Ketamine Infusion Therapy | University Pain Consultants
University Pain Consultants  •  Advanced Therapies

Ketamine Infusion Therapy

A scientifically validated, physician-supervised treatment for chronic pain and mood disorders — administered personally by our board-certified anesthesiologist.

Book Consultation — $95 See If You Qualify

Board-Certified Anesthesiologist — Ketamine has been a core tool of anesthesia for decades. Every infusion is personally directed and monitored by our physician — not delegated to ancillary staff.

Getting Started

Begin With a Consultation

A thorough one-on-one evaluation with our physician to determine whether ketamine infusion therapy is safe and appropriate for you. The $95 consultation fee is credited toward treatment if you proceed.

1
Complete Medical History Review

A thorough review of diagnoses, prior treatments, medications, and response to therapies.

2
Safety Screening & Candidacy Evaluation

Screening for contraindications — cardiac status, psychiatric history, and eligibility factors.

3
Personalized Treatment Plan

Individualized dosing protocol, number of sessions, scheduling, and what to expect.

4
Full Q&A & Informed Consent

All questions answered before treatment begins. No surprises.

Initial Consultation

A private, unhurried evaluation directly with the physician who will administer your treatment. Most consultations take 45–60 minutes.

$95
Credited toward your treatment cost if you proceed. Your consultation fee is never lost.

We give you an honest assessment — including telling you clearly if ketamine therapy is not right for your situation.

Schedule My Consultation →
The Science

How Ketamine Works

Ketamine works through an entirely different mechanism than conventional pain medications and antidepressants — which is why it helps patients for whom other treatments have failed.

01

NMDA Receptor Blockade

Interrupts the abnormal pain signaling pathways that become hard-wired in chronic pain by blocking glutamate receptors in the brain and spinal cord.

02

Rapid Neuroplasticity

Stimulates regrowth of synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system — areas that atrophy under chronic pain and depression.

03

Central Sensitization Reset

Reduces the overall gain on the pain system — the amplified, dysregulated signaling underlying fibromyalgia, CRPS, and neuropathic conditions.

04

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Modulates neuroinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines — a key driver of both chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression.

05

Opioid System Interaction

Interacts with opioid receptors as a partial agonist, reducing opioid tolerance — valuable in opioid-dependent pain patients.

06

Faster Than Antidepressants

Acts on the glutamate system and can produce measurable mood improvement within 24–48 hours versus the weeks required for conventional antidepressants.

Conditions We Treat

Who Ketamine Therapy Helps

Ketamine infusion therapy has clinical evidence for a wide range of pain and mood disorders.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Among the strongest evidence bases — Type I & II refractory to other treatments.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Failed ≥2 antidepressants — rapid response often within 24–72 hours.

Fibromyalgia

Addresses central sensitization underlying widespread pain and fatigue.

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Centrally mediated pain unresponsive to conventional treatments.

Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Diabetic, peripheral, and post-herpetic neuropathy.

Spinal Pain

Failed back surgery syndrome, chronic radiculopathy, refractory axial pain.

PTSD

Emerging strong evidence for symptom severity reduction and trauma-related pain.

Chronic Migraine & Cluster Headache

Intractable cases unresponsive to conventional preventive therapies.

Phantom Limb Pain

Central pain mechanisms respond to NMDA blockade with documented improvement.

Acute Suicidal Ideation

FDA-recognized rapid reduction pathway via esketamine.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Promising rapid antiobsessional effects in treatment-refractory OCD.

Safety Profile

Potential Side Effects

At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine has a well-established safety record. Side effects are almost always transient and resolve within minutes to hours after the infusion ends.

During

Dissociation / Dreamlike State

During

Mild Perceptual Changes

Transient

Nausea

Transient

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Transient

Elevated BP & Heart Rate

Transient

Blurred or Double Vision

Transient

Headache

Rare

Anxiety or Agitation

Post-Infusion

Fatigue or Drowsiness

Rare

Vivid Dreams

Because our infusions are administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who has used ketamine routinely throughout a career, the risk of adverse events is substantially lower than in clinics staffed by non-anesthesiologist providers. We are equipped and trained to manage any eventuality.

Patient Safety

Contraindications

Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical screening at consultation identifies patients for whom treatment is contraindicated or requires careful evaluation.

ConditionClassificationClinical Rationale
Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective DisorderAbsoluteKetamine can precipitate or worsen psychosis
Uncontrolled HypertensionAbsoluteRisk of hypertensive crisis
Active Mania (Bipolar I, Manic Phase)AbsoluteRisk of precipitating or exacerbating mania
Recent Myocardial Infarction (<6 months)AbsoluteCardiovascular stimulation poses unacceptable risk
Elevated Intracranial PressureAbsoluteKetamine can further raise ICP
Active Stimulant / Dissociative Substance UseAbsoluteDangerous interactions and misuse risk
PregnancyAbsolutePotential teratogenic and neurodevelopmental risk
Unstable Coronary Artery DiseaseRelativeRequires cardiologist clearance
History of Psychosis (in remission)RelativeCase-by-case with psychiatric co-management
Severe Hepatic InsufficiencyRelativeMay accumulate unpredictably
Uncontrolled HyperthyroidismRelativeTreat thyroid disease first
Poorly Controlled Seizure DisorderRelativeRequires neurology consultation
Your Experience

What to Expect

We work hard to make every infusion safe, comfortable, and as positive an experience as possible.

Before Your Infusion

Fast for 4–6 hours. Arrange a driver — you may not drive yourself. Bring headphones and a playlist; music significantly enhances the experience for many patients.

During Your Infusion

You recline in a private, dimly lit room. IV is placed and infusion runs 40–60 minutes (pain) or 2–4 hours (ultra-low-dose). Vitals monitored continuously by the physician.

The Ketamine Experience

At sub-anesthetic doses you remain conscious. Most patients describe a dreamlike, floating sensation that resolves fully within minutes of the infusion ending.

Recovery & Discharge

Rest in our recovery area for 30–60 minutes. Once discharge criteria are met you are released to your driver. Most patients feel well enough for light activity same evening.

When Will I Feel Better?

Pain relief can begin within 24–72 hours of the first infusion. Results accumulate across a series — most experience the greatest benefit after 4–6 sessions.

Maintenance & Follow-Up

Many patients require periodic maintenance infusions — monthly to quarterly — to sustain their response. We create a long-term plan tailored to your individual needs.

Your Journey

The Treatment Process

1

Consultation

Physician evaluation & candidacy screening

2

Protocol Design

Personalized dosing & scheduling

3

Infusion Series

4–6 sessions over 2–3 weeks

4

Assessment

Objective outcome evaluation

5

Maintenance

Ongoing care to sustain results

Transparent Pricing

Investment in Your Recovery

Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees. Insurance does not typically cover ketamine therapy, so we offer a meaningful discount for the recommended initial series.

Single Session

$700
per infusion session
  • Physician-administered infusion
  • Continuous vital sign monitoring
  • Private infusion suite
  • Recovery period included
  • Post-infusion physician check

HSA/FSA cards accepted  •  Financing options available — ask at consultation

Ready to Explore a New Path Forward?

Schedule your consultation today. Most appointments available within 1–2 weeks.

Schedule My $95 Consultation

Medical Disclaimer: Ketamine infusion therapy is an off-label use of an FDA-approved medication for most indications listed. Results vary and are not guaranteed. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Candidacy is determined on an individual basis following a complete medical evaluation. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance administered only under direct physician supervision. These services are not covered by insurance in most cases.