Ketamine Treatment Pricing

The number one challenge in providing clients with ketamine therapy is education. Using ketamine to treat mood disorders and chronic pain is relatively new and for many considered an alternative approach. Some have negative connotations associated with the drug but more often, there is a general lack of understanding of how the treatment works and why it is so effective. This is slowly starting to shift as more and more research is conducted and news is released. This is somewhat understandable given the new and unusual nature of using an anesthetic medication to treat mood disorders. However, if you are reading this then you can contact us for a free consultation to have the process explained in detail and get all your questions answered.

The second barrier, which can be much more frustrating, is money. Simply put, with a lack of insurance coverage, many people can’t afford to pay out of pocket for a series of six treatments with ongoing maintenance infusions. Most ketamine infusion clinics charge in the range of $300 to $800 per session to treat mood disorders, depending upon the market and location. Some people can’t even think about trying such an expensive treatment. Others can find a way, but it creates a significant financial burden that they are willing to live with to get the positive results from the treatment.

If you are interested in this treatment, please consider the following:

• You will likely need to try two or three infusions before you know if the treatment will work for you. If you just want to try once, you are almost certainly wasting your money and it is not recommended. Ketamine therapy is a process and not a quick fix.
• If the thought of paying hundreds per infusion is a significant source of stress, you may be more likely to have unrealistic expectations. We have found that when money is a dominant factor, it becomes negatively connected to the treatment process and is counterproductive.
• If you find the results to be unsatisfactory, you will likely feel a strong sense of disappointment or even anger at the money spent. There is no medication that is 100% effective and ketamine is no exception.
• If the treatment works, it can be an even worse predicament as you will have found a solution that may be financially out of reach.

The bottom line is that you must be comfortable with the financial investment involved.  We always proceed one step at a time, and you are free to stop treatment at any point. We do not sell packages of infusions for the specific reason that you should never feel locked in or trapped into a treatment that might not be right for you.

We have done everything within reason to minimize the cost to our clients. This is a constant challenge with supply chain issues and unexpected increases in supply costs. We strive to provide the absolute best quality of care without passing on unnecessary expenses for a treatment that is already out of reach for many who need it.

Factors that determine the price of an infusion

If you had sticker shock when you first saw the price, you aren’t alone. Understanding the reasons behind the expense of ketamine infusions can help to make informed decisions about treatment options and perhaps feel more comfortable with the necessary expenditure.

The lack of insurance coverage is obviously a dominant factor but what really determines the cost for receiving this treatment? Below we will explore the factors that determine the expense of ketamine infusions and the reasons behind the financial challenges faced by both patients and providers.

1. The Cost of Ketamine

To the surprise of many, the cost of ketamine is one of the least significant factors in the overall cost of an infusion. Ketamine is available generically and is relatively inexpensive. The actual price varies and like many other medications, there have been supply issues in recent years but for most infusions the cost of the ketamine is less than a cup of coffee. So why do most ketamine clinics charge in the range of $300 to $800 per infusion?

2. Personnel

Perhaps the most significant factor is the salary for the personnel to administer the infusions as well as all ancillary staff such as office managers, website and marketing experts, legal support, accounting and tax professionals. The gold standard for administering ketamine and the method backed by the most research is through an IV so that 100% of the medication is delivered every time. There are a limited number of healthcare professionals trained to do this, which include anesthesia providers and emergency room physicians. These providers must ensure the proper dosing to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing any adverse reactions. Strict safety measures are essential to prevent potential complications which requires continuous monitoring throughout each infusion. These professionals must necessarily give up high-paying positions to pursue working in a ketamine clinic and require compensation commensurate with their training and experience.

3. Equipment and Supplies

Medical equipment such as vital sign monitors and infusion pumps are expensive up-front costs and generally require backup systems if a critical piece of equipment malfunctions. In addition to the normal supplies necessary to provide an infusion, the clinic must maintain everything necessary to treat an emergency such as a fully stocked crash cart, oxygen tanks, defibrillators and medications that expire and need replacing on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the supply chain issues seen in other sectors of the economy have been painfully apparent in healthcare as the cost for some essential supplies has risen dramatically.

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ketamine is a controlled substance, and its therapeutic use is subject to strict legal and regulatory requirements. Meeting these compliance standards involves administrative costs, licensing fees, DEA compliance and other regulatory-related expenses.

5. Overhead Costs

Operating a medical clinic comes with significant overhead costs, including rent for medical office space, utilities, malpractice and business insurance, maintenance expenses, answering services and record keeping. These fixed costs contribute to the overall pricing of ketamine infusions, as they need to be covered to ensure the clinic's sustainable operation.

Please take a look at the other menu options discussing insurance coverage and how ketamine infusions compare to other common treatments like TMS, ECT and talk therapy.