Ketamine Infusions in NYC: What Patients Should Know
Ketamine therapy has emerged as an option for people who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. At Creative Healing Psychiatry on the Upper East Side, we provide physician-led ketamine infusions in a calm, medically supervised setting designed for both safety and meaningful therapeutic change. Here’s a clear overview to help you decide whether ketamine infusions are right for you.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that, at lower doses, can rapidly modulate glutamate and downstream neuroplasticity. In plain language: it can help “unstick” rigid mood and thought patterns, often within hours to days, rather than weeks. We deliver ketamine intravenously (IV) in carefully titrated doses while monitoring your vitals throughout each session.
Who May Benefit
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Generalized anxiety & social anxiety
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Bipolar depression (not during manic or hypomanic episodes)
Certain chronic pain syndromes (when appropriate and co-managed)
Not everyone is a candidate. We complete a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation and coordinate with your existing providers to ensure safety.
How the Process Works at Creative Healing Psychiatry
Comprehensive Intake
Medical/psychiatric history, current medications, past treatments, and goals. Screening for contraindications (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, active substance misuse, certain cardiac conditions).Personalized Treatment Plan
Most patients start with a series of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. Dosing is individualized based on weight, response, and side-effect profile.The Infusion Day
You’ll arrive having followed our pre-visit instructions (light meal, hydration, a ride arranged home).
We place an IV, check baseline vitals, and begin a 40–60 minute infusion.
Expect mild, time-limited experiences such as altered perception, floating sensations, or light dissociation; a clinician is with you throughout.
You’ll rest post-infusion until you feel settled. No driving the rest of the day.
Integration & Follow-Up
We strongly encourage psychotherapy—especially AEDP-informed, trauma-sensitive work—to translate the neuroplastic window into lasting change. Many patients notice mood shifts after 1–3 sessions; others require the full series plus maintenance.
Safety & Side Effects
Common, short-lived effects include dizziness, nausea, elevated blood pressure/heart rate, and dissociation. We monitor vitals continuously and adjust dosing as needed. Serious adverse events are rare in a controlled medical setting. We’ll review medication interactions (e.g., benzodiazepines may blunt response) and individualized risk factors before starting.
Ketamine vs. At-Home Options
We provide in-clinic IV infusions because they offer:
Precise dosing and rapid titration
Continuous monitoring for safety
A therapeutic setting for guided preparation and post-session integration
Other modalities (e.g., intranasal esketamine, oral lozenges) exist but differ in bioavailability, onset, and monitoring requirements. We’ll help you weigh pros and cons for your specific needs.
What Results Can You Expect?
Speed: Some patients report relief within 24–72 hours.
Durability: Benefits can last weeks to months; booster infusions help sustain gains.
Function: Many experience improved sleep, energy, emotional flexibility, and capacity to engage in therapy and daily life.
Response varies. Our role is to optimize the clinical conditions—dose, set, setting, and integration—so you get the best chance of a strong, sustained outcome.
Practical FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Most start with 6 infusions in 2–3 weeks. Maintenance frequency ranges from every 3–8 weeks, personalized to your response.
Will insurance cover it?
Coverage for IV ketamine varies. We provide superbills and help you navigate out-of-network benefits. HSA/FSA funds are often eligible.
Can I stay on my current medications?
Often yes, but we may adjust timing (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) and discuss agents that can interfere with ketamine’s effect. Never change meds without medical guidance.
Is ketamine addictive?
Under medical supervision with controlled dosing and clear boundaries, ketamine has low misuse risk. We screen for substance use disorders and build safeguards into every treatment plan.
Do I need a therapist?
We strongly recommend it. Therapy before and after infusions helps you integrate insights and build durable skills.
Our Clinical Approach
Board-certified psychiatrist leadership: Expertise in psychopharmacology and interventional psychiatry.
Trauma-informed care: Gentle, patient-paced support; no forced narratives.
Evidence-guided protocols: Standardized series with responsive dose adjustments.
Integration focus: Coordination with your therapist or referrals to trusted partners.
Discreet Upper East Side setting: Calm, private infusion rooms.
Preparing for Your First Infusion
Light meal 3–4 hours prior; hydrate well.
Arrange a trusted ride home; no driving or major decisions that day.
Bring comfortable clothing and optional eye mask or calming playlist.
Set an intention: a short phrase about what you hope to shift or understand.
Next Steps
If you’re considering ketamine infusions in NYC, we’re here to help you evaluate fit, understand the evidence, and map a path forward that centers safety, compassion, and real-world results. Reach out.