Ketamine Clinics Boston

Ketamine Clinic Boston 

What are ketamine clinics in Boston, MA?

Ketamine is a medication which has been primarily used for anesthesia in surgery. Over the last two decades, researchers have found it to be effective in treating mental health conditions, pain disorders, and addictions. Unlike traditional antidepressants prescribed to manage depression or anxiety anxiety, Ketamine is thought to possess fewer side effects. and those that do occur tend to be of a short-term nature and wear off within minutes. 

To receive Ketamine infusions therapy in Boston, the patient may refer to designated clinics that are typically operated by anesthesiologists and stuffed by state board-certified specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, registered nurses. Ketamine clinics in Boston may differ in the treatment protocol they assign the patients to, however, the recommended course of infusion therapy consists of 6 sessions within the first 2-3 weeks. Clinics may also differ in how they administer the anesthetic including IV, IM, PO infusions, lozenges, oral mints as well as Spravato, an-FDA approved nasal spray for depression treatment in adults.

Ketamine clinics in Boston may occasionally offer holistic treatments, bodywork, energy work, and psychological support as well, which can help support the treatment.

If you think Ketamine infusion therapy may be a good modality for your particular case, speak to your doctor about its applicability. Pregnant and nursing mothers, patients with active psychosis, or uncontrolled blood pressure are not recommended to undergo this treatment and should seek another treatment protocol.

What is ketamine therapy or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Boston? (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a cutting edge treatment to help patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and other mental health conditions. It consists of the administration of Ketamine and individualized, and compassionate work provided by the psychotherapist. The Ketamine allows the patient to uncover their trauma memories or negative patterns while the psychotherapist engages the patient in unobtrusive conversations and guides them on their sensations, and experiences. With the help of KAP, the patient may find relief, and discover new insights that will help them live healthily. 

A typical course of KAP is 6 sessions (3 hours each), however, it may last longer depending on the severity of the patient’s depression. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, KAP is linked to higher response and long-lasting changes that help the patient to keep sustained effect longer.

Unfortunately, KAP is not currently available in Boston.

What are the Best Ketamine Clinics in Boston?

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

Boston MindCare, PC

• Managed by Dr. Jason Yee, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV, IM infusions, oral Ketamine, and Spravato for depression, anxiety, PTSD, migraines, bipolar disorder, OCD, CRPS, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, suicidality.
• The cost per infusion is $550. The cost per oral Ketamine and Spravato may vary.
• Servicing Lexington.

Atlantic Coast Ketamine

• Managed by Dominic J. Maxwell, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for depression, chronic depression, treatment-resistant depression (TRD), PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and all anxiety disorder.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Cambridge.

Veritas MindHealth

• Managed by Anne J. Miller, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for mood disorders, and OCD. Nasal spray, lozenges may be recommended on a case by case basis.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Watertown.

Cambridge Biotherapies

• Managed by Daniel A. Brenner, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for depression, OCD, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder.
• They also offer psychological services and a therapy group focused on Ketamine processing.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Cambridge.

Mobile Ketamine Boston

• Managed by Christopher Gill, CRNA.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for major depressive disorder (MDD).
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Boston.

Boston Infusion Center

• Managed by Carlos Guzman, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, CRPS, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, fibromyalgia.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing Boston.
• Contact information - 617-701-6253.

Ketamine Greater Boston

• Managed by Bruce Kaster, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD.
• They also offer Spravato.
• The cost per infusion is $550. The cost per Spravato may vary.
• Servicing Needham.

Neural Health Therapies

• Managed by Kimberly Mastis, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD.
• They also offer TMS.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing West Boylston.

Brain Mind Institute of New England

• Managed by Guy Navarra, MD.
• Their Ketamine clinic offers IV infusions for mood and anxiety disorders.
• The cost per infusion is $599. If signing up for six infusions, the clinic gives the sixth one for free, which brings the total cost of each infusion down to $499.
• Servicing Newburyport.

How is this list of ketamine clinics chosen? 

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

What treatments do Ketamine Clinics provide? 

Ketamine clinics in Boston may provide an array of mental health treatments, pain disorder management as well as psychiatric services depending on their protocol.

