What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Works & What You Need to Know

Introduction

At Modern Mindwork, we recognize that healing is a multifaceted journey encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. Our clinic offers personalized ketamine therapies designed to provide rapid relief and foster long-term recovery for individuals facing treatment-resistant mental health conditions and chronic pain.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a transformative treatment for various mental health disorders. Administered under the supervision of our Dual Boarded Nurse Anesthetist / Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, ketamine therapy offers rapid and effective relief, enhancing traditional therapeutic methods.

Conditions We Treat

Our ketamine treatments are tailored to address a range of conditions, including:

  • Treatment-resistant Depression and Major Depressive Disorder

  • PTSD and Complex PTSD

  • Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  • Chronic Pain Conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

  • Suicidal Ideation and Chronic Headaches

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Dependency and Addiction Issues

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Types of Ketamine Therapy

1. Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Administered intravenously by our experienced Dual Board Certified Anesthesia and Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner, ketamine infusion therapy ensures the highest bioavailability, allowing for precise control and rapid action while minimizing side effects. Each session typically lasts 90 minutes, and includes curated music programs that enhance the effects of the infusion while giving the brain a safe path to travel.

2. Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)

KAT combines the pharmacological effects of ketamine with psychotherapy interventions. This approach utilizes sublingual (under the tongue) lozenges absorbed through the mucous membranes, allowing patients to remain fully present and engaged with their therapist. KAT is especially suited for individuals who need to maintain a connection with their therapeutic work.  KAT is particularily helpful when precision intervention is needed, rather than the global effect of infusion therapy.  *If you are interested in KAP, we have a list of local therapists we do lozenge prescribing for.

Treatment Steps

Enrollment

  • Initial Consultation: We review your medical history, discuss your goals, and ensure ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate for you.

  • Forms Made Simple: Our team guides you through essential forms, such as treatment consents and HIPAA documentation, streamlining the process.

Infusion Care

  • Comfort-Centered Care: Relax in a zero-gravity chair with cozy blankets and an optional weighted eye mask. Soothing lighting and music help set the tone for your journey.
  • Personalized Monitoring: Your infusion is overseen by a board-certified nurse anesthesiologist and trained mental health practitioner who stays with you every step of the way.
  • Music to Heal the Mind: We utilize curated music chosen specifically to relieve your symptoms, tailoring therapeutic sounds to your emotional needs and goals.

After the Infusion

  • Post-Session Care: Once the IV is removed, we ensure you're stable and feeling well before you leave. A ride home is required, as driving or making major decisions isn’t safe on the same day.

  • Brain Recovery: Your infusion day is a day of rest and recovery. Your mind needs time and space to integrate the experience and begin increasing neuroplasticity.

Pricing & Billing

  • Ketamine Induction Infusion: $450 per session

  • 6-8 Induction Infusions: $2700–$3600 (recommended over 4 to 6 weeks)

  • Ketamine Booster Infusion: $450 per session

  • Pain/CRPS Infusions: Variable pricing based on treatment duration and dose (discussed during consultation)

Discounts: We offer discounts to individuals in the helping professions, including veterans, first responders, healthcare and mental health workers, and criminal-legal system professionals.

Music, Meditation and Mindfulness

Once the IV is started, your infusion will last for about 40 minutes. During your session, we utilize Wavepaths music to finely tune the therapeutic environment to your emotional and psychological needs and the goals of the session. The intention is to aid the mind and offer the brain guidance in traveling through different emotions, events and  alternative transitions. You may, of course, listen to your own playlist.

About the Author
Joanna Starratt, MSN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, ARNP
Joanna is a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Anesthesia and Psychiatry. Her clinical focus includes ketamine infusion services, addiction and recovery care, neurodivergent support, and trauma-informed mental health care.
[Learn more about her approach to care →](https://modernmindwork.com/about)

Author Photo: A woman with curly gray hair, wearing a black top with a white neckline, smiles at the camera in an office with anatomical posters and medical equipment in the background.

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Client Testimonials

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I finally have found a real, long lasting reprieve from my depression. Ketamine therapy worked very fast and amazingly well

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Joanna is warm and professional. She took her time and explained the process thoroughly. 

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Chronic depression almost killed me. Ketamine allows me to feel normally, sometimes happy, sometimes sad.