FAQs About Ketamine Therapy in Cedar Rapids, IA and St. Thomas, USVI

Ketamine Therapy is an innovative treatment option for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Administered under professional supervision, ketamine helps to rapidly reduce symptoms by promoting brain plasticity and enhancing neurotransmitter activity. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing innovative mental health treatments tailored to your needs. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Cedar Rapid, IA, and St. Thomas, USVI.

Ketamine Therapy

Explore the power of Ketamine Therapy, a transformative treatment that targets the root causes of mental health challenges and promotes deep, lasting healing.

Now covered for veterans through the Veterans Care Network.

The Best Antidepressant Medication

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is the best antidepressant medication currently available and is showing great promise as not only a treatment but a cure for PTSD, anxiety, and OCD. It was made to be a safer alternative of PCP for anesthesia, as it is cardiovascularly stable and reduces the sensation of pain. Both ketamine and PCP are found in nature, as they are both produced by a fungus-like mushroom and have antiparasitic properties similar to ayahuasca. Thus, ketamine is a very safe and legal psychedelic that can bring about transformative healing for patients suffering from depression and trauma (including acute and chronic trauma, as well as attachment, transgenerational, and narcissistic abuse-related trauma). Ketamine is used in general surgery, trauma, and pediatrics because of how safe it is.

Ketamine was first used in the Vietnam War to help reduce pain and mental anguish on the battlefield. It is currently being used all over the world with different protocols. When paired with specific ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, the durability of response is greatly enhanced.

Administration Methods

Ketamine is available in multiple forms, including IV infusions, intramuscular (IM) injections, and nasal spray.

Rapid Relief for Mental Health

Ketamine works quickly to alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety—often within hours or days—unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks.

Neuroplasticity & Healing

Ketamine boosts neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier connections, breaking cycles of negative thought patterns and fostering long-term healing.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Pairing ketamine with psychotherapy enhances its benefits, allowing deeper emotional processing and integration.

A New Path to Healing

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

At Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry, we offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — a cutting-edge treatment that blends the transformative effects of ketamine with the support of psychotherapy to promote deep healing. Ketamine is a safe, evidence-based medicine that has been shown to rapidly relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma — especially for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. When combined with therapy, ketamine can help soften mental defenses, allowing you to access emotions, memories, and insights that may feel blocked in day-to-day life. This creates a unique opportunity for deeper self-exploration, emotional release, and lasting breakthroughs. To ensure the best outcomes, all clients receiving ketamine at our clinic must be actively engaged in therapy — either with our providers or a therapist of their choice — so that the medicine is always supported by intentional, compassionate care.

An FDA-Approved, Insurance-Covered Option

Spravato® (Esketamine)

At Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry, we’re committed to making cutting-edge care as accessible as possible. In addition to intravenous and intramuscular methods of administration for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, we’re proud to offer Spravato® (Esketamine)—a prescription nasal spray approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions.

Is Spravato® Right for You?

Spravato® may be a good option if: (1) You’ve tried two or more antidepressants without sufficient relief, (2) You’re experiencing ongoing depressive symptoms despite treatment, or (3) You’re interested in a medically supervised, insurance-friendly treatment option.

How is Spravato® Different from IV and IM Ketamine?

Spravato® is a nasal spray form of esketamine that’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts. Unlike IV or IM ketamine, which are used off-label and typically self-pay, Spravato® is often covered by insurance. It must be used alongside an oral antidepressant and includes two hours of in-office monitoring after each dose. While IV and IM ketamine involve racemic ketamine (a mix of R- and S-ketamine), Spravato® uses only the S-enantiomer, believed to have stronger antidepressant effects.

What to Expect

Spravato® treatments take place in our office and require monitoring for at least two hours post-administration. Patients typically start with twice-weekly sessions for the first month, followed by a tapering schedule based on their progress and provider recommendations.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy vs. Traditional Therapies

Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Path to Change

All psychedelics have different mechanisms of action, but all lead to similar widespread brain wave synchrony that leads to reduced entrenched beliefs and less rigid thoughts and behaviors that may have been adaptive during adolescence, but lead to stuckness and depression in adulthood.

Explore the Science of Healing—

The Power of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine FAQ’s

Am I a good candidate for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be beneficial for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, or other mental health conditions that haven’t responded to traditional treatments. The best way to determine if ketamine is right for you is through a comprehensive evaluation with our team.

