At NeuroRelief Ketamine & Infusion Therapy, we know that deciding to pursue ketamine treatment for mental health or chronic pain is a deeply personal and often unfamiliar journey. Whether you’re just starting your research or you’re ready to book a consultation, you likely have a lot of questions.
This FAQ blog addresses the most common inquiries from our Los Angeles patients, enabling you to make an informed and confident decision.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy involves the use of ketamine, originally an FDA-approved anesthetic, in low, sub-anesthetic doses to treat mood disorders and chronic pain. At NeuroRelief, we administer ketamine via IV infusion under medical supervision in a calm, clinical setting.
Over the past two decades, ketamine has emerged as one of the most promising treatments for:
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Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
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PTSD
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Anxiety disorders
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Bipolar depression
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Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, CRPS)
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Suicidal ideation
How Does Ketamine Work in the Brain?
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which work on serotonin and take weeks to show effects, ketamine acts on NMDA receptors, triggering a surge of glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. This leads to:
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Rapid growth of new synaptic connections (neuroplasticity)
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Resetting dysfunctional brain circuits
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Improvements in mood and cognition—often within hours to days
What Is the Treatment Process Like?
At NeuroRelief Ketamine in Los Angeles, your treatment journey typically involves:
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Consultation: A detailed assessment of your medical history, mental health, and goals.
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Initial Infusions: A series of 6 IV ketamine infusions over 2–3 weeks (the induction phase). Our Integration Coaching, CBT, and Mindfulness services are FREE for every NeuroRelief™ client that is participating in one of our ketamine protocols.
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Maintenance: Based on your response, we may recommend booster infusions every 4–6 weeks.
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Ongoing Support: We collaborate with your primary therapist or mental health provider for integrated care.
Each infusion lasts about 40–60 minutes, followed by a short recovery period.
Is Ketamine Safe?
Yes, when administered by trained professionals in a medical setting like ours, ketamine is safe. It has been used for over 50 years in hospitals and emergency rooms. At NeuroRelief:
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All infusions are supervised by experienced anesthesiologists and trained nurses.
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Your vital signs are continuously monitored.
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We use pharmaceutical-grade ketamine in precise dosages tailored to your condition and weight.
Will I Feel “High” or Lose Control?
Patients typically experience dissociation during the infusion—a temporary, dreamlike or out-of-body sensation. Most people remain calm and aware of their surroundings. Our clinical team ensures your comfort and safety throughout.
Many describe it as a meditative or reflective state that allows them to process thoughts from a new perspective.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Some patients notice mood improvement within hours of the first or second infusion. Others respond after the full initial series is completed. For chronic pain, the effects may take a few more treatments to manifest.
Benefits often include:
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Reduced depressive symptoms
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Less anxiety and emotional reactivity
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Fewer intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
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Improved ability to function day-to-day
How Long Do the Effects Last?
After the induction phase, effects can last several weeks to months, depending on the individual, especially when combined with ongoing therapy, healthy habits, and maintenance infusions.
We tailor each treatment plan to ensure sustainable, long-term success.
Is Ketamine Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover ketamine infusions for mental health (though some cover chronic pain applications). However, we provide:
- 15 months of interest-free financing for our services, with credit approval (AdvanceCareCard.com)
- NO COMPOUNDING INTEREST during the interest-free period
- For those with less that great credit, the program also offers low-APR payment plans through MyMedicalFunding.com
- We also accept CareCredit.com as a secondary financing option
- Co-signing advantages are also available
Who Shouldn’t Receive Ketamine?
Ketamine therapy may not be suitable for individuals with:
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Untreated high blood pressure
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Active psychosis or schizophrenia
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Uncontrolled substance abuse
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Certain cardiovascular conditions
That’s why our comprehensive medical intake is essential to ensure ketamine is right for you.
Why Choose NeuroRelief in Los Angeles?
We’re not just a clinic—we’re a center of excellence in ketamine and advanced infusion therapy:
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Led by board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Austin Harris
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Over 7,000+ infusions administered
- State-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles
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Evidence-based protocols and compassionate care
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Collaboration with your mental health team
Our mission is to provide safe, science-driven healing with empathy and excellence.
