The Ketamine Series: Part 1 - An Introduction to Ketamine

So, what's the hype about ketamine?

If you are not familiar with ketamine, let's break it down into layman's terms.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can cause psychological effects such as dissociation, hallucinations, confusion, and euphoria. Physically, you may feel like you’re floating and may temporarily be unable to speak or move. These sensations typically subside as the effects of the medicine begin to wear off.

In low doses, ketamine is showing promising results in treating mental health conditions like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), TRD (treatment-resistant depression), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and anxiety.

How does it work?

Ketamine works by triggering a rapid surge in glutamate through NMDA receptor inhibition, which activates AMPA receptors and boosts the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This cascade enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new synaptic connections—especially in areas involved in mood and emotional regulation (Sources: Human Brain Mapping, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, TIME, Cornell University).

Additionally, ketamine reduces activity within the default mode network (DMN)—a brain circuit linked to rumination and self-critical thought—helping disrupt negative thinking patterns (Sources: Human Brain Mapping).

In simpler terms, ketamine allows you to step out of harmful mental loops and opens space to build healthier pathways and perspectives.

Is ketamine legal?

In the United States, ketamine is federally legal for medical use throughout the United States when prescribed and administered by licensed medical professionals. Also, esketamine (a derivative of ketamine) is FDA-approved for depression.

⚠️ Note: Ketamine is not a cure or quick fix. It must be administered and supported by qualified professionals, and outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances and support structures.

How is ketamine administered?

There are six different medical administration methods. I put them in order, starting at the top, from generally what causes the most intense to the least intense psychological and somatic (body) experiences:

• Intramuscular (IM): Injected into the muscle for rapid relief.

  
  

• Intravenous (IV): Fast-acting; typically administered in clinics.

  
  

• Subcutaneous (SubQ): Emerging option offered through clinics like Mindbloom.

  
  

• Nasal Spray (Spravato): FDA-approved esketamine for TRD, administered in-office.

  
  

• Oral (Lozenges/Tablets): Often used in at-home ketamine therapy.

  
  

• Microdosing: Low-dose ketamine, often delivered through programs like Joyous, is gaining interest but requires more study.

You might be wondering, which administration is best for me? It depends on what results you want and how much time and money you can spend on ketamine.

Below is an expandable list breaking down what to expect based on the route of administration, average pricing, time commitment, and pros and cons:

Intramuscular (IM) Injections

• Average cost: $400 per session

• Typical protocol: 4–6 sessions over 2–4 weeks ($1,600–$2,400 total)

• Time commitment: ~1–1.5 hours per session

• Location: Clinical settings

Pros:

• Rapid onset (within minutes)

• Flexible dosing

• Commonly used in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)

  
  

Cons:

• Can feel more intense or dissociative

• Not typically covered by insurance

Intravenous (IV) Infusions

• Average cost: $600 per session

• Typical protocol: 6–8 infusions over 3–4 weeks ($3,600–$4,800 total)

• Time commitment: 1.5–2 hours per session

• Location: Clinical settings

Pros:

• Most researched method

• Fast-acting with precise dosage control

  
  

Cons:

• Invasive (IV placement required)

• High cost and limited insurance coverage

Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injections - Mindbloom

• Average cost: $159–$209 per session

• Typical protocol: 6–18 sessions ($954–$2,862 total

• Time commitment: ~1 hour per session (at home)

• Location: At-home

Pros:

• At-home convenience

• Lower cost than IV or IM

  
  

Cons:

• Requires self-injection

• Only offered by select providers (like Mindbloom)

• Fewer clinical studies compared to IV

• No medical supervision during the ketamine experience

• Requires a peer treatment monitor when you are taking the medicine (requires 1- 2 hours of others' time)

Nasal Spray (Spravato/Esketamine)

• Average cost: $600–$1,200 per dose (avg. ~$900)

• Typical protocol: 8 doses in month 1, then 2–4 per month ($5,600–$8,800 for month 1), then maintenance about once a month after that

• Time commitment: 2–2.5 hours per session

• Location: Clinical settings

Pros:

• FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

• May be covered by insurance

• May be heavily discounted or free through the Johnson and Johnson Patience Assistance Foundation

  
  

Cons:

• Time-intensive and a strict protocol

Oral Lozenges/Tablets

• Average cost: $159–$209 per session

• Typical protocol: 6–18 sessions ($954–$2,862 total)

• Time commitment: 45–90 minutes per session

• Location: Clinical settings or at-home

Pros:

• Non-invasive and at-home friendly

• Can be paired with integration coaching via programs like Mindbloom

• Affordable compared to IV

Cons:

• Slower onset and less bioavailable than other forms of ketamine

• Absorption varies from person-to-person

• Some providers phasing out in favor of SubQ

Microdosing – Joyous

• Average cost: $129/month (subscription model via Joyous)

• Typical protocol: Ongoing daily use, person-dependent

• Time commitment: 60 minutes/day

• Location: Anywhere or at-home

Pros:

• Gentle introduction to ketamine

• Easy to integrate into daily routine

• Low cost and flexible commitment

Cons:

• Still experimental

• Not yet supported by robust clinical trials

• Subtle effects; not intended for deep healing or acute symptoms

Conclusion

Ketamine is gaining traction as a powerful tool for mental health treatment—especially for conditions like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, OCD, and anxiety. While its effects can be intense, it offers a wide range of administration options, from in-clinic infusions to at-home lozenges and microdosing subscriptions. Each method varies in cost, time, intensity, and accessibility, so choosing the right one depends on your goals, comfort level, and resources.

But no matter which route you choose, integration is where the real transformation happens. Ketamine increases neuroplasticity but it’s how —and what you do afterward—that determines lasting mental health and behavorial changes. As a certified psychedelic integration coach, I help people make meaning of their experiences, navigate the emotional shifts that arise, and build practical tools to carry their insights into everyday life.

Whether you’re just starting to explore ketamine or looking to deepen your understanding of its therapeutic potential, I’m here to support you. I’ve personally tried nearly every method (except IM) and will be sharing more about my experiences in the months ahead.

If you have questions, want guidance, or are considering ketamine as part of your healing journey, feel free to book a consultation or drop a comment below. Let’s explore this path together—curiously, safely, and intentionally.

Initial Consultation

30

Book Now