Ketamine therapy uses low, controlled doses of ketamine to relieve depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. It works by affecting brain chemistry, often helping when traditional treatments haven’t.

KAP combines ketamine’s brain effects with therapy for deeper healing. A therapist guides the process to help clients explore emotions, process trauma, and create lasting change.

Ketamine enhances brain plasticity by acting on glutamate and NMDA receptors. This helps “reset” thought patterns, with effects often felt in hours or days—not weeks. Read more about ketamine's unique benefits and how it works in this detailed blog post.

Yes. When administered by trained professionals in a clinical setting, ketamine is considered very safe. Clients are closely monitored to ensure comfort and manage side effects.

Ideal candidates include those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments or want alternatives to daily medications. A full medical and psychological evaluation is done first.

When used under medical supervision, the risk of addiction is very low. Treatments are spaced out and carefully monitored to prevent dependence and support lasting healing.

Studies suggest that ketamine therapy, when used as directed by healthcare professionals, does not have long-term negative effects on cognitive function or overall health.

Unlike antidepressants that take weeks, ketamine can work in hours or days. It’s also effective for many who haven’t responded to other medications, offering deeper clarity and relief.

Monthly or occasional ketamine sessions help maintain progress without daily medications. This approach supports lasting stability and personal growth—without ongoing reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Ketamine has been misused as a party drug and is sometimes referred to as “K” or “Special K” in those contexts. Recreational use typically involves high doses taken without medical supervision and is illegal. This kind of use carries serious health risks, including addiction and physical harm. In contrast, therapeutic ketamine is administered in much lower, controlled doses under strict medical supervision. It is not used recreationally in this context, and clinical safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. When used responsibly within a therapeutic framework, ketamine has a low potential for abuse and offers powerful support for healing.

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic since the 1960s. Its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions began to be explored more extensively in the early 2000s, leading to the development of ketamine therapy protocols for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ketamine therapy has gained popularity due to its rapid, often profound, effects in treating conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, chronic pain, and others. Traditional treatments may take weeks or months to show results, whereas ketamine can provide relief within hours or days. This has led many individuals to seek out ketamine therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment option.

Ketamine therapy is not a passing fad but a well-established treatment supported by clinical research and medical practice. Its effectiveness in providing rapid relief for treatment-resistant conditions has been demonstrated in numerous studies. As research continues to explore its mechanisms and applications, ketamine therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in mental health and pain management.

Contact our clinic to schedule an initial consultation. Our team will guide you through the assessment process and help you determine if ketamine therapy is the right option for you.

Before your first session, you will undergo an initial assessment, including a complete and comprehensive physical examination, a review of your medical history, current medications, and previous treatments. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your session.

During the session, you will receive ketamine via intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, or sublingual administration in a comfortable and monitored environment. A mental health specialist will be present to guide you through the experience, which typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours. For a deeper exploration of what to expect during a ketamine therapy session, check out this detailed blog post.

Possible side effects of ketamine therapy may include nausea, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, confusion, or vivid dreams. These effects are usually short-lived and often resolve shortly after the session, though mild symptoms can occasionally last a day or two. At Kalea Wellness, our medical team takes proactive measures to minimize discomfort and ensure your safety throughout the process. Research also shows that ketamine has a very low incidence of serious adverse effects—especially when compared to many conventional psychiatric medications.

You should not drive for the rest of the day after a ketamine session. Arrange for someone to drive you home and follow any aftercare instructions provided by our team.

Most treatment plans begin with an initial series of 4 to 6 sessions over the course of a few weeks. After that, many clients continue with maintenance sessions as needed. The exact number of treatments varies based on your individual response, medical history, and therapeutic goals.

Most ketamine therapy clinics are cash-based due to limited insurance coverage for mental health applications of ketamine. While ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, its use for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD is considered “off-label,” which many insurers do not yet fully reimburse. Additionally, ketamine therapy involves more than just medication—it includes medical oversight, therapeutic support, and careful monitoring throughout each session. These comprehensive services don’t align easily with traditional insurance reimbursement models. As research and clinical outcomes continue to support ketamine therapy’s effectiveness, there’s growing hope that insurance coverage will expand to meet the needs of those seeking this innovative treatment.