Ketamine Infusion

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has benefits extending far beyond its original use. This medication affects the chemical receptors involved in mood and pain perception.

Ketamine triggers brain reactions that lead to the repair of damaged neural pathways and creation of new connections. Ultimately, ketamine can affect your mood and perception of pain in a very positive way, even when other treatments haven’t worked.

The CAREolina Wellness and Infusion Center team spent many years working with ketamine in their anesthesiology practice. Along the way, they heard from many patients about how ketamine changed their lives for the better.

This led them to explore alternative uses for ketamine. Following years of research and hands-on experience, the team launched CAREolina Wellness and Infusion Center. In this practice, they use their education and skills to help as many people as possible to experience the life-changing effects of ketamine.

What conditions do ketamine infusions treat?

Ketamine has a broad range of treatment applications, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Chronic migraines

Generally, ketamine treats the more complex and difficult cases of chronic pain and mental health disorders. For example, ketamine can be helpful for treatment-resistant depression — depression that persists even after trying multiple antidepressants and other approaches like psychotherapy.

People who have chronic pain often have depression and vice versa. It’s also quite common for people with depression to have anxiety. Because the same parts of the brain are involved in both mood and pain, it makes sense that ketamine is so effective for both types of problems.

How do ketamine infusions work?

The ketamine treatment process starts with a quick vein stick to insert the catheter, which delivers your ketamine. You then sit back for around 45 minutes as the medication enters your veins. You can listen to music, or simply close your eyes and relax.

At CAREolina Wellness and Infusion Center, your safety is the top priority. The team created a quiet and calm space for you to relax as you have your infusions, and they monitor you throughout your whole treatment session.

Some people experience temporary grogginess after ketamine infusions, so you need to bring a friend or family member along to drive you home.

How many ketamine infusions will I need?

The number of infusions needed depends on several factors, including your condition, your initial response, and your other treatments. Other treatments, like intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy, may help to boost the positive effects of ketamine.

Many people experience a positive change almost immediately, but you typically need a series of ketamine infusions to achieve optimal results. Then the team can recommend a maintenance schedule to help you stay healthy and happy.

Does my insurance cover ketamine infusions?

The team at CAREolina Wellness and Infusion Center are currently unable to accept insurance for the services they offer. They will be more than happy to provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance company if you would like to do so. HSA and FSA payment is also accepted.

Are you interested in ketamine? Call CAREolina Wellness and Infusion Center or click on the online scheduler now to find out if you’re a candidate.

Costs of Ketamine Infusions

The cost of the initial ketamine infusion to treat a mental health diagnosis is $475. The remaining infusions for treating mental health, typically an initial series of 6 infusions, are $450 each. Booster infusions are also $450.

Chronic pain infusions are $850 for the initial infusion and $825 for each additional infusion. An initial series is typically 5 sessions and will be discussed during the initial consultation.

In the event we need to set you up with one of the Nurse Practitioners to complete a History and Physical, that will be a $50 charge that will be paid prior to the appointment.