IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy — Gilbert, AZ
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades. At sub-anesthetic doses, it has shown remarkable results for patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, severe anxiety, and chronic pain.
- Off-label but widely recognized by psychiatrists nationwide
- Physician-supervised in a calm, monitored setting
- Rapid relief — often within hours of first infusion
How IV Ketamine Works for Depression and PTSD
Ketamine triggers a cascade of neurological changes that can rapidly restore healthy brain function. It’s a fundamentally different pathway than SSRIs or SNRIs — which is why it works when they don’t.
NMDA Receptor Blockade
Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which triggers a surge of glutamate — the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. A fundamentally different pathway than SSRIs or SNRIs.
Synaptic Growth
The glutamate surge activates AMPA receptors and releases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes the growth of new synaptic connections between neurons.
Neuroplasticity
These new connections help the brain “rewire” itself — restoring neural pathways that depression has weakened or severed. This is why relief can come so rapidly.
What to Expect During Your Ketamine Infusion
A calm, controlled clinical experience designed for safety and therapeutic response.
Pre-Screening & Evaluation
We review your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals to confirm IV ketamine is appropriate for you.
Comfortable Clinical Setting
You’ll relax in a private, calm treatment room with eye masks to help you disconnect, noise-cancelling headphones with curated playlists, soft blankets, and Jolly Ranchers to settle your taste during the infusion. Vitals are monitored throughout by our clinical staff.
IV Infusion (1.5–2 Hours)
Ketamine is delivered intravenously at a carefully calibrated, sub-anesthetic dose. Mild dissociative or floating sensations are normal and resolve quickly.
Recovery & Ride Home
After your infusion, you’ll rest briefly until you feel steady. You’ll need someone to drive you home — you cannot drive yourself after treatment.
Who Can Benefit from IV Ketamine?
IV ketamine has shown significant results for patients struggling with conditions that haven’t responded to traditional treatments.
Depression
When two or more medications have failed to provide adequate relief.
PTSD
Helping the brain process and move past traumatic experiences more effectively.
Chronic Pain
Modulating pain signals at the neurological level for patients with persistent pain conditions.
Anxiety
Calming overactive neural circuits that drive debilitating anxiety disorders.
Suicidal Ideation
Rapid reduction of suicidal thoughts, often within hours of the first infusion.
Addiction
Adjunctive support for substance-use disorders by reducing cravings and modulating reward-pathway circuitry.
How Much Does IV Ketamine Cost? Is It Covered by Insurance?
IV Ketamine is typically self-pay because it is used off-label for depression and is not yet FDA-approved for that indication. Spravato is the FDA-approved option that insurance typically covers.
- Standard induction course is 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks
- Payment plans available — ask our team
- CareCredit accepted
- Want insurance coverage? Ask about Spravato
Prices can vary based on protocol and dosing. Call us for a clear, individualized quote.
How Many Infusions Do I Need?
A structured protocol designed to build and sustain results over time.
Initial Series
Six infusions administered over 2–3 weeks. This concentrated protocol allows the brain to begin building new neural connections and establish a therapeutic response.
Assessment
We assess your response and determine the optimal path forward. Most patients notice significant improvement by infusion 3 or 4.
Maintenance
Ongoing infusions as needed — typically monthly or as determined by your provider — to sustain the benefits achieved during the initial series.
IV Ketamine vs. Spravato — Understanding the Difference
Both treatments leverage ketamine’s mechanism, but they differ in important ways. We offer both and can help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions patients ask before starting IV ketamine.
How much does IV ketamine cost and is it covered by insurance?
IV ketamine runs ~$395–$595 per session. A standard 6-session induction costs $2,400–$4,800. It is generally not covered by insurance (off-label use). We offer payment plans and accept CareCredit.
How long do ketamine infusion effects last?
Some patients feel relief within hours of the first infusion. Lasting results typically require a full 6-session induction plus monthly boosters. Duration varies by individual.
Is ketamine safe for depression and PTSD?
Yes, when administered by trained clinicians in a supervised medical setting. Common temporary effects include dissociation and dizziness during infusion, which resolve quickly after treatment.
How many ketamine infusions do I need?
Most patients start with 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks (induction), followed by maintenance boosters every 4–8 weeks depending on response.
What is the difference between IV ketamine and Spravato?
IV ketamine is faster-acting and more potent but is self-pay and off-label. Spravato is FDA-approved, nasal-spray based, and typically covered by insurance. Both target the glutamate system and promote neuroplasticity.
Physician-Supervised Infusions
IV Ketamine infusions are physician-supervised by our psychiatry-led team in a monitored clinical environment. Your dose, schedule, and protocol are individualized to your psychiatric history and treatment goals.
Trusted by Hundreds in Gilbert, AZ
“Friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. The team was super professional in explaining all of the modalities of treatment. The front desk helped me schedule my next appointment and was easy to talk with. Highly recommend!”
Real Stories, Life Changing Results
At Unchained Psychiatry & Wellness, we are honored to have helped many individuals on their journey to mental wellness. Here are some testimonials from our patients:
Explore Whether IV Ketamine Is Right for You
Our team at Unchained Psychiatry & Wellness will answer your questions, review your history, and help you decide the right path forward.