Ketamine Therapy: A Game-Changer for Mental Health & Chronic Pain
Did you know that up to 30% of individuals with depression don’t respond to traditional treatments? For those suffering from anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, the path to healing can mean years cycling through medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes—often with little or no relief. That’s where ketamine therapy comes in.
Once known primarily as an anesthetic, ketamine is now recognized for its powerful ability to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety (ketamine for anxiety), and chronic pain—often within hours.
At Injx Bar, we specialize in wellness and aesthetic medicine, and we’re so excited to bring this life-changing option to our community as part of our personalized, client-centered care. If you’re curious about how ketamine infusion therapy works or wondering if it’s right for you, read on.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is the use of low-dose, medically administered ketamine to treat various mental health conditions and pain disorders. Originally approved by the FDA for surgical anesthesia, ketamine is now used off-label under medical supervision for a range of concerns.
Conditions Treated with Ketamine Therapy
Common reasons for ketamine therapy include:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bipolar depression
Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Neuropathic pain
By targeting different pathways in the brain than standard antidepressants, ketamine infusions have emerged as a cutting-edge treatment for both mood disorders and chronic pain syndromes.
The Science Behind Ketamine Therapy
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin over several weeks, ketamine infusion therapy works more rapidly by affecting glutamate, a powerful neurotransmitter responsible for brain plasticity, learning, and memory.
How Does It Work?
NMDA Receptor Blockade: Ketamine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, reducing (and calming) overactive brain signaling associated with depression and anxiety.
Neuroplasticity Promotion: It stimulates the formation of new neural connections, helping the brain “rewire” itself to process emotions and pain differently.
Mood and Pain Modulation: Ketamine boosts levels of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate—key players in emotional regulation and pain perception.
These effects combine to offer fast and often dramatic symptom relief. This makes it especially valuable for patients who haven’t found success with other treatments as research shows over 70% success rates in patients with TRD and PTSD.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
We’ve seen ketamine infusion therapy make a powerful impact in people’s lives. You might benefit from it if you’re living with:
Treatment-resistant depression: Especially when two or more antidepressants have failed.
Chronic anxiety: Including generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks.
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.
Chronic pain syndromes: Such as CRPS, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Who Should Avoid Ketamine Therapy?
While ketamine infusions are incredibly safe when administered properly, it’s not for everyone. We do not recommend ketamine therapy for individuals who are:
Individuals with schizophrenia or active psychotic disorders
Pregnant individuals
Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
A thorough consultation will help determine if you're a safe candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment
Understanding the treatment process can help reduce anxiety and ensure a more positive experience. And here at Injx Bar, we’re all about transparency and personalized care, so here’s a look at the process.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Our experienced providers perform a full health evaluation, including medical history, psychological screening, and a discussion of your goals and expectations to ensure you’re a candidate.
Step 2: Infusion Series
For mood disorders: A standard protocol involves 45 to 60-minute IV infusions with a 6-session loading phase over two to three weeks, followed by monthly maintenance.
For chronic pain conditions: Infusions last 3–4 hours, with a loading phase of 3–5 sessions, and ongoing monthly sessions as needed.
Why are the loading series important?
The initial sessions help build up ketamine metabolites in your system, enhancing the brain’s rewiring process and prolonging results.
During the Infusion
Each of our ketamine infusions is carefully tailored to your needs, ensuring a therapeutic experience that supports your mental and physical well-being. You’ll relax in a calm, clinical setting while we monitor your vital signs and comfort. Patients often describe a floating sensation or mild detachment (known as dissociation) which usually feels calming or dream-like—this is normal and often deeply relaxing.
Post-Treatment Recovery
Most patients feel clear-headed within 30 to 60 minutes. Side effects such as nausea or dizziness are rare and managed promptly by our medical team so you stay comfortable.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Ketamine Experience
Set Your Intentions: Avoid heavy news, scary movies, or stress the night before.
Bring a Support Person: You’ll need someone to drive you home.
Bathroom Break: Ketamine can relax your bladder, so use the restroom before your infusion—trust us on this one.
Dress Comfortably: Loose, cozy clothing can help you relax.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water the day before and day of your session.
Addressing Common Concerns About Ketamine Therapy
Is it safe? Yes. Ketamine therapy is safe when administered in a controlled medical setting. At Injx Bar, our team has advanced training in both wellness medicine and aesthetic procedures and monitors patients throughout every infusion.
Will I hallucinate? No. You may experience mild dissociation, which is a temporary altered state of awareness. It’s often described as peaceful or meditative—not hallucinogenic.
Will I get addicted? Ketamine does not carry a high risk of addiction when used therapeutically and under supervision. In fact, its risk profile is lower than common substances like alcohol or caffeine.
How long do results last? Improvements may last from a few days to several weeks. Ongoing maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain long-term results. Patients using ketamine for chronic pain often find that relief lasts longer between maintenance infusions compared to those treating mood disorders.
Is it a cure? Ketamine is not a cure—but it is a powerful tool for symptom relief. By resetting brain chemistry, it helps many people regain function, reduce medication reliance, and re-engage in daily life.
Ketamine Therapy Cost & Insurance Considerations
One of the most common questions we receive is about ketamine therapy cost. While insurance does not typically cover ketamine infusions, Injx Bar offers affordable pricing and custom payment plans to make treatment accessible.
We believe that cost shouldn’t stand in the way of life-changing care. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through transparent pricing and treatment options tailored to your needs.
What Sets Injx Bar Apart
At Injx Bar, you’re more than just a client—you’re a partner in your own care. Here’s what makes our program stand out and why our clients trust us.
Advanced Expertise: Our providers bring experience in emergency medicine, pain management, and mental health. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.
Collaborative Approach: We work alongside your current providers, including therapists and primary care doctors, to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.
Patient Support with OSMIND: A powerful tracking tool where you can log your mood, journal your experience, and stay in close contact with our team.
How to Get Started
Injx Bar is launching ketamine therapy on March 31st, and we’re currently booking consultations for those interested in learning more.
You Deserve Relief That Works
If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck—you’re not alone. Whether you’re battling depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, ketamine therapy may offer the relief you've been searching for.
At Injx Bar, we’re committed to personalized, compassionate care that supports your total wellness. If you're ready to explore ketamine therapy, we invite you to reach out. Schedule your consultation today and discover what’s possible when healing finally feels within reach.
