Ketamine Therapy FAQ: Answers to the Most Common Questions

We have compiled answers to the most common questions patients ask about ketamine therapy at Gateway Clinics in Santa Monica. If your question is not listed here, call us at (424) 330-0000 for a free consultation.

Cost and Insurance

How much does ketamine therapy cost at Gateway Clinics?

Gateway Clinics follows a protocol developed at Yale University that consists of 6 sessions, with two treatments per week over a 3-week period. The price for the 6-session package is $3,000. We also offer individual booster sessions for patients who have had prior treatment with us or at other medical facilities. Single booster sessions are $550. Your initial consultation with Dr. Adam Schenk is free.

Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance?

Most insurance carriers will not cover IV ketamine therapy because it is used off-label for depression and anxiety. However, Gateway Clinics provides a superbill detailing the elements of treatment that have the potential for reimbursement. You submit this superbill directly to your insurance carrier. Some patients recover a portion of their costs through out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds may also be used.

How does ketamine therapy cost compare to other treatments?

Traditional antidepressants cost $20-100/month in medication plus $200-400 per psychiatrist visit, but for the 30% of patients who are treatment-resistant, these costs accumulate over years without adequate relief. TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) runs $6,000-$12,000 for a full course of 36 sessions. Gateway Clinics’ 6-session ketamine protocol at $3,000 is a concentrated treatment that delivers results within days, not months. For a full breakdown, see our ketamine therapy cost guide.

How Ketamine Works

How does ketamine work for depression?

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin (SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro), ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system. It blocks NMDA receptors, which triggers a surge of glutamate that stimulates the formation of new neural connections — a process called synaptogenesis. It also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), helping regrow synapses damaged by chronic stress and depression. This is why ketamine can produce improvement within hours to days rather than the 4-8 weeks required by traditional antidepressants.

How does ketamine work for anxiety?

Ketamine’s effect on the glutamate system and neural plasticity also applies to anxiety disorders. By creating new neural pathways and reducing overactivity in fear and anxiety circuits, ketamine can produce rapid anxiolytic effects. Research shows particular promise for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and anxiety that co-occurs with depression. Read more: Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety.

Is ketamine better than antidepressants?

Ketamine is not a replacement for antidepressants in all cases. It is specifically indicated for patients with treatment-resistant depression — those who have tried at least two antidepressant medications without adequate relief. For these patients, ketamine offers a 50-70% response rate compared to near-zero response from additional SSRI/SNRI trials. For a detailed comparison, see: Ketamine vs. Traditional Antidepressants.

Can you take ketamine while on antidepressants?

In most cases, yes. Ketamine therapy is typically administered alongside your existing antidepressant medication, not as a replacement. Dr. Schenk will review your complete medication list during your consultation and advise whether any adjustments are needed before treatment begins. Certain medications, such as lamotrigine and benzodiazepines, may need to be temporarily adjusted.

Safety and Side Effects

Is ketamine therapy safe?

Ketamine has been FDA-approved since 1970 with over 55 years of clinical safety data. At the therapeutic doses used for depression (approximately 10-20% of anesthetic doses), ketamine is safe when administered in a controlled clinical setting with proper medical supervision. At Gateway Clinics, every session is directly supervised by Dr. Adam Schenk, MD, a board-certified physician. We monitor vital signs continuously throughout each infusion. Read more: Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?

What are the side effects of ketamine therapy?

Side effects are typically mild and temporary, resolving within 1-2 hours after the session ends. Common effects include:

• Dissociation (a floating or dream-like sensation)
• Mild nausea (anti-nausea medication is available)
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Temporary increase in blood pressure
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Heightened sensory awareness

These effects are expected and monitored. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after every session.

Does ketamine therapy get you high?

At the therapeutic doses used in clinical treatment, patients may experience a dissociative state — a feeling of being slightly detached from your body or surroundings. This is not the same as a recreational high. Many patients describe it as dreamlike, peaceful, or meditative. The clinical setting, guided meditation, and curated soundtrack at Gateway Clinics are designed to make this experience therapeutic and comfortable.

