There are quite a few different ways to receive ketamine including Intramuscularly, orally, sublingually, nasal, and intravenously. The response and overall effectiveness of the of routes are very different. Both IM and IV routes are used in clinical practice. We do recognize IM and IV as the gold standard for receiving ketamine. We simply chose IM ketamine delivery because: IM is less invasive than IV and its a much smoother experience for clients to get a small insulin needle injection in their shoulder compared to having a clinician stick them in their vein, and potentially miss, with a much larger IV needle. With IM injections you're not connected to IV tubing, an IV drip or pump during your ketamine journey which can cause confusion and agitation for some clients if the pump is alarming or failing. Its much easier to use the restroom after receiving an injection compared to being connected to IV tubing/pump The IM injections simply feel more free to our clients to go on their ketamine journey after receiving their injection (takes 10 seconds to inject) compared to being hooked up to an IV drip and pump for your entire ketamine journey A recent clinic-based study reported IM ketamine outcomes comparable to IV: https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/klarisana-s-newest-ketamine-study-shows-im-ketamine-therapy-comparable-to-iv-administration/ IM and IV are considered the gold standard for depression and other mental health treatments for rapid and controlled relief with a maximum amount of absorption of 94-100%. Compared to the oral and nasal route which only have about a 20-40% absorption/bioavailability. Bioavailability is the amount of the drug that is available for use in your body after the drug is metabolized (broken down) by the liver. Lastly, IM treatment does not require an IV line or pump, and you are monitored throughout your visit. Ultimately, its up to you to decide the best route for yourself and decide which clinic is best for you. We won't give you a sales pitch on IM vs IV and would rather have potential clients focus on the overall feel of a clinic and how they're treated upon first contact. We may or may not fit into your ideal clinical setting. Its up to you :)

Initially, We will need to complete a medical and psychiatric history in our online forms followed up by your first treatment with a ketamine specialist. You can expect to be at the treatment center for about 2 hours prior to having a friend or loved one drive you home. You may not drive yourself home after your Injections as this is extremely dangerous! You will need to wait at least 12hrs before driving any vehicle and will need to have a ride home, no exceptions!​The process is a step by step process as follows:1. Before your Injection: a specialist will assess how you're doing and feeling.2. Then to ensure your safety, we will apply monitors that allow us closely assess and monitor your blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen levels, which will continue to be monitored throughout the course of your injections. ​3. Next, you will receive a pre calculated dose of ketamine based on safety and your unique treatment plan. You will receive this as a injection in the soft part of your upper shoulder area (deltoid muscle). This will be with a tiny needle (30 gauge) and will only take about 5 seconds to inject the medicine. The injections can have a burn as it goes into the muscle that lasts about 5-10 seconds. After the injection, we continue to monitor your vital signs and your response to the ketamine throughout your visit. If you'd like, we can provide an eye mask, headphones, or a weighted blanket to help you relax, and you may bring your own music.The pre calculated ketamine dosage given to you will be safe and you will be awake and conscious but may feel like your drifting in the clouds at times especially during the peak of the ketamine injection. Many clients tolerate this experience without any discomfort as well as finding the overall experience to be pleasant.You will be conscious and awake throughout the injection and able to interact with anyone around you including a loved one or the specialist. However, the best experience is often when the client is able to quietly relax or listen to some relaxing music and sit quietly contemplating what you are wanting to work on or let go of. The effects of ketamine will wear off within 1-2 hours after your last injection. However, to ensure your safety and others we ask that you do not drive a vehicle until 12hrs after your last injection as part of our safety policy.​After your treatment, we continue to monitor you until a clinician confirms you are safe to go home. When you're ready, we will remove the monitoring equipment and you can be released to a friend or loved one who can safely drive you home. Most clients experience some mild fatigue afterward but feel like themselves within a few hours, though everyone is different.

you may experience some nausea during your course of injections. If you experience nausea, the specialist can give you some anti-nausea medication and often do prior to treatment as preventive caution. Any sides effects are usually gone within a few hours after completing the injections and completely gone by the following day. Overall, ketamine is considered a very safe medication when administered by a licensed professional. The four primary and most common side effects are: 1. Nausea --we can help you with this. 5-10% of clients experience nausea 2. Short term Increases in Blood Pressure--we will be monitoring this and can treat it if needed. This is a short term side effect and wont last more than an hour. most people see a slight elevation in blood pressure during their injections. 3. Dissociation: can be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant and hard to predict. this only lasts about 10-15 minutes at the peak of the injection. 4. At the peak, ketamine can cause people to feel unstable on their feet due to sedation. Thus, if you need to go the bathroom please have a loved one or clinician escort you for your safety. We will be happy to address any of your medical or mental health concerns before starting ketamine treatments. Overall, ketamine is a very safe medication that has been around for decades and used daily in the medical and mental health community

In your intake form: it's very important that you inform us of any and all medications, supplements, and substances you are taking/using. Please do not stop taking these medications without informing your current prescriber or psychiatric provider.​Some medications that have raised questions in regards to blunting the full benefits of ketamine and will need our assessment prior to starting ketamine therapy are:​Lamictal (generic name Lamotrigine): If this is a medication you're taking please let us know. Clients will be asked to not take lamictal 6 hours prior to and 6 hours after their injections to get the best results from the ketamine series. Lamictal has been noted to blunt the response of the ketamine.​​Clients that are taking higher doses of benzodiazepines can have a reduced response to the full benefits of ketamine. This does not mean you can't receive ketamine treatment while taking benzodiazepines such as Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Valium (Diazepam), and Klonopin (Clonazepam). Taking these medications with ketamine is perfectly safe. However, to ensure the best outcomes and response to treatment we ask that you skip a dose 6 hours prior to your injection and 6 hours after your last injection. ​​SSRIs like prozac and zoloft, SNRIs like effexor and Cymbalta, or Tricyclics like amitriptyline or nortriptyline, do not interfere with ketamine nor does Wellbutrin (bupropion). Generally speaking most medications are safe with ketamine infusions but its crucial we know all your medications, supplements, vitamins, and illegal drugs including alcohol you may be using for your safety. ​​

Yes, there is a fully licensed specialist in psychiatry, who is experienced in ketamine treatment. Our team will be monitoring you throughout your injections to ensure your safety and assess your response to ketamine treatment. Our provider has over 10 years of specialty training in the medical field, psychiatry and anesthesia. With his knowledge, he understands how to relieve suffering in a safe and efficient manner while ensuring your safety and treatment goals are the highest priority.

Ketamine has been used in surgical centers, emergency departments, and operating rooms for decades. In fact, if you have ever had a major surgery there is a good chance you have received ketamine. Ketamine is considered a very safe and rapid acting antidepressant and anti suicidality when administered by a properly trained specialist. Ketamine is actually used thousands of times daily in modern medicine as an anesthetic in operating rooms, in psychiatry, ERs and medical centers across the world for the past 53 years. Ketamine is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the safest and most essential drugs in a health system.

It is not necessary to have someone stay with you during your injection series but it is nice to have support if you feel you will need it. Someone must bring you home! You may NOT drive a car, operate any motor vehicles including heavy equipment, sign any contracts or partake in any other risky activities until at least 12 hours after your last injection as that mental function and reflexes may be impaired. Another adult will need to drive you home and must be present prior to your discharge from the clinic to sign you out.

Please do not eat or drink any solids 3-4 hours before the injection, water and healthy liquids are the only exception and please limit your fluid intake that morning so you don't have to use the bathroom as much. If you need to eat for a medical issue or to keep your blood sugars stable eat a piece of fruit and some healthy protein please. You may drink water up to 2 hours before the injections. About 5-10% of people get nausea with Ketamine and its best to have a empty stomach. If nausea or vomiting does occur we can administer an anti nausea medication by mouth to help relieve the nausea. Also, please empty your bladder right before your first injection as that ketamine does make some people have to urinate and ketamine is sedating, thus walking to the bathroom can be a hazard. If you need to use the restroom please inform staff before going to the bathroom as that we don't want you to fall!