Frequently Asked
Questions

Plan for about 90 minutes total. The IV infusion itself takes 45-60 minutes, followed by a 15-20 minute recovery period where you rest comfortably until you feel grounded and ready to go. We never rush you — if you need a few extra minutes, that's perfectly fine.

The IV placement feels like a small pinch — similar to getting blood drawn. Marla has placed thousands of IVs over her 20+ year career as a CRNA, so it's quick and virtually painless. Once the IV is in, you won't feel it. The ketamine infusion itself is painless — you'll simply begin to feel its effects within a few minutes.

Most patients describe a feeling of gentle floating or lightness — as if the weight of their thoughts has been temporarily lifted. Some experience mild visual effects like soft colors or patterns. Some feel deeply relaxed, almost dreamy. You remain conscious throughout and can communicate with Marla at any time. Many patients say it's the first time their mind has felt truly quiet in years. The experience is typically pleasant, and Marla adjusts your dose in real time to keep you comfortable.

The standard initial protocol is six sessions over two to three weeks. This allows the neuroplastic changes to build on each other and consolidate. Many patients notice improvement after just one or two sessions. After the initial series, most patients transition to maintenance infusions every 4-8 weeks, though some go longer. Your protocol is based entirely on your response — we don't lock you into a predetermined plan.

IV ketamine therapy is not currently covered by most insurance plans because it's used off-label for mental health conditions (ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, not specifically as an antidepressant). We provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, and many patients have success with this. We also accept HSA and FSA cards. We're happy to discuss costs and payment options during your free consultation.

No — you'll need someone to drive you home after every session. The effects of ketamine can impair coordination and reaction time for several hours. Most patients feel back to normal within 2-4 hours after the infusion ends, but we require a designated driver as a strict safety measure. You should also avoid operating heavy machinery or making major decisions for the rest of the day.

IV ketamine therapy has shown strong evidence for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, chronic pain conditions (including CRPS, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain), OCD, suicidal ideation, and certain substance use disorders. It's particularly effective for patients who haven't responded to traditional medications. During your free consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and whether ketamine is likely to help.

Ketamine has been used safely in medicine for over 50 years — it was FDA-approved as an anesthetic in 1970 and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. At Music City Ketamine, your safety is further ensured by having a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) monitoring you continuously with hospital-grade equipment: pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and cardiac monitoring. This is the same level of monitoring used during surgery. Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone — we screen carefully and will tell you honestly if it's not the right fit.

Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray containing one half of the ketamine molecule. It's FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and must be administered in a REMS-certified clinic with a fixed dosing schedule. IV ketamine uses the full ketamine molecule, allows completely individualized dosing, can treat a wider range of conditions, and gives your provider precise control over the infusion rate. Many patients who haven't responded to Spravato do respond to IV ketamine, likely because of the dosing flexibility and higher bioavailability.

Bioavailability — meaning how much of the dose actually reaches your brain. Oral ketamine (troches, lozenges, or pills) has roughly 20-30% bioavailability because it's broken down by your digestive system. IV ketamine delivers 100% of the dose directly to your bloodstream. This means more precise dosing, more consistent results, and the ability for Marla to adjust your treatment in real time based on how you're responding. It's the gold standard for a reason.

No referral is needed. You can call or text us directly to schedule a free consultation. If you do have a psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider, we're happy to coordinate with them — and many providers actively refer patients to us. But a referral is never required to get started.

Walter White and Wilma are our resident therapy dogs. They're friendly, calm, and have a genuine talent for making anxious people feel at ease. Walter tends to greet everyone at the door. Wilma is more of a "curl up next to you on the couch" type. If you're not a dog person or have allergies, just let us know — we'll make sure they give you space. But most patients tell us the dogs are one of their favorite parts of the experience.