Have a question about how we monitor our Ketamine Infusion therapy or maybe you have a general question about mental health?
The answers to the most popular questions and more can be found below. If there is a question that isn’t answered below, please reach out directly.
Ketamine is an FDA approved medication used in the inpatient hospital setting for surgical procedures and pain control. For outpatient psychiatric use, Ketamine is used in lower dosages to achieve a safe treatment for the patients experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD amongst other mental health conditions. Ketamine primarily works on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain where it has shown to cause neurogenesis (Neurogenesis- The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain) and repair of the links between neurons there by improving the mental health of patients.
No two clients are the same. We individualize every clients treatment plan according to the needs of the client as well as their medical history. To ensure a safe yet effective treatment, a plan typically consisting of a series of intravenous (IV) infusions over approximately one hour per session with a total of 6-8 sessions. Boosters and esketamine (Spravato) are additional options to the series with plans to add more modalities as they become available.
At this time, IV Ketamine is not covered under medical insurance. Every medical insurance carrier is different as every individual plan is different. We strive to work with every client and their medical insurance to get what we can covered, but Ketamine is used off label for psychiatric purposes.
Yes, although Ketamine was originally approved for anesthesia in 1970, in much lower doses it has proved to have psychiatric benefits. The cost to have a medication FDA approved is astronomical and to get the same medication approved for multiple uses is not financially feasible. It is estimated that up to 20% of medications on the market, are not used for the FDA approved treatment.
The medical owners and providers associated with Avalyn Wellness and Ketamine created these specific infusion series in house and customized them for each patient. The owners have extensive training and experience with anesthetics such as Ketamine, as well as other medications used in these treatment courses. We have compiled research, practice, and experience to bring you a safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies.
Financing is Available!
Please see the link for financing options, 0% interest financing is available in some cases!
Every series is built specifically for individual clients needs. We offer intravenous (IV) series that are 6-8 sessions over 3-4 weeks as the primary series. After the primary series is done, we will frequently assess the need for additional doses based on how long the effects of the series benefits you. Additional doses are a single session.
Esketamine is available and is dependent on client's insurance coverage as typically it is a covered treatment for treatment resistance depression (TRD). Treatment sessions are in addition to the IV series and not a replacement.
Initially an IV catheter will be placed in your arm or hand and monitors applied to closely asses your vital signs continuously. The monitors are non-invasive and are unlikely to be noticed during the infusion. Patients can have a feeling of being light or floating, in a relaxed state of mind, and are fully conscious during the infusion for psychotherapy sessions if desired. Some clients experience a dissociative state, but medications are given to help relaxation and let the Ketamine do its job. Common discomforts could include nausea, lightheadedness, blurred vision but, typically disappear after the infusion is complete. Depending on the client profile, other vitamins and medications could be given to enhance your experience during and post infusion.
Any mental health provider licensed in the state of Texas for Psychiatric services can refer you to us. Once referred, we will begin onboarding with our team to get all your health information and make sure Ketamine therapy is a safe option for you. Once approved, we will get baseline laboratory values and schedule you for your sessions. Depending on availability, you could start therapy within a week of first contacting us.
We encourage you to plan your therapy sessions with your mental health provider to either come in person or meet with you virtually during your ketamine session. We have the ability to provide a HIPAA compliant zoom function or by any other platform that you are comfortable using, if they cannot make an in-person session. It is incredibly important to have your mental health provider involved with your therapy. We try to remain as flexible and accommodating to both the client and the mental health provider to achieve the best results possible. If your mental health provider cannot make an in person or telehealth session in conjunction with your ketamine infusion, the treatment window to maximize the effects of the ketamine is 24 hours after start of infusion. It is highly recommended to do therapy at the same time, but we understand schedule conflicts exist.
No, there is no additional fee. We have gone the length to put together an all-inclusive series based on evidence-based practice to increase your percentage of success. We only request to be notified if your referring provider will be joining you and if it will be in person or telehealth conference.
The health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) is a federal law to protect all private health information of our clients. Your interactions and treatments with us are federally protected will be kept confidential.
Do not eat solid food, chew tobacco, use tobacco pouches, consume coffee creamer, etc. 8 hours prior, or clear liquids 2 hours prior to infusion. These guidelines are to maintain your safety and comfort during the infusion. Please bring a government ID and the information for your ride home.
The medications you receive can alter your judgement, memory, and ability to make safe decisions. We require a ride home to be established prior to your infusion or we will not be able to give you your treatment. We also recommend to not make legal decisions, large purchases, or engage in any life changing activities for 24 hours after the infusion. Taxis/Ubers are not acceptable rides to and from appointments.
Serving the following Communities in Texas
Dallas - Fort Worth | Flower Mound | Southlake | Colleyville | Grapevine | Euless
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