Ketamine Clinics San Antonio

Ketamine Clinic San Antonio

What are ketamine clinics in San Antonio?

Ketamine has been traditionally reserved for use in emergency departments, operating rooms as well as military conflict zones. The research for use of Ketamine in treating mental health conditions started off at Yale University in 2000. It has been administered through infusion in subanesthetic doses much lower than those used in a hospital setting and found to be working with a part of the brain involved in a feeling of happiness. Beyond that, it has been found to primarily affect the glutamate, and act on the lateral habenula which smoothes out the nerve impulses. During the infusions, the patient remains conscious and aware of their surroundings as well as receives relief for depression within days or weeks depending on the severity of symptoms. By now, Ketamine is known to be effective for major depressive disorder (MDD), postpartum depression, treatment-resistant depression (TRD), all anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain as well as addictions. To help more depressed patients access the cutting edge treatment with the anesthetic, many Ketamine clinics started opening across the country including Ketamine clinics in San Antonio.

Ketamine clinic in San Antonio is typically run by state board-certified anesthesiologists with years of experience in delivering anesthetic for mental health treatment. Alongside anesthesiologists, Ketamine clinic San Antonio may be staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, registered nurses, and even specialists in holistic treatments. These clinics usually differ from traditional clinic settings where patients receive infusions, and/or therapies in the same room with multiple of other people. Ketamine treatment San Antonio is individualized therapy that creates a private and judgment-free environment for each patient who is constantly monitored by their assigned clinician. 

The patient may receive the anesthetic in a variety of ways including administration through IV, IM, PO infusions, with lozenges, oral mints, and Spravato, an FDA-approved nasal spray for depression treatment in adults. Beyond that, the clinics may differ in the time-frame for treatment protocol although 6 sessions 40 minutes to 1 hour each within 2-3 weeks are a standard course to approach mental health condition. Pain disorder treatment with anesthetic may averagely take 6 to 9 sessions 3 to 5 hours each.

Ketamine treatment in San Antonio won’t fit every patient, in particular, those with active psychosis, uncontrolled blood pressure, pregnant and nursing mothers. If you want to undergo infusion therapy, speak to your doctor about its applicability to your particular case.

What is ketamine therapy or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in San Antonio, TX? (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a unique combination of infusions with psychotherapy. It helps to capitalize upon transpersonal experience during which patients report a significant change in the way they view themselves, their problems, emotional patterns among others. The licensed psychotherapist helps them break through negative paradigms and achieve the right relief. KAP is believed to be more effective compared to infusion therapy alone, as the patient may enjoy lasting-changes without a quick relapse to depressed conditions. 

A standard course of KAP consists of 6 sessions 3 hours each and may be occasionally accompanied by psychological support for weeks or months. Beyond that, some clinics may offer the maintenance program with boosters to prolong the relief.

KAP is currently available in one clinic in San Antonio, Klarisana.

What are the Best Ketamine Clinics in San Antonio?

There are 3 Ketamine clinics in San Antonio you may refer to receive cutting edge treatment for your mental health condition or pain condition.

New Braunfels Emergency Room

• Managed by Rena Salyer, MD.
• Their Ketamine treatment San Antonio is offered with IV infusions for the acute intervention of depression and PTSD.
• The cost per infusion may vary.
• Servicing New Braunfels.
• Contact information - 830-632-9843.

Klarisana

• Managed by Dr. Carl J. Bonnett, MD.
• Their Ketamine treatment San Antonio is offered with IV infusions for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
• They also offer KAP.
• The cost per infusion and KAP may vary.
• Servicing San Antonio.

Cantera Psychiatry

• Managed by Sarah Hernandez, MD.
• Their Ketamine treatment San Antonio is offered with IV infusions for major depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, OCD, bipolar disorder.
• They also offer TMS, TBS, and medication management for psychiatric conditions.
• The cost per infusion is $500.
• Servicing San Antonio.

How is this list of ketamine clinics chosen? 

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

What treatments do Ketamine Clinics San Antonio provide? 

Ketamine clinics may provide an array of mental health treatments including infusion therapy, KAP and maintenance programs among others.

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 

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:

• Rapid infusion of esketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression: a retrospective chart review, 2017

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

The following studies 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 clinics may also provide additional mental health services, such as:

• Psychiatry
• EMDR
• TMS
• Holistic and alternative treatments

What happens during the sessions in San Antonio Ketamine Clinics?

The session starts with the initial evaluation and physical exam of the patient. The clinician introduces the patient to their treatment protocol, tailors dosage, and sets goals for the sessions. The therapist and/or a registered nurse checks the patient’s vitals including blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse among others. If vitals are okay, the patient is escorted to the treatment room where infusion starts. Most mental health IV, IM infusions last one hour, while pain management infusions last three to five hours. The treatment rooms are usually equipped with TV’s where patients may watch videos of nature, aquatic scapes, or they may bring their relaxing music to listen to during the session. The main goal of the infusion session is to minimize distractions as well as interruptions, so the journey may become a peaceful experience. After the session is over, the patient spends time recovering from the dissociative effects of the anesthetic. Ketamine treatment San Antonio may be also accompanied by writing experiences in the notepad which help to assess whether the course of treatment is progressing well.

The clinic staff restricts patients from driving, so they should arrange a designated driver or a support person.

How long is a typical session for IV? 

Ketamine treatment San Antonio may take 40 minutes to 1 hour for mental health IV infusions, and 3 to 5 hours for pain management IV infusions. Plus 30 minutes to 1 hour for recovery.

How long is a typical session for intramuscular? 

Ketamine treatment San Antonio may take 40 minutes to 1 hour for mental health IM infusions, and 3 to 5 hours for pain management IM infusions. Plus 30 minutes to 1 hour for recovery.

What will I feel during the session?

The anesthetic is most likely to elicit changes in perception of time, space, sounds, and sights. During the whole session, the patient resides in a private, and comfortable space observed by the clinician who alleviates any fear and/or anxiety attacks or other unwanted sensations. The vast majority of patients report the experience to be positive, and pleasant, while some may come across hallucinations, trauma memories, and nausea although very rare. To alleviate nausea, the clinician may incorporate anti-nausea medications to make the journey peaceful. 

How much do Ketamine infusions cost in San Antonio, TX?

Ketamine treatment San Antonio may vary in cost depending on the clinic protocol. The average price per infusion is $500. Contact the preferred Ketamine clinic in San Antonio to learn the pricing.

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

Ketamine treatment San Antonio is not covered by federal or state-funded insurance plans except for Spravato because the anesthetic is used off-label. Contact the preferred Ketamine clinic in San Antonio to learn your eligibility for discounts or ask the clinic staff whether they work with Advance Care card which usually offers savings for the whole treatment.

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

Ketamine treatment San Antonio may intervene with your current treatment plan. MAOIs, SSRIs, relaxants, opioids may greatly alter the efficacy of the anesthetic and/or cause severe side effects. Disclose the full list of medication, health supplements, herbs to the clinic staff prior to starting the session.

What are the risks of Ketamine treatment in San Antonio Clinics?

The patient always undergoes Ketamine treatment in San Antonio in designated clinics that provide them with personalized attention, and care. The patient receives an individually tailored dosage and is always monitored by the clinician who ensures there are no side effects. In case of any side effects, they are promptly managed. 

The most common side effects of anesthetic include:

• anxiety;
• nausea;
• hallucinations;
• sensitivity to light and sound;
• heaviness in the limbs;
• headaches;
• blurred vision.

All these adverse reactions have a short-term nature and 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