Ketamine Therapy FAQ for Charlotte, NC

When delivered in a clinical setting with proper screening and monitoring, ketamine has a well established safety profile. Our physician reviews your history before treatment, and a clinician monitors your vital signs during every infusion. Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone, which is why each patient starts with a medical evaluation.

Most patients describe a calm, dreamlike state rather than a loss of control. You remain in a monitored treatment room with a clinician nearby. The feeling is temporary and fades as the infusion ends. We explain what to expect beforehand so the experience feels predictable.

Ketamine may not be appropriate for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, active psychosis, or some other medical issues. Our physician screens for these during your consultation. If ketamine is not a safe fit, we will tell you honestly and discuss other directions.

Ketamine has potential for misuse when used recreationally and without oversight. In a clinical program with controlled dosing, scheduled sessions, and physician monitoring, that risk is managed carefully. We do not offer at home ketamine, because clinical supervision is part of how we keep treatment safe.

No. Clinical ketamine therapy uses controlled, low doses in a medical setting for a therapeutic purpose, with screening, monitoring, and follow up. The goal is symptom relief, not intoxication. The setting and intent are entirely different from recreational use.

In published studies, many participants with hard to treat depression experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptoms, often faster than with oral antidepressants. Results vary, some people respond partially, and some do not respond. We never promise an outcome and review the evidence with you during your consultation.

Some patients notice changes within hours to a few days of an infusion, which is faster than the weeks typical of standard antidepressants. A series of sessions is usually needed for more durable benefit. Timelines vary from person to person.

Not everyone responds, and we will be honest if that appears to be the case. We can discuss adjusting the protocol, pairing infusions with therapy, or other treatment directions. Our consultation first approach means we reassess together rather than pushing more sessions.

No. Ketamine does not permanently eliminate a condition, and we never describe it that way. For many people it provides meaningful relief from symptoms, frequently when other treatments have not. A maintenance plan often helps extend the benefit. Individual results vary.

A referral is not required to book a consultation. Our physician will review your history and, with your permission, can coordinate with your existing prescriber or therapist. Bring a current medication list to your first visit so we have a complete picture.

An infusion visit usually takes a couple of hours from arrival through the recovery period, with the infusion itself lasting a portion of that time. Your initial consultation is shorter and focused on understanding your history and answering questions.

Yes. A trusted person is welcome to accompany you, and we encourage it for your first visit. You will also need someone to drive you home after each infusion, since you should not drive for the rest of the day.

Yes. If you live outside Charlotte or cannot come in for a first visit, we offer initial consultations by FaceTime. Treatment itself requires an in person visit, but the first conversation does not. You can request this on our Book page.

Ketamine Therapy in Charlotte is located on Park Road in Charlotte, NC, convenient to uptown, south Charlotte, and the Lake Norman area. Full address, hours, parking notes, and driving directions are on our Contact page.

Per session cost depends on the treatment type and protocol. We share current ranges on our Pricing page and review the specifics with you during your consultation. We do not put pricing pressure on day one. The goal of the first visit is to understand your needs.

Most ketamine therapy is out of network. We can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurer for possible partial reimbursement, though coverage is not assured. Esketamine (Spravato) may have different coverage. Our Pricing page explains the details.

Many patients use health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts toward ketamine therapy. Eligibility depends on your specific plan. We recommend confirming with your plan administrator. Our Pricing page covers this alongside financing options.

Yes. We offer CareCredit, a healthcare financing option that lets you pay over time. You can review CareCredit details on our Pricing page and ask any questions during your consultation.

During and shortly after an infusion, some patients experience temporary dissociation, mild nausea, dizziness, or a brief rise in blood pressure. These effects are monitored and typically resolve within the recovery period. Our clinical team watches your vital signs throughout the session.

Dissociation is a temporary sense of feeling detached from your body or surroundings, often described as dreamlike or floating. Many patients find it calm or even pleasant once they understand it. It fades as the infusion ends. We prepare you for the sensation in advance.

No. You should not drive for the rest of the day after an infusion. Please arrange a ride home in advance. This is a standard safety precaution and applies after every session.

Long term risks are linked mainly to frequent, high dose, or unsupervised use. Clinical programs use controlled dosing and scheduled sessions with monitoring to reduce risk. Our physician discusses your individual risk profile during the consultation and follows you over time.

Plan a quiet rest of the day with no driving, work decisions, or alcohol. Many patients find gentle reflection, journaling, or time with a supportive person helpful. We provide aftercare guidance and check in on how you are responding between sessions.

Integration is the work of making sense of and applying what surfaces during treatment. Pairing infusions with therapy and reflection may help benefits last longer than infusions alone. We encourage integration and can coordinate with your therapist when you wish.

After an initial series, many patients use maintenance sessions spaced weeks or months apart, tailored to how they respond. There is no single schedule that fits everyone. We build and adjust your maintenance plan together over time.

Yes. Ketamine therapy works most effectively as part of connected care. With your permission, we coordinate with your therapist, prescriber, or pain provider so everyone supporting you stays informed. Continuity of care is central to how we practice.