Ketamine Therapy
With advanced treatments like ketamine therapy, healing becomes more than a hope—it becomes a plan. And we’re here to help you build it.
For decades, ketamine has been used in medical settings as a trusted anesthetic due to its effectiveness in managing acute and surgical pain. Nowadays, groundbreaking research has shown that IV ketamine infusions have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Most notably, ketamine infusions provide rapid relief for people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and other debilitating mental health conditions.
At Psych North, we’re excited to offer patients across Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a powerful alternative to traditional treatment. When nothing else has worked, ketamine infusions can make a real difference and help you heal with hope.
What is IV Ketamine Therapy?
IV ketamine therapy is a unique medical treatment that involves administering ketamine—a fast-acting anesthetic—through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Aside from its uses in anesthetics, IV ketamine infusions have been shown to improve certain mental health conditions, especially when other forms of treatment haven’t been effective.
At Psych North, IV ketamine therapy is administered under medical supervision by our experienced infusion specialists in a safe, controlled environment. Rest assured, you are in good hands with our team.
What is Ketamine Therapy Used For?
Ketamine infusions are particularly effective at helping people improve:
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Suicide Ideation
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar Depression
- Fibromyalgia
It’s important to note that ketamine is not a first-line treatment. It’s typically used when other forms of treatment, like antidepressants, have not worked. Additionally, results may vary. While some patients experience immediate relief, others may need maintenance IV ketamine infusions over time.
Our IV Ketamine Therapy Process
Psych North is committed to making your treatment process as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your IV ketamine infusion.
Initial Assessment
Your treatment process begins with an initial video or in-person assessment where one of our providers will take the time to truly understand you—your mental health and medical history, lived experiences, current challenges, and hopes for healing—to ensure IV ketamine therapy is an optimal treatment choice for your specific symptoms. All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete an initial (or updated) assessment before beginning or continuing care.
Scheduling + Pre-Appointment Education
Once we’ve determined that ketamine therapy is an appropriate treatment option, we’ll schedule your first appointment. Leading up to your IV ketamine therapy appointment, the Psych North team will share essential information with you on preparing for a successful treatment, including educational videos and what you should do the day before your appointment.
IV Placement + Infusion
One of our trained and experienced infusion specialists will gently place your IV catheter, and your ketamine infusion will begin. Sessions last around 40 minutes, depending on your individual treatment plan. You’ll be encouraged to relax or listen to music during your IV ketamine infusion. Many patients find this part of the process deeply healing.
Recovery + Transportation Home
Following your infusion, you’ll remain in Psych North’s care for a 15-30 minute recovery period, allowing our team to monitor you and ensure you’re feeling stable and grounded before leaving. Due to ketamine’s temporary effects on alertness and coordination, you’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home after your treatment.
Follow-Up Assessments
All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers. This helps us ensure that we’re keeping you on the most effective treatment plan as your internal landscape changes.
IV Ketamine Therapy FAQs
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic and dissociative agent that works as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Originally developed over 50 years ago for use in surgical anesthesia, it has been safely used in both children and adults for decades.
More recently, ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for a range of mental health and trauma-related conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and suicidal ideation. When administered in precise, controlled doses by a licensed medical professional, ketamine can significantly improve symptoms, often when other treatments have not been effective.
When administered by a trained infusion specialist in a controlled environment, such as Psych North, IV ketamine infusions are considered safe and effective. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects, and it’s not appropriate for everyone. This is why it’s important to visit a reputable clinic where ketamine treatments are administered by licensed providers who monitor vitals and reactions to the infusion.
The dose of ketamine used for infusions is very low, making this form of therapy extremely safe with minimal side effects. Though uncommon, side effects may include a mild increase in blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness, temporary blurred vision, a sensation of “lightness,” euphoria, and nausea. At Psych North, all patients are monitored continuously to ensure safety. Additionally, we have medications readily available to treat side effects such as nausea.
IV ketamine therapy is extremely safe when administered and supervised by a licensed professional. However, there are a few circumstances in which this alternative treatment may not be recommended. This includes any patient who has or is:
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Unstable heart disease
- Untreated hyperthyroid disease
- Renal insufficiency
- Liver impairment
- Experiencing a current manic episode
- Experiencing active psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations or delusions) associated with schizophrenia
- A history of ketamine dependence
- Currently pregnant
If you meet any of the disqualification criteria mentioned above, we may recommend an alternative form of treatment.
Depending on how you like to relax and wind down, you may want to bring slippers and wear comfy clothes. Complimentary earplugs and eye covers are available, as well as a tablet, music, and an optional meditation playlist. As a courtesy to other patients, we ask you to please refrain from making calls during your appointment.
All patients are required to have a referral from a mental health provider. If you do not have one, Psych North can help connect you with one of our providers to get started. All patients who receive care billed through insurance must complete an initial (or updated) assessment and periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers, even if they have a referral from an external provider.
At Psych North, we accept a broad range of major insurances. However, your individual coverage may vary depending on your healthcare plan. We recommend that you consult with your insurance provider before scheduling your IV ketamine therapy. If insurance coverage is unavailable, we will work with you to find another suitable treatment option that fits your needs.
All patients who receive treatment(s) billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete an initial (or updated) assessment and periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers.
Insurance
Accessible care starts with knowing your coverage options.
Psych North works with a broad range of insurance providers to help make your care more accessible. We are also a Certified VA Community Care Provider. Coverage can vary depending on your individual plan—call our clinic at 218-209-2150 to learn more about which insurance providers we accept, and reach out to your insurance provider to find out which treatments are covered for you. All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance must complete an initial assessment and periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers.