SeattleNTC, the most experienced and evidence-based practice in Washington for depression treatment, is now offering IV Ketamine treatments.
IV Ketamine is an infusion therapy in which ketamine in delivered intravenously into a patient’s bloodstream. Ketamine is a safe treatment for depression that has been shown to effectively treat depression symptoms.

What can I expect with IV Ketamine?
IV ketamine for depression is delivered as a treatment course, made up of a series of infusions. The drug is delivered intravenously into the bloodstream and the effects are experienced right away. Research has shown that a treatment course of IV ketamine can be up to 70% effective in alleviating depression symptoms, including the reduction of suicidal ideation. The treatment also works rapidly, with most patients experiencing the benefits after the first few treatments.
What is a treatment course like?
A typical IV ketamine treatment course will be twice per week for six treatments, followed by maintenance treatments if you have a good response. You will be in the clinic for around 60 minutes per treatment. You will also follow up with your provider regularly during your course to monitor your response and progress. Besides your provider, you will have a team of dedicated medical professionals helping coordinate your care, delivering your treatments, and checking in on you during the process.
What does the research say?
There are a large number of well-executed studies supporting the efficacy of IV ketamine treatment for depression. In the paper entitled “Rapid and Longer-Term Antidepressant Effects of Repeated Ketamine Infusions in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression”, Murrough et al. find that response in patients from an IV Ketamine course was 70.8%. Your doctor is here to help if you would like more information.
Other papers we recommend for further reading are:
“The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation: as systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis” by Samuel T. Wilkinson, MD et al.
“A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ketamine in the rapid treatment of major depressive episodes” by A. McGirr et al.
“A retrospective analysis of ketamine intravenous therapy for depression in real-word care settings” by L. Alison McInnes et al.
Are there any side effects?
There are some side effects with IV ketamine but they are typically experienced during treatment. Most patients have no side effects during the time between treatments. Side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feeling, space and time)
- Sedation
- Feeling sluggish or tired, lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling drunk or euphoric
Does insurance cover IV Ketamine?
Unfortunately, insurance does not currently cover IV ketamine treatment. Please reach out to our office for more information.
TMS TREATMENT
TMS TREATMENT
Gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, OCD, and others.
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
Now providing Esketamine, IV Ketamine, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
ECT TREATMENT
ADDITIONAL THERAPIES
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
In additional to TMS, ECT, and esketamine, we offer general psychiatric services.
TMS TREATMENT
TMS TREATMENT
Gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, OCD, and others.
ECT TREATMENT
ADDITIONAL THERAPIES
ESKETAMINE TREATMENT
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
In additional to TMS, ECT, and esketamine, we offer general psychiatric services.