Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Minnesota: What the Process Actually Looks Like

The biggest barrier to trying ketamine therapy isn’t the treatment itself—it’s not knowing what actually happens during an infusion. Studies show ketamine produces antidepressant effects within hours for 60-70% of people with treatment-resistant depression, with benefits lasting an average of one week following a single infusion (McIntyre et al., 2020). Here’s what the process really involves from consultation to recovery.

Understanding What Ketamine Treatment Actually Is

Ketamine infusion therapy for depression involves receiving carefully controlled doses of ketamine through an IV over 40 to 60 minutes while under medical supervision. This differs significantly from ketamine’s use as an anesthetic, where much higher doses are given. For depression treatment, you receive a subanesthetic dose—enough to produce therapeutic effects without causing unconsciousness.

The treatment works through a mechanism completely different from traditional antidepressants. While most antidepressants target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, ketamine acts on glutamate, the brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter. By blocking NMDA receptors, ketamine triggers a cascade of changes that promote synaptogenesis—the formation of new connections between brain cells. This neuroplasticity may explain ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects (Wilkinson et al., 2022).

Ketamine therapy isn’t a first-line treatment for depression. The National Institute of Mental Health notes it’s considered after standard treatments haven’t worked adequately. Treatment-resistant depression, defined as inadequate response to at least two antidepressants, affects nearly 3 million Americans. For this population, ketamine offers a different approach when conventional options have failed (NIMH, 2023).

The FDA approved esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression in 2019, building on decades of research into IV ketamine’s antidepressant properties. While IV ketamine itself isn’t FDA-approved specifically for depression, its use is well-established and supported by extensive research. Results vary by individual, and not everyone responds to treatment.

The Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Your first step involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for your situation. This isn’t a quick conversation—it’s a thorough assessment of your depression history, previous treatments, current medications, and overall health.

You’ll discuss your depression timeline in detail. How long have you been experiencing symptoms? Which antidepressants have you tried, at what doses, and for how long? Have you engaged in therapy? This information helps your provider confirm you meet criteria for treatment-resistant depression and rule out other factors that might explain why previous treatments haven’t worked.

Medical screening is essential before ketamine treatment. Certain conditions increase risks with ketamine, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable heart disease, history of psychosis, and active substance use disorders. Your provider will review your complete medical history and may order tests to ensure ketamine is safe for you.

The evaluation also addresses practical concerns. At Aurora Mental Health & Wellness, we discuss insurance coverage honestly—ketamine therapy often requires case-by-case verification with insurance carriers. We also explore financing options including CareCredit and AdvanceCare Card for those paying out of pocket. Cost varies by treatment plan, but transparency about expenses upfront helps you make informed decisions.

Emily Luitjens, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, brings specialized expertise in ketamine therapy from her work at VA medical centers treating veterans with severe, treatment-resistant conditions. She emphasizes that proper patient selection significantly impacts outcomes, which is why thorough initial evaluation matters so much. Meet her and the rest of our team on the About Us page.

What Happens During an Infusion

On your treatment day, plan for about two hours at the clinic total, though the actual infusion lasts 40 to 60 minutes. This extra time accounts for preparation, the infusion itself, and required monitoring afterward.

You’ll avoid eating for at least six hours before treatment and stop drinking clear liquids about two hours before. This reduces nausea risk, though anti-nausea medication is available if needed. Take your regular medications as directed unless your provider specifies otherwise. Most importantly, arrange transportation—you cannot drive for the rest of the day after ketamine treatment.

Once you arrive, a healthcare provider places a small IV catheter in your hand or arm. This allows controlled delivery of the ketamine solution. You’ll sit in a comfortable reclining chair, often with the option for a blanket, low lighting, or calming music. Creating a relaxed environment helps optimize your experience and treatment response.

During the 40 to 60 minute infusion, your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored continuously. A psychiatric professional remains with you throughout to ensure your safety and address any concerns. Ketamine can temporarily increase blood pressure, so monitoring allows for immediate intervention if needed.

Many patients describe the experience as unusual but not frightening. You might feel a sense of detachment or dissociation—as if you’re observing things from a slight distance. Some people experience mild visual or perceptual changes. These effects are temporary and resolve within minutes to hours after the infusion ends. You remain conscious and can communicate throughout, though you may feel drowsy or quiet.

The Immediate Aftermath

Once the infusion completes, you’ll spend at least 30 to 60 minutes in the clinic as the acute effects wear off. During this recovery period, dissociative effects, any blood pressure changes, and general comfort are monitored. Most people feel ready to leave within an hour, though recovery time varies individually.

Some people notice mood improvement immediately after treatment, while others require multiple infusions before experiencing benefits. Even if you don’t feel different right away, neurobiological changes are occurring that may take time to translate into noticeable symptom relief. Research shows that repeated infusions have cumulative effects, with depressive symptoms decreasing after each treatment (Wilkinson et al., 2022).

Common immediate side effects include mild nausea, dizziness, or temporary increase in blood pressure during infusion. Most side effects resolve quickly once treatment ends. Some people feel tired or mentally foggy for the rest of the day, which is why you can’t drive and should avoid important decisions or business matters.