Do you offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for teens?

Unlike many clinics, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for teens—because mental health support shouldn’t have an age limit. Our team is specially trained to work with adolescents, providing safe, age-appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.

Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy safe?

Ketamine is found in nature, as it is produced by a fungus-like mushroom and has antiparasitic properties similar to ayahuasca. Thus, ketamine is a very safe and legal psychedelic that can bring about transformative healing for patients suffering from depression and trauma (including acute and chronic trauma, as well as attachment, transgenerational, and narcissistic abuse-related trauma). Ketamine is used in general surgery, trauma, and pediatrics because of how safe it is.

How does ketamine work?

Ketamine works by interacting with the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation, cognition, and neuroplasticity. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to show effects, ketamine can provide rapid relief by blocking NMDA receptors and increasing the availability of neurotransmitters that promote healing and connection in the brain.

How is ketamine administered?

• Nasal Spray
  • Spravato
  • Compounded (Racemic)

• Intravenous (IV)
• Intramuscular (IM)

What are the effects of ketamine?

Immediate effects: During and shortly after a Ketamine infusion, people often report a rapid improvement in mood, relief from depressive symptoms, and a feeling of relaxation or dissociation. These effects may last a few hours after the treatment.

Short-term effects: After the immediate effects fade, people may experience a lingering sense of well-being or improved mood, which can last anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Some individuals may feel more mentally clear, less anxious, or more energized during this period.

Long-term effects: For many, the sustained benefits of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy such as a reduction in depressive symptoms can last 1-2 weeks, with some individuals experiencing improvement for up to 4-6 weeks. However, the duration of effects can depend on the individual’s response to treatment.

How quickly will I feel results from ketamine treatment?

Some patients notice improvement after just one session, while others may need multiple treatments to experience full benefits.

How many ketamine treatments do I need?

A typical course of ketamine given orally or intranasally is about 6 weeks, while a course of intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) can be given over the course of 2-4 weeks. The exact number of treatments depends on your specific needs and response to therapy.

Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy covered by insurance?

Ketamine treatments (other than Spravato) are still not covered by most commercial insurance plans as treatment is considered experimental and therefore requires cash-payment for treatment. Insurance typically still covers a second opinion for psychiatric evaluation and recommendations that may include the use of ketamine. 

How do I book a ketamine evaluation?

To schedule an evaluation, contact our office or fill out our New Patient Inquiry Form [link]. Our team will guide you through the process and determine if ketamine therapy is right for you. We’re happy to answer any questions and guide you through this process. 

What is your pricing for ketamine?

Pricing varies based on treatment plans and session frequency. Please reach out to our office at (319)-800-2125 for detailed pricing information and payment options.

How long does a ketamine session last?

Nasal Spray: 2 hours

Intravenous (IV): 45 mins – 1 hour

Intramuscular (IM): 45 mins – 1 hour

Will I be awake during my treatment?

Yes, you will be awake during the treatment. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is administered in a controlled setting, and while you may experience a sense of relaxation, dissociation, or mild sedation, you will remain conscious and able to communicate. Our team will closely monitor you throughout the session to ensure your safety and comfort.

What should I bring to my appointment?

We will provide you with water, snacks, a blanket, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a device to play music on. If you wish to bring anything else to make yourself more comfortable, feel free!

Do I need to stop taking my current medications?

In most cases, you do not need to stop taking your current medications before starting ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Before beginning treatment, we will review your medication list and work with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for you. Please consult with our team before making any changes to your current medications.

Can I drive home after my sessioin?

No, you should not drive yourself home after a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session. Ketamine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which may affect your ability to drive safely. We strongly recommend arranging for a friend or family member to take you home after your session.

Are you a provider looking to refer a patient?Click below to download our ketamine referrals document to learn more about eligibility and next steps

How does ketamine therapy help with treatment-resistant depression?

Ketamine therapy offers hope for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works rapidly to provide relief from symptoms, sometimes within hours. By targeting specific areas in the brain, ketamine can reset neural connections and restore emotional balance. For many patients, it is not just a treatment but a cure, providing long-term relief and a renewed sense of hope when other options have failed.

Can I use my HSA card for ketamine therapy?

Yes, ketamine therapy is eligible for payment through your HSA card. This allows you to use your tax-free funds to cover the cost of this life-changing treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.