One of the most common questions we hear from prospective patients is: “How much does ketamine therapy cost?” It’s an important question, and we believe in helping you understand the full picture before you begin treatment.
Ketamine Therapy Pricing in Los Angeles
Across Los Angeles, IV ketamine therapy typically ranges from $400 to $800 per infusion, depending on the clinic, the physician’s credentials, and the level of personalized care provided.
At Gateway Clinics, we believe in full pricing transparency. Here is exactly what our treatments cost:
| Treatment | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Free | Meet with Dr. Schenk, review your history, no obligation |
| 6-session protocol | $3,000 | Yale-developed protocol: 2 sessions/week for 3 weeks. IV or IM delivery. |
| Booster session | $550 | Single session for returning patients or those with prior treatment elsewhere |
We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. We also provide detailed superbills for submission to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement.
What’s Included in Each Session
When comparing costs between clinics, it’s important to understand what’s included. At Gateway Clinics, every session includes:
Each session takes approximately 2 hours from arrival to departure. Here is how the time is structured:
- Vitals check (15 min) — heart rate and blood pressure confirmed in safe range before treatment begins
- Settling in + guided meditation (10 min) — you are situated in your private treatment room with your own eye mask and earphones for a relaxing meditation session
- Medicine administration + curated soundtrack (45-60 min) — we offer both IV infusions and IM (intramuscular injection) delivery. A curated soundtrack plays throughout as the medicine takes effect
- Integration and reflection (45-60 min) — time to reflect, journal, voice-record insights, and enjoy a cup of tea. Many patients have meaningful realizations during this period that are directly relevant to their treatment goals
Dr. Adam Schenk, MD provides direct physician supervision throughout every session — this is not a nurse-run or technician-run clinic. We maintain a 2-patient maximum for focused, personalized attention.
Some clinics offer lower per-session prices but treat 6-10 patients simultaneously with nurse-only supervision. The level of physician involvement and patient-to-provider ratio should factor into any cost comparison.
Is Ketamine Therapy Covered by Insurance?
IV ketamine therapy is generally not covered by insurance because it is used off-label for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, there are ways to manage costs:
Most insurance carriers will not cover IV ketamine therapy. However, we help you maximize any potential reimbursement:
- Superbills: We provide detailed superbills listing the elements of treatment that have reimbursement potential, which you submit directly to your carrier
- HSA/FSA accounts: Ketamine therapy may be eligible for Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account funds — check with your plan administrator
- Spravato (esketamine): This FDA-approved nasal spray alternative may be partially covered by insurance. See our IV Ketamine vs. Spravato comparison
Comparing the Cost of Treatment Options
When evaluating cost, consider the total investment across different treatment approaches:
- Traditional antidepressants: $20-100/month in medication costs, plus ongoing psychiatrist visits ($200-400 each). Over years of treatment, cumulative costs can exceed ketamine therapy. And for the 30% of patients who are treatment-resistant, these costs accumulate without adequate relief
- Spravato (esketamine): May be partially covered by insurance, but requires twice-weekly visits for the first month and ongoing sessions. Copays and concurrent medication requirements add up
- IV ketamine at Gateway: 6 sessions over 3 weeks, with periodic maintenance. Many patients find that the concentrated treatment period and high response rate make it cost-effective compared to years of ineffective alternatives
Ready to explore ketamine therapy?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the initial consultation really free?
Yes. Your first visit with Dr. Schenk is completely complimentary. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Are there financing or payment plan options?
We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. For specific payment plan options, please discuss with our team during your consultation. We’re committed to making treatment accessible.
How many total sessions will I need?
We follow a protocol developed at Yale University: 6 sessions, with 2 treatments per week over 3 weeks. Many patients find this protocol provides the full benefit they are seeking and do not need further treatment. Others find that periodic booster sessions ($550 each) on an as-needed basis provide ongoing support. Everyone has different requirements, and we tailor the plan to each individual.
Ketamine Therapy Near You
Gateway Clinics serves patients from across LA’s Westside from our Santa Monica clinic: