Ketamine Clinics Houston

Ketamine Clinics Houston

What are ketamine clinics Houston? 

Ketamine is most well-known as an anesthetic used before and after surgery. Over the last two decades, Ketamine has been extensively researched on the efficacy and safety in treating depression, with some studies reporting a 70% success rate in depressed patients. A number of leading institutions including Yale University, Mayo Clinic, and Sinai Medical School among others have contributed to the research of Ketamine and other medical conditions including anxiety, PTSD, OCD, suicidal ideation, chronic pain, and addictions. Today, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, and hospice doctors are among the most highly-experienced specialists who safely deliver anesthetic. They are also the ones who typically run Ketamine clinics across the US, including Ketamine clinics in Houston.

Ketamine clinics in Houston usually provide services on an outpatient basis at a clinic that may resemble a spa-like environment. Alongside the medical director who runs the clinic, the staff may include psychotherapists, psychiatrists, therapists, and registered nurses who are all state board-certified to provide Ketamine treatment in Houston legally. 

Ketamine clinics in Houston may vary in how they work with the anesthetic. Some clinics administer it through IV, IM, PO infusions, some offer oral lozenges, and  some offer Spravato. Spravato is a nasal spray for the treatment of depression in adults that in March 2019 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Spravato is the only form covered by insurance plans because infusions and lozenges are provided on an off-label basis only.

The protocols for Ketamine treatment in Houston may vary as well, as the clinicians always build personalized plans for every patient. Patients with mental health conditions may receive subanesthetic doses during a standard course of 6 sessions with a 2-3 week window between them. When it comes to the treatment of pain conditions, the whole course may be extended up to 10 sessions. Beyond that, some Ketamine clinics in Houston may occasionally offer Ketamine boosters for maintenance treatment after the primary sessions are over. 

What is meant by ketamine therapy in Houston or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy? (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative treatment option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). KAP usually takes a minimum of 6 sessions that last about 3 hours each. It consists of the actual administration of anesthetic followed by psychotherapy aimed to address the patient’s symptoms, challenges, and then find the right relief for them. Unlike infusion therapy, KAP has been linked to lasting changes that help the patient go longer without relapse. Depending on the Ketamine clinic in Houston, spiritual growth, expansion of mind, or wellness programs may be offered to support the therapeutic effect of KAP. 

KAP is usually only available by getting a referral from a doctor, and it may not fit every particular case. Both KAP and infusion therapy is contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers, as the anesthetic may harm both fetus and newborn. Patients with schizophrenia may also need another treatment protocol. Speak to your doctor about the applicability of Ketamine treatment Houston with KAP to you.

What are the Best Ketamine Clinics in Houston?

There are many Ketamine clinics in Houston where you may refer to receive treatment for your mental health condition or pain condition.

Ketamine Infusion Centers of Texas

• Managed by Michael Nguyen, MD, PSY.D.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV infusions for major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, OCD.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing The Woodlands.

Spring Center of Hope

• Managed by Cindy Van Praag, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and Tessa Benson, a registered nurse.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV infusions depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and suicidal ideation.
• The cost per infusion for mental health conditions is $375, for pain conditions is $1295.
• Servicing Tomball.

Martha St John, MD & Associates

• Managed by Dr. Martha St John, a board-certified in Psychiatry.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV infusions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), OCD.
• They also offer TMS, Telepsychiatry, Qb testing for ADD/ADHD, Psychotropic Genetic Testing, Aroma Freedom Technique, Medication Management, and Second Opinion Evaluation.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Houston.

Lone Star Infusion, PLLC

• Managed by Allison Wells, MD.
• This Ketamine clinic in Houston offers IV infusions for depression, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, neuralgia, CRPS/RSD, chronic pelvic pain, and other pain conditions.
• The cost per infusion for mental health conditions is $375, for pain conditions is $565.
• Servicing Houston.

Brain Health Consultants

• Managed by Lauren Marangell, M.D, a board-certified in Psychiatry.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers Spravato for depression.
• They also offer TMS therapy, psychopharmacology services, psychotherapy, CBT for anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Houston.

Houston Ketamine Therapeutics

• Managed by Dr. Sandhya Prashad, a board-certified psychiatrist.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV infusions for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD. They also offer Spravato and TMS+Ketamine therapy program.
• The cost per infusion is $650. Spravato and TMS+Ketamine therapy costs may vary.
• Servicing Bellaire.

Ascend Ketamine

• Managed by Barry Diner, MD, MPH, FAAEM.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV infusions for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, CRPS, migraines.
• They also offer Integrative Medicine.
• The cost per infusion is $375.
• Servicing Houston.

The Menninger Clinic

• Managed by Neil Puri, MD.
• Their Ketamine treatment in Houston offers IV, IM infusions for mood disorders, and Spravato for depression.
• They also offer full-service psychiatry services.
• The cost per infusions and Spravato may vary.
• Servicing Houston.

How is this list of ketamine clinics chosen? 

These Ketamine clinics in Houston are verified and recommended by the American Society of Ketamine Physicians.

What treatments do Ketamine Clinics provide in Houston?

Ketamine clinics Houston may provide a variety of mental health and pain condition treatments.

