IV Ketamine Therapy for Depression & PTSD
The Most Clinically Validated Form of Ketamine |
$350* Per Session, Medically Supervised
How IV Ketamine Works in the Brain — And Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or dopamine, IV ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors — pathways involved in mood regulation and neural connectivity. This triggers a cascade of neuroplastic changes, encouraging the brain to grow new synaptic connections and repair pathways damaged by chronic stress and trauma.
Because IV ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream, its effects are immediate and precisely controlled. Dosing is weight-based (0.5–1.0 mg/kg over approximately 40 minutes), fully adjustable in real time, and — uniquely among all ketamine delivery methods — the infusion can be paused or stopped instantly if needed. This level of clinical control is what makes IV the gold standard of ketamine delivery.
Many patients experience meaningful relief significantly faster than with any standard antidepressant. For those with treatment-resistant depression, this isn’t just faster — it’s often the first relief they’ve felt in years.
Evidence Based
FDA-approved as an anesthetic; widely used off-label for depression with decades of research support.
$350*/Session
No insurance approval required, IV ketamine is an affordable path to precision care at Better Health.
ASKP³ Certified
Our practice meets the highest clinical standards of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians.
What to Expect: Your IV Ketamine Experience at Better Health
From your first call to your post-session recovery, here is exactly what the journey looks like at our Rittenhouse Square clinic.
Physical Exam — Covered by Insurance
Every journey begins with a physical examination at Better Health Whole Wellness Center. We review your history, needs, and goals to confirm IV ketamine therapy is the right fit. We accept commercial insurance, which covers this initial visit — most patients pay only a copay.
Your IV Ketamine Infusion
You are welcomed into a calm, comfortable environment and offered options such as headphones, aromatherapy, soft lighting, and journaling materials. After a brief discussion with your practitioner, the IV is started and the infusion begins, lasting about 40 minutes within a 90-minute appointment. A clinician remains on-site the entire time, closely monitoring you and available throughout the process.
Monitoring Growth & Tracking Your Progress
As you begin to experience changes in mood and perspective, we track your progress through regular check-ins and standardized assessments like the PHQ-9. These insights help us evaluate how you’re responding to treatment and identify when adjustments or additional support may be helpful.
Long-Term Maintenance & Sustained Wellness
Maintaining results over time requires a thoughtful, individualized plan. We will work with you to determine your maintenance infusion schedule after your initial six sessions, which may be every 2-6 weeks, in order to support lasting stability and well-being based on when symptoms begin to return.
TRANSPARENT PRICING
IV Ketamine Therapy Cost:
Clear, Affordable, No Hidden Fees
*We begin with a foundational series of six infusions scheduled over a three week period. After the initial series, we will determine your maintenance schedule with you, which is typically somewhere between every 2-6 weeks.
IV KETAMINE SESSION
$350*
per infusion
No extra fees for intake, care coordination, or treatment planning beyond your in-person visit.
Initial Physical Exam:
Covered by most commercial insurance — most patients pay only a copay. Conducted by a board-certified Rittenhouse Internal Medicine provider.
Therapy (Optional):
Continue with your existing therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist — or schedule with our in-house clinical psychologist or psychotherapist. Covered by most insurance.
Out-of-Network Reimbursement:
Many patients receive out-of-network reimbursement from their insurer for IV ketamine sessions. We provide clear guidance to help you submit claims and maximize coverage.
Considering Spravato® Instead?
Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA-approved and covered by most major insurance plans. Our team can help determine which treatment — IV ketamine or Spravato® — is right for you. Learn about Spravato® →
Is IV Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
IV ketamine may be a strong fit if you are living with Major Depressive Disorder, treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, or Bipolar Disorder (depressive phase) — and have not found adequate relief from traditional antidepressants. We also work with patients navigating suicidal thoughts, postpartum depression, perimenopausal symptoms, addiction and recovery, and older adults.
You do not need a formal referral to begin. We welcome patients who are established with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, as well as those who are not currently in treatment. If you don’t have an existing care team, we can help guide next steps and coordinate support as needed.
We treat patients from ages 14 and up. Adolescents (ages 14–18) require coordination with an adolescent psychiatrist and parental involvement.
✓ Major Depressive Disorder
✓ Treatment-Resistant Depression
✓ PTSD & Trauma
✓ Bipolar Disorder (depressive phase)
✓ Suicidal Ideation
✓ Anxiety
✓ Postpartum Depression
✓ Perimenopausal Symptoms
✓ Addiction & Recovery
✓ Medication Withdrawal