Ketamine for depression 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Behind the Buzz: How Ketamine Changes the Depressed Patient's Brain, 2019
• Ketamine Stirs Up Hope—and Controversy—as a Depression Drug, 2018

Ketamine for anxiety 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Improvement in suicidal ideation after ketamine infusion: Relationship to reductions in depression and anxiety, 2014
• Safety and efficacy of maintenance ketamine treatment in patients with treatment-refractory generalised anxiety and social anxiety disorders, 2018

Ketamine infusion therapy for PTSD 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Synaptic Loss and the Pathophysiology of PTSD: Implications for Ketamine as a Prototype Novel Therapeutic, 2017
• Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized clinical trial, 2014

Ketamine for OCD 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Effects of ketamine in treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2012
• Glutamatergic agents for OCD and related disorders, 2015

Ketamine infusion therapy for bipolar disorder

The following studies have been conducted:

• Rapid infusion of esketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression: a retrospective chart review, 2017
• Replication of ketamine's antidepressant efficacy in bipolar depression: a randomized controlled add-on trial, 2012

Ketamine for chronic pain 

The following studies have been conducted:

• The Effect of Ketamine Infusion in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis, 2018
• Ketamine produces effective and long-term pain relief in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1, 2009

Ketamine assisted therapy or psychotherapy

The following studied have been conducted: 

• Ketamine-Enhanced Psychotherapy: Preliminary Clinical Observations on its Effects in Treating Death Anxiety, 2007
• Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Research and Development, 2018

Some Ketamine clinics in Boston provide additional mental health services, such as:

• Psychiatry
• EMDR
• TMS
• Holistic and alternative treatments

What happens during the sessions in Boston Ketamine Clinic?

Ketamine infusion therapy always starts with the consultation by the clinician. The patient receives the individualized treatment protocol and the steps involved are explained. The clinician tailors the dosage of the anesthetic based on the patient’s weight and age, and with the help of a therapist, and/or a registered nurse checks the patient’s vitals, including oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and pulse. When the patient is ready, they are escorted to the treatment room, where they receive Ketamine through a small intravenous line placed in the forearm or hand, or through a lozenge or Spravato. The patient covers the eyes and may listen to music. 

During the session of ketamine infusion therapy, the patient is monitored by the clinician who assesses the patient’s response to medication and manages any unwanted side effects. After the session is over, the patient spends time recovering until all the dissociative effects wear off.

Ketamine clinics in Boston restrict patients from driving after the sessions, as Ketamine may impair driving ability. They should arrange a designated driver or a support person to drive them back home.

How long is a typical session for IV? 

Ketamine infusion therapy in Boston typically takes 40 minutes to 1 hour for mental health treatments, and 3 to 5 hours for pain condition treatments.

How long is a typical session for intramuscular in Boston Ketamine Clinics?

Ketamine infusion therapy in Boston typically takes 40 minutes to 1 hour for mental health treatments, and 3 to 5 hours for pain condition treatments. 

What will I feel during the session in Ketamine Clinic Boston, MA?

During the session, the patient is always conscious and aware of the surroundings. They may communicate with the clinician or take a nap. The patient is likely to feel drowsy but this side effect vanishes within 10-15 minutes of the end of the infusion. Beyond that, they may experience blurred vision, extreme relaxation, or a feeling like they are traveling to space or outside their bodies. These sensations are usually pleasant, however, some may be overwhelmed with awakened trauma memories as well. In case of any unwanted sensations, the clinician may alleviate them with designated treatments.

How much do Ketamine infusions cost in Boston, MA?

Ketamine infusion therapy may vary in cost between clinics. The average price per IV infusions is $550. Contact your preferred Ketamine clinic to learn the pricing.

How can I find it if I can be eligible for insurance coverage? 

Ketamine treatment in Boston is not covered by federal or state-funded insurance plans, except for Spravato. Some Ketamine clinics in Boston recommend applying for an Advance Care card which may offer savings.

Does Ketamine infusion therapy in Boston intervene with my current treatment plan?

Ketamine infusion therapy Boston may intervene with your current treatment plan. Benzo medications including Valium, Xanax may alter the efficacy of the anesthetic, so the patient will be required to omit their intake before the session upon receiving their healthcare provider’s approval. Before each session, the patient must disclose the full list of medication, health supplements, and herbs to maximize the healing effect of treatment, and avoid severe side effects.

What are the risks of Ketamine infusion therapy Boston in 2021?

Ketamine clinics offer a safe and caring environment where patients are monitored on their experiences during and after each session. The anesthetic may occasionally cause nausea, hallucinations, sensitivity to light and sound, heaviness in the limbs among others. The clinician closely monitors the patient on these side effects, and if needed, treat them with designated medications. These side effects usually wear off within 10-15 minutes after the session is over.

What to look for in a good Ketamine clinic?

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

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