Ketamine for depression

The following studies have been conducted:

• Ketamine and rapid-acting antidepressants: a new era in the battle against depression and suicide, 2018
• Features of dissociation differentially predict antidepressant response to ketamine in treatment-resistant depression, 2018

Ketamine for anxiety

The following studies have been conducted:

• Safety and efficacy of maintenance ketamine treatment in patients with treatment-refractory generalised anxiety and social anxiety disorders, 2018
• Has psychiatry tamed the "ketamine tiger?" Considerations on its use for depression and anxiety, 2016

Ketamine for PTSD

The following study has been conducted:

• Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Repeated Ketamine Infusions for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Treatment-Resistant Depression, 2018

Ketamine for OCD

The following studies have been conducted:

• Randomized controlled crossover trial of ketamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: proof-of-concept, 2013
• Effects of ketamine in treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2013

Ketamine for bipolar disorder

The following study has been conducted:

• Ketamine For Treatment-resistant Unipolar And Bipolar Major Depression: Critical Review And Implications For Clinical Practice, 2016

Ketamine for chronic pain

The following study has been conducted:

• A Review of Current and Emerging Approaches to Pain Management in the Emergency Department, 2017

Ketamine assisted therapy or psychotherapy

KAP is not currently available in any Ketamine clinic Houston. Ask your healthcare provider to give a referral to other clinics in nearby cities or states where KAP is available.

Some Ketamine clinics in Houston may also provide additional mental health services, such as:

• Psychiatry
• EMDR
• TMS
• Holistic and alternative treatments

What happens during the sessions in Ketamine Clinics Houston? 

The approach to sessions of Ketamine treatment in Houston may differ depending on the clinic protocol. Typically, a session starts with a briefing from the clinician who guides the patient through their personalized plan, goals, and potential concerns related to possible dissociative effects of the anesthetic. A therapist and/or a registered nurse checks the patient’s vitals including blood pressure, heart rate and conducts additional physical or mental measurements. If qualified, the patient is escorted to the treatment room where they receive anesthetic through infusions, with lozenges or Spravato, and dive into a 1-3 hour journey. During the whole session, the patient may listen to music or take a nap. The clinician who is always near the patient ensures the session is progressing well. 

During a KAP session, the psychotherapist may speak with the patient to understand their challenges, issues, or roots of their depressed condition. 

After the session of Ketamine treatment in Houston is over, the patient may stay in the treatment room or be escorted to a recovery room where they recover from the dissociative effects of the anesthetic. Some Ketamine clinics in Houston may encourage the patients to write down their experiences to assess whether relief can be felt. 

How long is a typical session for IV?

Ketamine treatment in Houston usually takes 1 to 3 hours for an IV infusion depending on the mental health condition or pain condition. IV infusions for pain conditions take at least 2 hours. 

How long is a typical session for intramuscular?

Ketamine treatment in Houston usually takes 1 to 3 hours for an IM infusion depending on the mental health condition or pain condition. IM infusions for pain conditions take at least 2 hours. 

What will I feel during the session in Ketamine Clinics Houston? 

Patients differ in their experiences during the sessions of Ketamine treatment. Some report feelings of traveling outside their bodies, sensitivity to light and sound, heaviness in their limbs, while some may be overwhelmed by trauma memories that the treatment may awaken. The clinician is always there to prevent or manage any unwanted sensations or side effects with designated medications, however, the subanesthetic doses are usually well-tolerated within patients.

Sessions of KAP may be also accompanied by new insights or transformative experiences. The patient is guided by a psychotherapist on how to consider trauma memories or negative life circumstances from another angle or re-assess their value to live healthily.  

How much do Ketamine infusions cost in Houston?

Ketamine clinics in Houston vary in prices they set for infusions. Infusion for mental health conditions may start at $365, while infusion for a pain condition may cost from $565. Contact your preferred Ketamine clinic in Houston to learn the exact price for your particular case.

If I am eligible for insurance coverage, how can I find Ketamine Clinic in Houston?

Ketamine treatment in Houston is not covered by federal or state-funded insurance plans except for Spravato where it is offered. You may contact your preferred Ketamine clinic Houston to learn your eligibility for financial help or discounts if you are a first-aid responder or veteran.

Does Ketamine therapy happen with my current treatment plan in Houston 2020?

Ketamine treatment may intervene with your current treatment plan. Some medications may only alter the efficacy of anesthetic, while MAOIs, SSRIs, relaxants, opioids among others may cause side effects when combined with the anesthetic. Disclose the full list of medications, health supplements, herbs you currently take, or took over the last two weeks prior to starting Ketamine treatment in Houston.

What are the risks of Ketamine treatment in Houston clinics?

Ketamine treatment in Houston may be linked to risks and side effects although very rare. The majority of patients may be overwhelmed during the first sessions, as the anesthetic may awaken trauma memories or persisting negative thoughts, while others may come across hallucinations and extreme sedation. The clinician is trained to promptly address them with designated medications or other treatments to avoid severe side effects.

The most common side effects of anesthetic include:

• anxiety;
• headache;
• nausea;
• heaviness in the limbs;
• blurred vision.

These side effects usually vanish within 10-15 minutes after the session is over.

Beyond that, the staff of Ketamine clinics in Houston restrict patients from driving within the first 24 hours after the session. The patient should have a designated driver or a support person to drive them back home, as the anesthetic may alter driving ability, concentration, and alertness.

What to look for in a good Ketamine clinic Houston?

Please refer to our in-depth article about Ketamine therapy for more information