Who is NOT a good candidate for ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Active psychosis or history of schizophrenia
• Severe, untreated substance use disorder
• Unstable heart conditions
• Aneurysmal vascular disease
• Pregnancy

Dr. Schenk screens every patient during the consultation to ensure safety. If ketamine is not appropriate, he will discuss alternative treatment options.

What to Expect

How long does a ketamine infusion session last?

Plan for approximately 2 hours at the clinic for each session. Here is how the time breaks down:

• First 15 minutes: Vitals check (heart rate and blood pressure) to confirm you are in a safe range, then getting comfortably situated in your private treatment room
• 10-minute guided meditation: You receive your own eye mask and earphones for a relaxing meditation session before the medicine is administered
• 45-60 minutes: The medicine is administered (either IV infusion or IM injection) while a curated soundtrack continues. The effects of the medication last throughout this period
• 45-60 minutes integration: Time to reflect on the experience, journal or voice-record insights on your phone, and enjoy a cup of tea. Many patients have meaningful realizations during this time that are directly relevant to why they are seeking treatment

We offer both IV infusions (intravenous drip) and IM injections (intramuscular — a single shot in the upper arm or buttocks). Dr. Schenk will recommend the best delivery method for your situation.

What does a ketamine infusion feel like?

Most patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing and introspective. Common sensations include a feeling of floating, mild visual or auditory shifts, emotional openness, and a sense of expanded perspective. You remain conscious throughout — this is not general anesthesia. The private treatment room, eye mask, and curated music are designed to create a safe, comfortable environment for the experience.

What should I do before my first session?

Before your appointment: fast from solid food for 4-8 hours and liquids for 2 hours. Wear comfortable clothing. Arrange for an adult to drive you home — you cannot drive for the rest of the day after treatment. Bring anything that helps you relax (a journal, a phone for voice recording). Avoid making important decisions or signing legal documents for 24 hours after your session.

Treatment Protocol

How many ketamine sessions will I need?

Gateway Clinics follows a protocol developed at Yale University: 6 sessions, with 2 treatments per week over 3 weeks. Many patients find that the full 6-session protocol provides the benefits they are seeking and do not need further treatment. Others find that coming in for a booster session on an as-needed basis provides ongoing support. Everyone has different requirements, and we work with each patient to determine the right plan.

How long do the results of ketamine therapy last?

Many patients experience sustained improvement for weeks to months after completing the 6-session protocol. Some patients maintain their results indefinitely. Others benefit from periodic booster sessions (monthly or quarterly) to sustain the effects. The duration of benefit varies by individual and is influenced by factors like the severity of depression, concurrent therapy, and lifestyle factors.

What is IV ketamine vs. Spravato (esketamine)?

IV ketamine and Spravato are both ketamine-based treatments, but they differ significantly. IV ketamine uses racemic ketamine delivered intravenously with 100% bioavailability and real-time dose adjustment. Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray containing only the S-enantiomer of ketamine (esketamine), with lower bioavailability. Spravato may be partially covered by insurance but requires twice-weekly visits for the first month. See our full comparison: IV Ketamine vs. Spravato.

About Gateway Clinics

Where is Gateway Clinics located?

Gateway Clinics is located at 1205 1/2 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 — on Montana Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets. We are minutes from Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Venice, West LA, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Marina del Rey, and Culver City. See our Santa Monica clinic page for directions.

Who supervises the treatments?

Dr. Adam Schenk, MD, a board-certified physician specializing in anesthesiology, is the Medical Director of Gateway Clinics. Dr. Schenk is personally present and monitoring every ketamine session from start to finish. This is not a nurse-run or technician-run clinic — you are under direct physician supervision at all times.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Call (424) 330-0000 or book online. You can also schedule through ZocDoc. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation.