The Ketamine Series: Part 2 - IV Ketamine Treatment & Ketamine Assisted Therapy

A Deeper Look at IV Ketamine Treatment and Ketamine Assisted Coaching and Therapy (KAP)

IV ketamine treatment has become one of the most promising breakthroughs for treatment-resistant depression—and with good reason. It’s fast-acting, research-backed, and legally available in clinics or wellness spas across the U.S.

If you’re considering ketamine, this blog will walk you through what IV ketamine treatment involves, how it differs from Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and what to expect in terms of dosing, setting, aftereffects, and long-term support.

What is IV Ketamine Therapy?

Intravenous (IV) ketamine involves administering the medicine directly into your bloodstream via a slow, controlled drip. This method offers the highest bioavailability (nearly 100%), meaning your body absorbs the full dose without interference from your digestive system or liver.

Ketamine’s use for psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality is considered off-label—meaning it’s not FDA-approved for these conditions—but it is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Licensed providers can legally use it in mental health settings with proper medical oversight.

Infusions typically last 40 to 60 minutes, followed by a 30-minute recovery period in the clinic. You’ll need a ride home, as you're not permitted to drive for 24 hours after treatment.

The number of sessions, treatment and maintenance timeline, and dosage are not one-size-fits-all. They vary based on your treatment goals, financial resources, the severity of your symptoms, and your body’s weight and sensitivity to medications.

To share a personal example: In April 2024, I was navigating a painful breakup, intense burnout, and severe OCD symptoms. I began with five IV ketamine sessions over six weeks. Since then, I’ve returned for additional support when I noticed increased OCD thoughts and behaviors —one session in October 2024, and two more in July 2025.

It’s worth noting that IV isn’t the only route I’ve explored. Since my initial treatment in 2024, I’ve also tried subcutaneous dosing through Mindbloom, microdosing ketamine with Joyous, and a higher-dose oral session at my ketamine clinic. Everyone’s journey is different—and your treatment plan may evolve depending on what supports your healing best.

Why Is IV Ketamine So Popular?

IV ketamine has become a leading option in clinical settings because it offers:

Fast-Acting Relief

Many people experience noticeable mood improvement within hours or days—far faster than traditional antidepressants, which can take 4 to 6 weeks to begin working. Antidepressants can involve an extensive trial-and-error process to find the right medication and dosage, which can be frustrating and discouraging for those in crisis. Ketamine’s rapid action makes it especially valuable for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or acute depressive episodes (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).

Controlled Dosing

The slow IV drip has precise dosing control and real-time adjustments, resulting in a more stable, predictable experience.

Strong Research Support

Clinical studies consistently show that IV ketamine treatment can produce rapid and sustained improvement in depressive symptoms, even in individuals who haven’t responded to other treatments (Feder et al., 2021).

What to Expect During an Infusion

Depending on the clinic, your session might take place in a private room or a shared treatment area with other clients. Either way, you'll be continuously monitored by a provider who will check your vitals and ensure your safety throughout the session.

Pricing can vary significantly depending on the setting. Private rooms typically come at a higher cost, while group sessions—where several clients receive treatment in the same space—may be more affordable. It’s always worth asking about the options available and what’s included in the price (e.g., monitoring, recovery time, or integration support).

Common sensations during the experience include:

• A feeling of heaviness, floating, or lightness

• Changes in visual or auditory perception

• Emotional release or a sense of detachment from the body

• Vivid imagery, memories, or symbolic insight

• A moderate state of dissociation—like observing your thoughts or self from a distance

  
  

  

  
  

What Happens After the Infusion?

Most people feel tired, dreamy, or emotionally open after their session. It’s important to take it easy and avoid driving, decision-making, or overstimulating environments for the rest of the day.

Positive aftereffects can include:

• Elevated mood

• Reduced intrusive thoughts

• Emotional clarity or insight

• A sense of calm, curiosity, or openness

Possible side effects:

• Nausea or vomiting (especially on an empty stomach)

• Headache or dizziness

• Constipation

• Fatigue or grogginess

• Temporary increases in blood pressure or heart rate (monitored during the session)

These physical effects typically fade within a few hours, though emotional processing may continue for several days. Hydrating well, eating gently, and prioritizing rest can make a big difference.

What About Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Some clinics offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)—a therapeutic model that combines ketamine with intentional emotional processing, preparation, and post-session integration guided by a therapist.

In KAP, a therapist might help you prepare for your session, be present during the infusion, or meet with you afterward to explore what surfaced. This model is designed to deepen the therapeutic impact of ketamine and translate insights into lasting change.

Not all clinics offer this. Many focus strictly on administering ketamine and monitoring your session. That approach works for some—but if you’re looking to unpack trauma, reshape core beliefs, or make meaningful life changes, I recommend finding a clinic that includes integration support, or working with a certified psychedelic integration coach who has personal experience with ketamine therapy.

Which Path Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're seeking quick symptom relief, a standard IV infusion series might be a good place to start. If you’re looking for deeper emotional or behavioral shifts, pairing ketamine with therapy or coaching may offer more sustained benefits.

As you research clinics, ask:

• What options are available for administering ketamine (IV, IM, oral, etc.)?

• Will someone monitor me throughout the entire session?

• What is the treatment setting like? (Is it private? Does it have natural light or calming elements?)

• Are preparation and integration services available?

• Is dosing personalized based on how I respond?

If integration services aren’t offered in-house, that’s your cue to find a therapist or coach who specializes in psychedelic work and can support you before and after your experience.

Final Thoughts

IV ketamine treatment is one of the most powerful tools available for managing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. While many clinics focus solely on the medical aspect, working with a psychedelic-informed therapist or a psychedelic integration coach can help you transform insight into growth—and healing into sustainable change.

If you're exploring ketamine therapy and wondering how to integrate your experience into your life, I'm here to support you. You can book a free consultation to learn more.

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