Ketamine Clinics in San Diego

Ketamine Clinic San Diego

What are Ketamine Clinics San Diego?

Ketamine is a dissociative medication most well-known as an anesthetic used for surgery. A doctor may occasionally use it off-label for other medical and mental health conditions. It can be prescribed for depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, chronic pain management among others. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its form of nasal spray Spravato for depression treatment in adults. 

Ketamine clinics have gained popularity in the U.S, as they are professionally staffed by therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered nurses, who have been trained to use this anesthetic in mental disorders and pain treatments. Ketamine clinics in San Diego offer a wide range of services, including Ketamine infusions administered IV, IM, IN, or PO, alongside Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).

Ketamine clinics in San Diego may approach the treatment in a variety of ways. Some focus on infusions and other administration of Ketamine, while others integrate psychotherapy alongside Ketamine administration. 

Some clinics may also offer psychiatric, bodywork and holistic treatment for mental health to help facilitate treatment. 

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

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapy that includes the administration of Ketamine for therapeutic effects alongside psychotherapy sessions.

A KAP session takes approximately 1-2 hours. A patient usually speak to a psychotherapist about their intentions, concerns and plans for the treatment. A doctor, a registered nurse and/or therapist examine the patient’s health and psychological condition. When Ketamine is approved for administration in a patient, the KAP session is still supervised by a doctor or a nurse to ensure there are no side effects or deterioration of a present health condition.

The recommended protocol will differ from patient to patient based on their needs. However, on average KAP is 6 sessions, which takes several months. A doctor may also change the number of infusions and gradually increase or decrease the dose.

What are the Best Ketamine Clinics in San Diego? 

Here are the Ketamine Clinics in San Diego approved by American Society of Ketamine Physicians:

Kai MacDonald

• Managed by Kai MacDonald, MD. Expert in Psychiatry and Family Practice.
• This is not a Ketamine clinic San Diego but a private psychiatric practice that offers IM infusions and psychotherapy with the sublingual administration of Ketamine during the first sessions.
• Servicing San Diego.
• The cost varies at $300-500 per infusion, some insurance plans may cover the price of the KAP. 

Point Loma Clinic

• Managed by Alexander Papp, MD, a psychiatrist expert.
• This is not a Ketamine clinic San Diego but a private mental health practice that offers KAP, IM infusions alongside nasal spray Spravato.
• Servicing San Diego and Del Mar.
• The cost may vary.

Navarro Pain Control Group Inc

• Managed by Rosa M. Navarro, MD, Pain Management Specialist.
• This is not a Ketamine clinic San Diego but a private practice treating acute and chronic pain which includes IV infusions for chronic pain, migraines as well as CRPS.
• Servicing Chula Vista.
• The cost may vary.

Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute

• Managed by Dr. David Feifel, certified neuropsychiatrist and accomplished brain scientist.
• This is not only a Ketamine clinic San Diego but a provider of Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. They provide IV and IM infusions for mood disorders and OCD.
• Servicing La Jolla.
• The cost may vary.

West Coast Ketamine Center

• Managed by Dr. Philip Botkiss, MD, a psychiatry specialist.
• This Ketamine clinic San Diego offers IV and intranasal Ketamine administration for severe and debilitating depression, PTSD, addiction, OCD, and pain disorders.
• Servicing San Diego.
• The cost may vary.

Pacific Psychiatric Intervention & Wellness Centers

• Managed by Dr. Jake Hollingsworth, an osteopathic physician and adult psychiatrist together with Dr. Jessica Hollingsworth, a board-certified anesthesiologist.
• This is not a Ketamine clinic San Diego but a wellness center which provides psychiatric treatment for a variety of mental health conditions as well as integrative medicine. They offer IV and IM infusions as well as Spravato for depression.
• Servicing Del Mar.
• The cost is $450 per infusion, while Spravato cost may vary.

South Coast TMS and Ketamine

• Managed by Drew Belnap, MD, a certified anesthesiologist.
• This Ketamine clinic San Diego offers IV infusions for OCD, mood disorders, chronic pain, CRPS as well as migraine.
• Servicing Encinitas.
• The cost may vary.

How is this list of ketamine clinics chosen? 

These Ketamine Clinics in San Diego are approved and recommended by the American Society of Ketamine Physicians.

What treatments do Ketamine Clinics provide in San Diego? 

Ketamine clinic San Diego may provide a variety of treatments such as infusions administered IM, IV, IN, PO, nasal spray Spravato alongside Ketamine-assisted therapy to treat depression and anxiety disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, unipolar major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD. Certain clinics may also approve the use of Ketamine therapy for emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as expansion of consciousness. Among others, a patient can receive KAP for chronic pain.

Ketamine therapy is not for everyone. A patient should speak to a psychiatrist about its usefulness and safety for their particular case. Screening and consultation are required before the administration of infusions.

Ketamine for depression 

Together with its anesthetic use in surgical and medical practices, Ketamine is believed to be useful for depression treatment, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In one study, Ketamine delivered intramuscularly (IM) and intravenously (IV) were compared on efficacy, tolerability, and safety, for major depressive disorder (MDD). 27 subjects with MDD were administered 0.5mg/kg of  Ketamine IV and 0.25-0.5mg/kg of Ketamine IM dose. Depression scores were assessed before the infusions, two hours later, the next day, and three days after the infusion. Depression scores fell in all subjects 2 hours after the administration of Ketamine, and during the first three days, the results were sustained. Both the IV and IM infusions were deemed equally effective with mild side effects.

Ketamine for anxiety 

In one study, Ketamine was studied for efficacy in treatment-refractory generalized anxiety and social anxiety disorder during the maintenance phase. 20 subjects were assessed on remission after 3 months from the last Ketamine treatment. Previously, they had been administered with 1mg/kg doses one to two times weekly. Patients reported significant improvements in their lives, and the symptoms of GAD, and SAD were significantly reduced.

Ketamine for PTSD 

Treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder with Ketamine has been reported to be effective. In one study, IV infusion was studied for efficacy and safety in patients with PTSD. 41 patients were administered with 0.5mg/kg of Ketamine alongside 0.045mg/kg of Midazolam. Ketamine has been linked to a significant reduction of PTSD severity, and an overall improvement in the clinical outcomes.

Ketamine for OCD

In one study, Ketamine was administered to subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 10 subjects received a 0.5 mg/kg infusion of Ketamine for 40 minutes. OCD symptoms improved significantly 1–3 hours following the Ketamine infusion, but this effect had largely disappeared the next day.

Ketamine for bipolar disorder 

One study was focused on the efficacy of Ketamine for bipolar disorder (BD). 15 subjects with BD and depression symptoms were administered 0.5mg/kg or the placebo for 2 days, 2 weeks apart. The results demonstrated that Ketamine was effective in 40 minutes after each infusion, and there was a reduction of suicidal thinking and general depressive symptoms.

Ketamine for chronic pain 

 Clinics may also offer the KAP for chronic pain management. As per one study, Ketamine was reviewed using abstracts (52 clinical trials, and 13 studies) on efficacy to reduce acute pain in a prehospital setting. Ketamine was administered IV alongside opioids to subjects. The results demonstrated that Ketamine in conjunction with opioids has had more potential to reduce the pain rather than opioids alone. Both have been suggested as anesthetics for the prehospital setting. 

Ketamine assisted therapy or psychotherapy

Some Ketamine clinics offer KAP rather than Ketamine infusions alone. It is believed to be more effective, as the patient is supported by a doctor, psychiatrists and/or therapists during the sessions and medical briefings. 

Some clinics provide additional mental health services, such as:

• Psychiatry
• EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• TMS
• Holistic and alternative treatments which include bodywork, nutritional help, and other approaches.

What happens during the sessions in Ketamine Clinics San Diego?

Ketamine clinic San Diego may differ in their approach. The recommended treatment protocol is usually 6 sessions. First, a patient spends time on a medical briefing with a psychiatrist or a doctor who evaluates their symptoms, and intentions for the treatment. The patient meets the requirements for the treatment after a physical and psychiatrist exam. During the infusion, doctor or a nurse are monitoring the patient’s vitals and a therapist may be present to assist the patient to address fear or anxiety as well as carry out the previously discussed ketamine-assisted therapy intentions and goals. After the session, a patient is escorted to a room to relax.

During the course, there is ongoing interaction with a doctor and potentially a therapist aimed at identifying the results and changes from the beginning of treatment.

How long is a typical session for IV? 

It differs across clinics in San Diego, however, it may take 40 minutes up to an hour. Additionally, at least 20 minutes are spent for relaxation after the session.

How long is a typical session for intramuscular?

It differs across clinics in San Diego, however, it may take 40 minutes up to an hour. Additionally, at least 20 minutes are spent for relaxation after the session.

How will I feel during the session in Ketamine Clinics San Diego? 

During the infusion set, a patient may experience drowsiness, the heaviness of the limbs, and hypersensitivity to lights or sounds which is more pleasant than an uncomfortable feeling. While it differs from patient to patient, Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, so a patient may experience a feeling of being dissociated from reality. 

The sessions aim to disrupt negative feelings by providing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Many may feel relief from depressive and anxious symptoms and even feel euphoric. 

How much do Ketamine infusions cost in San Diego 2020? 

The cost per infusion may vary in Ketamine clinic in San Diego. Usually prices vary from $250 to $650 per infusion. Contact one of the clinics to learn the prices.

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

KAP and Ketamine infusions are not covered with federal and state insurance plans. However, a nasal spray Spravato may be eligible for coverage in Ketamine clinics in San Diego. Contact one of the clinics to learn about eligibility.

Does Ketamine therapy intervene with my current treatment plan in San Diego 2020?

Ketamine may intervene with your current treatment plan. Inform a clinic’s psychiatrist about your current intake of medications, herbs, and health supplements.

What are the risks of Ketamine treatment in San Diego? 

As with any other treatments or medications, Ketamine may cause short-term side effects in patients.

The most common side effects are:

• a spike in blood pressure;
• drowsiness;
• blurred vision;
• hypersensitivity to lights and sound;
• the heaviness of limbs;
• nausea or vomiting;
• headache.

Also, Ketamine may cause dissociative feeling which usually vanishes in 10-15 minutes after the infusion.