Plan to go home and rest after treatment. Many people feel peaceful or introspective following ketamine therapy. This can be an ideal time for gentle activities like journaling, light reading, or simply resting quietly. Avoid alcohol, cannabis, or other substances for at least 24 hours after treatment, as they can interfere with ketamine’s therapeutic effects.

The Treatment Series and Timeline

Single ketamine infusions provide temporary relief, which is why treatment typically involves a series of six infusions over two to three weeks. This induction phase aims to establish symptom improvement that can be maintained with less frequent treatments.

A standard protocol involves treatments twice weekly during the induction phase. So you’d receive infusions on Monday and Thursday, for example, across three weeks for a total of six treatments. This schedule allows enough time between sessions for your brain to integrate the neuroplastic changes while maintaining therapeutic momentum.

Effects following a single infusion last an average of one week, though this varies considerably between individuals. The antidepressant effects of repeated infusions last longer—typically 18 to 19 days after completing a six-infusion series (McIntyre et al., 2020). Some people maintain benefits much longer, while others require more frequent maintenance treatments.

After the initial series, maintenance infusions help sustain improvements. The frequency of maintenance treatments is highly individualized, ranging from every few weeks to every few months depending on your response. Some people eventually discontinue ketamine if they achieve stable remission, while others benefit from ongoing occasional treatments.

Cost accumulates across the treatment series, which is an important consideration. Six infusions represent a significant investment, especially if insurance doesn’t cover treatment. However, many people find the cost worthwhile given the rapid relief ketamine can provide when nothing else has worked. Discussing expected costs for both initial series and potential maintenance treatments helps you plan appropriately.

Realistic Expectations and Alternatives

Ketamine therapy offers hope for treatment-resistant depression, but it’s not a miracle cure working for everyone. Understanding realistic outcomes helps you make informed decisions about whether to proceed with treatment.

Response rates for ketamine in treatment-resistant depression range from 60 to 70% in clinical trials. This means roughly one-third of people don’t experience significant improvement. Factors predicting response aren’t fully understood, though severity of symptoms, specific depression subtypes, and presence of other conditions all appear to play roles. Results vary by individual, and there’s currently no definitive way to know ahead of time if you’ll respond.

Even among responders, ketamine’s effects are typically not permanent without ongoing treatment. The neurobiological changes it produces require maintenance to sustain. This differs from some people’s expectation that a treatment series will permanently cure their depression. Think of ketamine more like a tool for managing treatment-resistant depression rather than a one-time fix.

Ketamine works best as part of comprehensive treatment. Continuing with therapy, maintaining stable medication regimens if applicable, and addressing lifestyle factors all enhance and extend ketamine’s benefits. The window of neuroplasticity ketamine creates can be leveraged most effectively when combined with psychological work to establish healthier thought patterns and coping strategies.

Alternative treatments exist for treatment-resistant depression. SPRAVATO® (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and may be covered by more insurance plans than IV ketamine. TMS therapy offers another non-medication option for those who’ve had poor experiences with medication side effects.

FAQ Section

Q: How much does ketamine infusion therapy cost in Minnesota?
A: Costs vary by clinic and treatment plan. A single infusion typically ranges from several hundred dollars, meaning a six-treatment series represents a significant investment. Some insurance plans cover ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, but many don’t. Call to discuss specific costs and insurance verification for your situation.

Q: Will I be unconscious during the infusion?
A: No. Ketamine doses for depression treatment are subanesthetic—much lower than doses used for anesthesia. You remain conscious and can communicate throughout treatment. You may feel dissociated or drowsy, but you don’t lose consciousness or fall asleep unless you naturally doze off while relaxed.

Q: How quickly will I feel better after ketamine treatment?
A: Response timing varies considerably. Some people notice mood improvement within hours of their first infusion. Others require multiple treatments before experiencing benefits. The antidepressant effects typically become more apparent after completing the full six-treatment series rather than after a single infusion.

Q: Can I stop my other antidepressants if ketamine works?
A: Don’t discontinue any medications without consulting your prescribing provider. Ketamine typically works alongside other treatments rather than replacing them. Some people eventually taper off certain medications if they achieve stable remission, but these decisions require careful medical supervision.

Q: What if ketamine doesn’t work for me?
A: If you’re among the 30-40% who don’t respond adequately to ketamine, other options exist. SPRAVATO® nasal spray, TMS therapy, and other advanced treatments may work when ketamine doesn’t. Not responding to ketamine doesn’t mean you’re out of options for managing treatment-resistant depression.

Taking the Next Step

Understanding what ketamine infusion therapy actually involves removes much of the mystery and anxiety around trying this treatment. The process itself is straightforward: comfortable chair, IV infusion, 40-60 minutes of monitored treatment, short recovery period, then home to rest.

The bigger questions—cost, insurance, whether you’re a good candidate, likelihood of response—require individual consultation with a provider experienced in ketamine therapy. Coming prepared with your treatment history, current medications, and practical questions helps make that consultation productive.

If you’re ready to explore ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant depression, Aurora Mental Health & Wellness offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment in Waite Park. Our team understands the financial concerns around ketamine therapy and works with patients to explore insurance coverage and financing options. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn about ketamine treatment costs and insurance coverage specific to your situation.