Ketamine can be an effective treatment option for many people with treatment-resistant depression, including patients who have not experienced adequate relief from traditional antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.Research has shown that ketamine may produce significant improvement in depressive symptoms for a substantial proportion of patients, often more rapidly than conventional antidepressants. Most patients who respond begin to notice improvement during the initial series of infusions, although the degree and duration of benefit vary from person to person.Unfortunately, there is no way to predict with certainty who will respond to ketamine treatment. Before beginning treatment, each patient is carefully evaluated to determine whether ketamine is an appropriate option and to discuss expected benefits, potential side effects, risks, and alternatives.At Massachusetts Ketamine, our goal is to provide safe, evidence-based treatment while setting realistic expectations and closely monitoring each patient’s response throughout the course of treatment.

No. A referral is not required, and we welcome self-referrals.Before beginning ketamine treatment, you will meet with Dr. Mastis for a comprehensive consultation to review your symptoms, treatment history, medical history, and goals for treatment. This evaluation helps determine whether ketamine is an appropriate treatment option for you and gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect.If you are already an established patient of Dr. Mastis, your evaluation can be incorporated into your pre-infusion consultation.

All ketamine infusions are performed on an outpatient basis at our West Boylston office at Neural Health Therapies. Treatment takes place in private, comfortable treatment rooms designed to provide a calm and relaxing environment throughout your infusion.

Most patients begin with an initial series of six ketamine infusions, typically completed over three weeks. This allows us to evaluate your response to treatment over the course of the series rather than relying on the effects of a single infusion.Treatment is individualized, and response can vary from person to person. After the initial series, we will review your progress together and discuss whether additional or maintenance infusions may be appropriate. Maintenance treatment, when needed, is tailored to each patient rather than following a fixed schedule.

Not necessarily. Some patients experience sustained improvement after completing their initial series of six infusions, while others benefit from occasional maintenance infusions to help maintain their response.The need for maintenance treatment varies considerably from person to person. Some patients may return periodically for a maintenance infusion, while others may go long periods without needing additional treatment.There is no predetermined maintenance schedule. Dr. Mastis will work with you to monitor your response and determine whether and when additional infusions may be helpful.

Response to ketamine varies from person to person. Some patients notice improvement within hours or days of their first infusion, while others do not experience meaningful improvement until they have received several infusions.Improvements may occur gradually and can include decreased feelings of hopelessness, improved mood and motivation, or a reduction in suicidal thoughts. Because response can evolve over the course of treatment, we generally evaluate the overall benefit after completing the initial series of six infusions.Not everyone responds to ketamine, and the timing and degree of improvement cannot be predicted in advance.

Ketamine has been used medically for decades, but the long-term effects of repeated ketamine treatment for psychiatric conditions are still being studied. Available research suggests that ketamine is generally well tolerated when administered at therapeutic doses in a medically supervised setting.Most side effects associated with IV ketamine are temporary and resolve shortly after an infusion. With frequent or prolonged exposure—particularly at much higher doses or with recreational use—ketamine has been associated with bladder and urinary problems, cognitive effects, and the potential for misuse or dependence.At Massachusetts Ketamine, treatment is carefully monitored and the frequency of maintenance infusions is individualized to balance potential benefit with safety.

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including intravenously, intramuscularly, intranasally, and orally. Each route differs in its absorption, dosing, and available research.IV ketamine has 100% bioavailability and allows the dose to be precisely controlled and adjusted during treatment. It is also one of the most extensively studied approaches for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric conditions.Other routes of administration may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but absorption and dosing can be less predictable. At Massachusetts Ketamine, we use IV ketamine because it allows for precise dosing, close medical monitoring, and an individualized treatment experience.

Ketamine is safe for many patients, but certain medical conditions may make treatment inappropriate or require additional evaluation before beginning. These can include uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain significant cardiovascular conditions, increased intracranial pressure, and some serious medical illnesses. Pregnancy is also generally a reason to defer ketamine treatment.Your medical history, current medications, and overall health will be reviewed carefully during your consultation. If there are any concerns, Dr. Mastis may request additional information or medical clearance before proceeding with treatment.Eligibility is determined individually, with patient safety as the priority.

Ketamine does have the potential for misuse and dependence, particularly when used frequently, in high doses, or outside of a medically supervised setting. At Massachusetts Ketamine, infusions are administered in a controlled clinical setting, and treatment frequency is carefully monitored. Ketamine is not prescribed for unsupervised use at home.Patients with a significant history of substance use or other risk factors are evaluated individually to determine whether ketamine treatment is appropriate.

A typical ketamine infusion is administered slowly over approximately 40 minutes. Your dose is individualized based on your weight, response to treatment, and other clinical factors. You will remain awake and able to communicate throughout the infusion.During treatment, you may experience a sense of relaxation, altered perception, or a dream-like or dissociative feeling. Some people find the experience pleasant, while others simply describe it as unusual. These effects generally diminish soon after the infusion is completed. Throughout your treatment, you will be medically monitored in a private, comfortable treatment room. After the infusion, you will remain in the office until you are ready to leave. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.

Usually, no. Most patients can continue their regular medications while receiving ketamine treatment. You should not stop or change any prescribed medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your prescribing clinician.Some medications may interact with ketamine or influence your response to treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Mastis will carefully review your current medications and let you know if any adjustments or special instructions are recommended before an infusion.Please provide a complete and up-to-date list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking.

IV ketamine for depression and other psychiatric conditions is an off-label treatment and is generally not covered by insurance, so the cost of the ketamine infusion is typically paid out of pocket. Our office will explain treatment costs and any applicable insurance billing before you begin treatment so you know what to expect.