7 Ketamine Therapy Questions You Should Ask Your Psychiatrist

1. What Type of Ketamine Treatments Do You Offer? (IV vs. Spravato®)

Ketamine can be administered as intranasal esketamine, commonly known by the brand name Spravato®. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is often covered by insurance.

Spravato has proven effective in helping patients manage depression and other conditions, with the added benefit of insurance accessibility. Learn more by reviewing our Spravato cost guide.

2. Will My Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?

For many patients, coverage is a deciding factor. Spravato is more likely to be covered by insurance plans, especially if your clinic supports you through the prior authorization process. Axis employs staff who help you understand your benefits and navigate approvals, so there are no surprise bills.

If your provider doesn’t accept insurance, it’s critical to explore alternatives or use tools like the Spravato Treatment Center Locator. At Axis, we guide you through every step and offer other options like TMS or talk therapy if ketamine isn’t right for you.

3. What Will My Ketamine Treatment Schedule Look Like?

Schedules vary based on the treatment type and your diagnosis. Spravato typically involves two sessions per week for the first month, then once weekly in the second.

Ask about your provider’s hours. Do they offer evenings or weekends? At Axis, we aim to make mental health care accessible, with appointment flexibility that works around your job, caregiving, or other responsibilities. Keep in mind, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after treatment.

4. What If Ketamine Doesn’t Work for Me?

Not everyone responds to ketamine. A good psychiatrist should discuss a full range of options beyond medication. At Axis, we practice integrative psychiatry, which means if ketamine isn’t effective, we might recommend TMS, supplements, or evidence-based therapies like CBT or mindfulness.

Ask whether your clinic takes a personalized approach or only offers one treatment path.

5. What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy?

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dissociation, and increased blood pressure. Clinics should have a plan to manage these, such as anti-nausea medication (Zofran or Promethazine) or blood pressure monitoring protocols.

Also ask: What if I miss a dose? Will it affect my progress? At Axis, we ensure patients are supported through any disruptions in care.

6. Do You Collaborate with Therapists for Integration?

Ketamine can lead to profound emotional insights. Working with a therapist trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) helps you process and integrate these experiences.

Ask if your psychiatrist collaborates with your existing therapist or offers KAP in-house. At Axis, we provide both options and only work with therapists who are trained specifically for this modality.

7. Who Owns and Operates This Clinic?

Many ketamine clinics are backed by venture capital. While this isn’t inherently bad, some prioritize rapid scaling over patient care and may shut down unexpectedly.

Ask: Is this clinic provider-owned? Are the clinicians accountable to patients or investors?

Axis is provider-owned and focused on long-term wellness. We use NIH-guided dosing protocols and prioritize integrative care to reduce the risk of psychological dependence or misuse.

How Axis Is Different from Venture-Backed Ketamine Clinics

Unlike many clinics that stick to one treatment type, Axis offers a full continuum of care: Spravato, TMS, therapy, and wellness support. We believe medication is just one piece of the recovery puzzle.

Our team works with your insurance, coordinates with your care providers, and supports you with personalized plans. We’re in this for the long haul, not to churn volume.

Download Our Free Ketamine Treatment Guide

Get a deeper understanding of your treatment options, side effects, scheduling, insurance tips, and more. Check out our guide here.

Final Thought

Starting ketamine therapy is a big step. Asking thoughtful questions helps you make empowered, informed decisions about your mental health journey. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Axis Integrated Mental Health today.

Call us at 720-400-7025 or schedule your evaluation with us today.