Question 1

How much does ketamine therapy cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

A single IV ketamine infusion costs $400–$800 on OpenDoc. The standard initial protocol is 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, costing $2,400–$4,200 total. Booster infusions are then scheduled as needed, typically every 4–8 weeks. Intramuscular ketamine and at-home sublingual options are lower-cost alternatives ranging from $200–$500 per session.

Question 2

Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

IV ketamine for depression is not covered by most insurance plans, as it remains an off-label use. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved and may be partially covered, but often requires prior authorization and must be administered in a certified clinic with 2-hour monitoring. Cash-pay ketamine therapy on OpenDoc avoids these barriers entirely.

Question 3

How quickly does ketamine work for depression?

Accepted Answer

Many patients notice improvement within hours to days of their first infusion — significantly faster than traditional antidepressants that take 4–6 weeks. The full 6-session protocol typically produces the most robust and sustained response. About 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to IV ketamine, though individual results vary.

Question 4

What is the difference between IV ketamine and Spravato?

Accepted Answer

IV ketamine uses racemic ketamine (both S and R forms) administered intravenously with precise dose control. Spravato is a nasal spray containing only esketamine (the S form), FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Spravato requires a REMS-certified clinic and 2-hour monitoring. IV ketamine offers more dosing flexibility and is generally less expensive per session.

Question 5

Is ketamine therapy safe?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine has been used safely in medicine since 1970 as an anesthetic. At subanesthetic doses used for depression, common side effects include temporary dissociation, nausea, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure — all monitored during your session. Serious adverse events are rare when administered by trained clinicians with proper vital sign monitoring.

Question 6

How many ketamine sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

The standard induction protocol is 6 IV infusions over 2–3 weeks. After the initial series, most patients transition to maintenance boosters every 4–8 weeks. Some patients maintain their response for months between boosters, while others need more frequent sessions. Your provider will develop a personalized maintenance schedule based on your response.

Question 7

What is integration therapy and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Integration therapy is a psychotherapy session — typically 50 minutes — conducted between or after ketamine treatments to help you process insights and emotions that arise during infusions. While not strictly required, research suggests that combining ketamine with psychotherapy produces more durable results than ketamine alone. Many clinics on OpenDoc include or offer integration sessions.

Question 8

Can I drive home after a ketamine infusion?

Accepted Answer

No. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after every ketamine session. The dissociative and sedating effects typically resolve within 1–2 hours post-infusion, but you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day. Plan to have a quiet evening at home after your session.

Ketamine Therapy

Pricing methodology

Common services and estimated pricing