Frequently Asked Questions

Ketamine is a safe medication that was first created in the 1960s and approved by the FDA in 1970. It’s been safely used for decades as an anesthetic in hospitals, emergency rooms, and even on the battlefield. In recent years, it has been used at much lower doses to help people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and certain types of chronic pain when other treatments haven’t worked. Since then, studies worldwide have confirmed its benefits.

One of the most significant benefits of ketamine therapy is how quickly it can relieve symptoms. While traditional antidepressants can take weeks or even months to help, ketamine often works within hours or days.

Ketamine helps your brain heal by reducing inflammation and supporting the growth of healthy brain cells. When given in a safe, controlled setting, ketamine can be a powerful tool in your journey toward feeling better.

‍Ketamine is an alternative medicine for depression and anxiety. It doesn’t carry the same side effect profile as more traditional antidepressants - serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs - which often includes sexual side effects, weight gain, and emotional numbness. For people who’ve had difficulties with SSRIs, ketamine may be a better option. It works faster than traditional antidepressants, and the neuroplasticity effects are strong, meaning the results are deeper than surface-level symptom relief. It is well known to produce new connections in the brain. That is, ketamine can help to get at the root cause of the psychological pain rather than just at the symptoms that arise as a result. 

At Looking Glass Ketamine Clinic, we use low-dose intravenous (IV) ketamine to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders—especially when other treatments haven’t worked. This approach is supported by growing research and has helped many people find fast, meaningful relief.

Low-dose IV ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Rather than adjusting brain chemicals gradually over time, ketamine helps to "reset" specific pathways in the brain, often resulting in noticeable improvements in mood and clarity within hours to days after treatment.

Many people begin to feel better within a few treatments, unlike medications that can take weeks or even months to take effect. It provides mental relief. Ketamine helps create a sense of calm and emotional distance, so you can process complex thoughts and feelings more comfortably without feeling overwhelmed. You stay aware. The doses we use are carefully measured to allow you to remain alert and present during the experience. Most patients describe feeling relaxed, reflective, or emotionally lighter, not “out of it.” It builds over time. A series of treatments helps strengthen the effects, and regular maintenance infusions can help you stay well in the long term.

At our clinic, we’ve created a soothing, supportive, and safe environment designed to nurture your healing journey.

Each treatment takes place in a private room, where you’ll be cared for by an experienced Nurse Practitioner who is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and peace of mind. From the moment you arrive, our team is here for you—ready to answer questions, discuss your needs, and make adjustments so your experience is personalized to you.

We believe healing happens best in a calm, distraction-free setting. That’s why our clinic is designed to minimize outside stimulation, allowing you to focus fully on your treatment.

Even the smallest comforts matter. Soft blankets, a cozy recliner, gentle lighting, water or tea, music, eye masks and attentive medical support all come together to help you relax, feel safe, and get the most from each ketamine session.

A ketamine infusion typically lasts 40 minutes and often creates a pleasant, dream-like state. Many people describe the experience as calming, floating, or deeply peaceful.

Every ketamine journey is unique. During treatment, you may notice shifts in perception and emotions that can feel expansive and healing. Some individuals report enhanced feelings of:

• Creativity, clarity, and renewed sense of purpose

• Serenity, inspiration, and inner insight

• Gratitude, empathy, and connection with others and the world

• Openness to new perspectives and a sense of psychological renewal

It is also common to experience gentle visual, auditory, or other sensory effects that accompany the infusion. These experiences often support the therapeutic process and contribute to lasting benefits beyond the session.

IV ketamine therapy can be a powerful treatment option for those struggling with certain conditions. Research has shown that ketamine may provide rapid relief for:

• Treatment-resistant depression – when standard antidepressants have not been effective

• Anxiety disorders – including generalized anxiety and social anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – helping reduce intrusive thoughts and emotional distress

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – when symptoms persist despite traditional therapies

• Suicidal ideation – ketamine has been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts quickly, offering hope in urgent situations

• Chronic pain syndromes – such as fibromyalgia, migraines, or neuropathic pain

However, ketamine therapy is not the right fit for everyone. For your safety, we carefully review your medical history before starting treatment. IV ketamine may not be the best next step if:

• You are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive

• You have not yet tried first-line treatments for your symptoms

• You are experiencing an active psychotic or manic episode

• You have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure

• Uncontrolled seizures

These considerations—and others—will be fully reviewed during your free medical consultation. Our goal is to ensure ketamine is both safe and appropriate for your unique needs before beginning treatment.