What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that, at low doses, has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar depression, and suicidal thoughts — especially when other treatments have not worked. It is one of the most significant advances in mental health treatment in decades.

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How does ketamine work?

Unlike most antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works on the brain's glutamate system — blocking NMDA receptors and promoting neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new and healthier connections. This creates a window of flexibility where symptoms can lift and therapy becomes more effective. It also increases BDNF, a protein that supports brain cell growth and repair.

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Do you offer IV ketamine, IM ketamine, or oral ketamine?

At Seagrass, we offer both IV (intravenous) and IM (intramuscular) ketamine — administered in-office under continuous monitoring. We do not offer at-home oral ketamine.

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This matters because of bioavailability — the amount of ketamine that actually reaches your bloodstream and brain. IV ketamine has nearly 100% bioavailability, and IM is close behind. Oral ketamine, by contrast, is significantly lower due to first-pass metabolism in the liver, meaning a much larger dose is needed to achieve a similar effect — with less predictability and no clinical oversight.

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Keeping treatment in-office isn't just about safety. It means your dose is precise, your response is monitored, and your care is guided by a psychiatric provider from start to finish — not managed alone at home.

Learn more about IV vs. IM vs. Oral Ketamine →

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What happens during a treatment?

You'll be in a calm, private treatment room throughout the session. Before we begin, we review your vitals and answer any last-minute questions. The treatment itself takes about 40 minutes, during which your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored and a provider stays with you the entire time. Afterward, you'll rest comfortably for 30–45 minutes before being released to a trusted driver.

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Will I hallucinate?

Most patients do not experience true hallucinations. What is more common is a dreamlike, relaxed, or mildly dissociative state — a sense of feeling detached from your surroundings or noticing changes in the way you perceive time, color, or sound. Some patients find this experience meaningful or even pleasant; others simply feel calm and drowsy. These effects wear off within a couple of hours. Because a provider is with you throughout, you are never alone during the experience.

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How should I prepare for my session?

We recommend the following to get the most out of your infusion: avoid eating a heavy meal for at least 4 hours beforehand; wear comfortable, loose clothing; bring headphones and a calming playlist if you'd like; avoid cannabis or alcohol for at least 24 hours prior; and arrange for a trusted driver in advance. Some patients find it helpful to set an intention or bring a small comfort item — a journal, a meaningful object, or a photo. We'll send you detailed preparation instructions after scheduling.

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What are the side effects?

Common side effects include mild dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or a floating sensation, most of which fade within a few hours. Ketamine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, which is why we monitor you continuously throughout the treatment. Serious adverse effects are rare when ketamine is administered in a proper medical setting at appropriate doses.

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How quickly will I feel better?

Some patients notice improvement within 24 hours of their first treatment. Others may need several sessions before experiencing meaningful relief. Ketamine is not a guaranteed cure, but many patients who have tried multiple treatments without success find real hope here. We track your response carefully and adjust your plan accordingly.

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How many treatments will I need?

Some patients notice benefit after just one treatment, but the best results typically come from a series of treatments — often six sessions over 2–3 weeks — followed by individualized maintenance. Maintenance frequency varies widely: some patients go months between sessions, while others benefit from a booster every 4–6 weeks. We develop a plan based on your response and goals.

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Is ketamine therapy safe?

Yes, when given at low doses in a medical setting with proper monitoring, ketamine is considered safe for most patients. We carefully review your full medical and psychiatric history before starting treatment and screen for any conditions that might make ketamine inappropriate for you. Your safety is the foundation of everything we do at Seagrass.

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Do I need to stop my medications?

Most medications are safe to continue during ketamine treatment. However, some — particularly high doses of benzodiazepines or certain other sedatives — may reduce ketamine's effectiveness. We review all of your medications during your consultation and will make specific recommendations based on your situation. Please do not stop any medication without guidance from your prescriber.

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Do I need a driver?

Yes — this is non-negotiable. You will not be able to drive, operate machinery, or make major decisions for the remainder of the day following your infusion. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home before your appointment. We cannot administer treatment without a confirmed driver in place.​

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How much does ketamine therapy cost?

Each ketamine session is all-inclusive — no hidden charges. Pricing is as follows:

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IV Ketamine — $350 per session

IV Ketamine — 6-session bundle: $1,785 (save $315)

IM Ketamine — $275 per session

IM Ketamine — 6-session bundle: $1,400 (save $250)

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Every session includes:

— A private, comfortable treatment environment

— Continuous medical monitoring throughout

— Psychiatric oversight by a board-certified provider

— One 30-minute integration session within 24–72 hours

— Superbill provided for possible insurance reimbursement

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25% discount for active and former military (ID or DD-214) and first responders (Police, Fire, EMS) with badge. Bundle pricing and military/first responder discount cannot be combined.

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Financing available through Advance Care (800-432-9470 / advancecarecard.com) and CareCredit (carecredit.com).

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Is ketamine therapy right for me?

Ketamine may be right for you if you have struggled with depression, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar depression, anhedonia, or suicidal thoughts that have not improved with traditional treatments. It may not be appropriate if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of psychosis or untreated mania, severe liver disease, active ketamine misuse, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Every patient receives a thorough evaluation before we begin — there is no pressure and no obligation after a consultation.

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Ketamine Therapy FAQ – For Therapists

Can my patient continue therapy with me while receiving ketamine?

Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Ketamine increases neuroplasticity, creating a window where therapy is often more effective than usual. With patient consent, we coordinate infusion timing with your sessions to maximize integration and progress. Your therapeutic relationship is a key part of how patients get the most out of ketamine treatment.

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Will I still be my patient's primary therapist?

Absolutely. Our role is to provide safe, evidence-based ketamine treatment and integration support. You remain the patient's primary therapeutic relationship throughout. We see ourselves as a complement to your work, not a replacement for it.

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Do you provide integration support if the patient doesn't have a therapist?

Yes. If a patient does not already have a therapist, we provide integration sessions to help them process their ketamine experience and translate insights into meaningful change. We can also help connect them with trusted local therapists if ongoing therapy is recommended.

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How will I be kept informed about my patient's care?

With patient consent, we provide updates after the initial series and as clinically indicated. We are happy to share progress notes, coordinate scheduling to align with your therapy sessions, and communicate directly when clinically appropriate. We value collaborative care and are easy to reach.

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Can ketamine replace psychotherapy?

No. Ketamine is most effective when combined with therapy. It opens a neurological window of opportunity for growth, but the real and lasting work of change happens through integration and ongoing therapeutic support. We never position ketamine as a standalone solution.

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What diagnoses are you treating with ketamine?

At Seagrass, we provide ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, severe anxiety, bipolar depression, anhedonia, substance use disorder (as adjunctive care), and suicidal ideation. If you have a patient you think might benefit and are unsure whether they are a good candidate, we are happy to do a brief consultation and share our thinking with you.

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Ready to take the next step?If you still have questions, we'd love to talk. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and we'll help you figure out whether ketamine therapy is right for you — no pressure, no obligation.

Schedule a Consultation →  |  Learn more about IV vs. IM vs. Oral Ketamine →