Ketamine therapy is a treatment that uses low doses of ketamine to help with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. It's like a mental reset button, but instead of a computer, you're rebooting your brain—administered via IV infusions, injections, nasal spray, or lozenges in a carefully monitored setting.

Ketamine works on your brain in two ways: chemically (like a brain architect) and experientially (like a mind-bending escape room). Chemically: It tinkers with glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps with mood regulation and neuroplasticity. Translation: it rewires your brain to feel better. Experientially: Ketamine offers a temporary detachment from your thoughts and emotions, making it easier to confront trauma and bust through negative thought loops. Add therapy into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for mental rejuvenation that’s part science, part magic.

Ketamine is a versatile hero, tackling a range of issues, including: Severe depression (Research has found that ketamine can quickly relieve depression in people who do not respond well to other treatment.) Severe anxiety disorder (Research into the use of ketamine for anxiety is scarce, but there is evidence that it has fast-acting, anxiety-relieving effects.) Suicidal ideation Severe PTSD Severe bipolar disorders Drug addiction rehabilitation

IV Infusion (most common) – Delivered via an intravenous drip over 40-60 minutes (a slow ride to bliss). Intramuscular (IM) Injection – A quick shot, with effects lasting for hours (kind of like a brief, but profound journey). Nasal Spray (Spravato/esketamine) – FDA-approved for depression and administered in a clinic. Sublingual Lozenges – A DIY trip at home, under the watchful eye of your doc. (We’re currently serving IM treatments at PaperFlower Psychiatry, in partnership with Your Shine Psychology, using an Active Engagement therapeutic model.)

Many people feel relief within hours to days of their first session, though the true magic often unfolds over multiple treatments. It’s like planting a garden—the flowers bloom with time.

A typical protocol includes: Induction phase: 6 sessions in 2-3 weeks (get ready for the brain upgrade). Maintenance phase: Booster sessions as needed—usually monthly or bi-monthly. But don’t worry, your provider will help you customize the perfect plan.

Antidepressant effects can last anywhere from days to months. Some patients opt for periodic boosters to keep the good vibes going.

Expect a dissociative experience. You might feel detached from your body or thoughts, experience time distortion, or encounter visual distortions. It’s often compared to lucid dreaming—but with an emotional makeover. IM ketamine typically peaks in intensity 15–45 minutes after injection and can leave you feeling a bit “out there” for a few hours.

When managed by professionals, ketamine therapy is generally safe. Side effects are typically mild, including dizziness, nausea, or temporary dissociation. Think of it like a brief detour from reality, not a freefall into chaos.

If you’ve got one of these, ketamine might not be your best bet: Uncontrolled high blood pressure A history of substance abuse Schizophrenia or psychosis Certain heart conditions

Most insurance companies don’t cover IV or IM ketamine therapy, but Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and sometimes covered. We're not offering it yet, but we’re working on it!

You’re in the right place! If PaperFlower isn’t your thing, look for a clinic with licensed professionals, glowing reviews, and a clear treatment protocol that includes a psychological component. Trust us, a therapeutic approach is key to unlocking ketamine’s full potential.

You could buy illicit ketamine from a friend, but it’s like buying a knockoff purse from a sketchy street vendor—no guarantee of quality or safety. Therapeutic ketamine is professionally administered, carefully dosed, and medically supervised. So, unless you’re a fan of bladder issues or unexpected mental health surprises, stick with the pros.

Ketamine is more of a dissociative anesthetic with psychedelic-ish effects. It’s not like classic psychedelics (LSD or psilocybin), which can be a mind-bending rollercoaster. Ketamine offers a more controlled experience, with shorter duration and a different brain chemistry twist. It’s the cool cousin of the psychedelic family.