitoring will continue for another 20-30 minutes post-infusion.

Integration Sessions

Between Infusions: Integration sessions allow the client and provider to discuss insights and experiences from the ketamine session. This step can be beneficial to reinforce the therapeutic benefits.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) vs. Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP or, sometimes, KAT) differs from Ketamine Therapy. Our Clinical Director, Shannon, has a great article about it on her blog, but in case you missed it, here’s a brief summary:

Ketamine Therapy: Typically involves receiving ketamine in a clinic setting with minimal psychological support. The focus is on the medication’s effects rather than a comprehensive therapeutic process.

Example: Ketamine IV Infusions.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP): Involves a more engaged therapeutic process, integrating preparation, administration, and integration phases.

KAP Framework

Preparation Phase

Sessions: At least one preparatory session, often more, to set expectations, prepare psychologically, and establish intentions.

Intention Setting: Helps frame the goals and desires for the therapy, providing a loose framework for the healing process.

Medicine Session

Environment: A comfortable, safe space is prepared with attention to details like décor, noise levels, and overall ambiance.

Therapist Role: Active engagement varies from talk therapy at low doses to a more supportive presence during deeper, psychedelic experiences.
Client Check-In: Assessing the client’s mood, physical state, and addressing any fears or concerns before administering ketamine.

Integration Phase

Activities: Can include art, journaling, music, or nature walks to help solidify new insights and pathways discovered during the ketamine sessions.

Therapist Role: Guides the client in making the most of their experiences, reinforcing the therapeutic gains.

Additional Considerations

Differentiation: It’s important to clarify the differences between ketamine infusion therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Infusion therapy typically involves IV administration in a clinic, while KAP usually involves oral administration under a therapist's supervision.
Session Frequency: KAP generally involves six sessions administered once every week or two, with integration sessions in between.
Therapeutic Environment: Therapists ensure a comfortable setting, providing eye shades, pillows, and blankets, and sit mindfully with the client throughout the session.

Cost

Given the different ways ketamine can be administered, the cost of ketamine therapy varies based on the type of treatment and facility.

Ketamine Evaluation/ Medical Screening: Most practitioners will require an initial intake appointment that consists of a medical screening and evaluation of one’s mental health history and medical history. These appointments on average are around $300.
Oral Ketamine: Concierge MD estimates oral ketamine cost to be between $75 to $200 per treatment. However, KAP sessions may range from $400 to $600 per session.

Kristen Hatz, LPC LAC is one of our many members who offers these services!

Intranasal Sprays: A bottle of ketamine nasal spray may cost $300 and up depending on the prescription and provider according to Concierge MD.
Intramuscular Injection: IM ketamine treatments range around $400 to $600 per session as per Thrive Health Consultants.
IV Infusions: Ketamine infusions may range between $400 to $800 per session according to Axis Integrated Mental Health. Prices vary depending on location and provider expertise.

Infusions for chronic pain may incur higher costs ranging up to $1,500, Bouldermindcare.

Ketamine Injectable Solution: In some instances, the client is required to pick up their prescribed Ketamine before their appointment. Drugs.com lists a price range of $46 to $167 for a bottle of injectable Ketamine.
Spravato Price: Also on Drugs.com, a 2 spray supply of Spravato nasal spray is around $800 depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage.

Based on the numbers above, it may seem like there is a wide range of costs for Ketamine treatment. It is important to consider factors that may influence the cost such as the type of treatment, facility location, staff experience, and additional costs for follow-up care.

Insurance

Is Ketamine therapy covered by insurance? While insurance coverage for ketamine treatments is limited, there are options:

Medicare and Medicaid: Generally does not cover most forms of ketamine treatment, with some exceptions for nasal injections according to Concierge MD.
Private/Commercial Insurance: Coverage varies, and some private insurance companies will limit coverage to ketamine as an anesthetic as per Concierge MD. Additionally, some providers may not take insurance for ketamine therapy.

However, even when treatment is not covered some policies may cover consultations and follow-up visits which could help offset cost!

Financial Assistance: Other options include healthcare spending accounts (HSA), financing plans, and veteran’s assistance benefits when available. Some companies are even seeking to convince employers to offer psychedelics-assisted therapies through corporate wellness programs according to the Wellness Council of America.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy can offer rapid and effective treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. When considering if ketamine therapy is right for you, it may be helpful to understand the cost, if insurance will cover treatment, as well as what the possible treatment options are.

Additionally, if you have not already, go read our other blog post Who is NOT a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for further guidance on the topic.

As with any medical treatment, this post is not intended to be medical advice. It is always best to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to get personalized medical advice on how to approach improving your mental health.

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About the Author:

Ryan Shinazy

Ryan Shinazy is an Intern at Integrative Care Collective PBC. He is an Honors Student in Psychology at University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He is currently a Senior with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. He is currently working on developing his honors thesis under Dr. James Kole, entitled: Understanding Loneliness in the Digital Age: Implications of Social Media Use. He plans to get his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC. As ICC PBC’s Intern, he is responsible for content production, including SEO-optimized blog posts and social media content.

Find him on LinkedIn!

Ketamine Therapy Cost