IV ketamine therapy for depression
Ketamine has been studied as a fast-acting option for adults with depression that hasn’t responded to other treatment. Reign-Bow is now booking consultations for IV ketamine infusions, with infusions starting soon. Call to join the waitlist: we’ll check your insurance for the consultation and brain map, and you’ll be first in line when infusions begin.
On the call we check your insurance benefits, answer your questions and book your consultation and brain map.
Prefer to write? Request a consultation or verify your insurance.
Is ketamine used for depression?
IV ketamine is used off-label to treat depression in adults that hasn’t responded to other treatment. It’s given as a series of infusions in a clinic, with medical monitoring. At Reign-Bow, a nurse practitioner supervises every infusion, and the consultation and qEEG brain map are billed to insurance while the infusions are self-pay, with FSA, HSA and Afterpay accepted. Spravato (esketamine) is the FDA-approved, often-covered form. Reign-Bow Brain Treatment Center in Lombard, Illinois is preparing to offer IV ketamine infusions alongside TMS and Spravato.
What ketamine therapy is
Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely in anesthesia for decades. At lower doses, research has found it can reduce depression symptoms in some adults, sometimes within days rather than weeks. Using ketamine for depression is an off-label use, which is legal and common, and your clinician explains what that means for you.
What to expect
- A consultation and qEEG brain map first to review your history, medications and health, make sure ketamine is safe for you, and see how your brain is working before treatment. Both are billed to your insurance.
- IV infusions in the clinic. A small IV line delivers a low dose of ketamine slowly while you rest in a quiet room, usually for about 40 minutes.
- Supervised by a nurse practitioner, with monitoring of your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing during the infusion, and a recovery period afterward before you leave.
- A series of infusions. A first course is usually several infusions over a few weeks. Your clinician sets the plan and reviews how you respond.
- A ride home after every session. You can’t drive until the next day.
- Clear pricing. Insurance usually doesn’t cover the ketamine infusions themselves, so they’re self-pay. Your consultation and brain map are billed to insurance, and you get the full self-pay cost in writing before you start.
- Flexible payment. Pay for infusions with your FSA or HSA card, or spread the cost out with Afterpay.
Ketamine, Spravato or TMS?
TMS is FDA-cleared, often covered by insurance and involves no medication. Spravato is the FDA-approved, often-covered form of esketamine. IV ketamine is an off-label option that’s usually self-pay. We’ll help you compare them at your consultation, starting with what your insurance covers.
Who it isn’t for
Ketamine isn’t right for everyone, including people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, a history of psychosis, or active substance use problems. Your clinician decides whether it’s safe for you.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Reign-Bow is an outpatient clinic, not an emergency service.
Common questions
Does Reign-Bow offer ketamine now?
We’re booking consultations now, and infusions start soon. Call to join the waitlist. Your consultation and qEEG brain map are billed to insurance, and you’ll be first in line when infusions begin. TMS for depression is available now.
Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression?
Ketamine itself is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, and its use for depression is off-label. Spravato (esketamine) is the FDA-approved form for treatment-resistant depression.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Partly. Your consultation and qEEG brain map are billed to your insurance. The infusions themselves are usually not covered, so they’re self-pay, and you get that cost in writing before you start. We work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Aetna.
How can I pay for infusions?
You can use your FSA or HSA card, or spread the cost out with Afterpay. You get the full self-pay cost in writing before you start.
What is an IV ketamine infusion like?
You rest in a reclining chair while a low dose of ketamine runs through a small IV, usually for about 40 minutes. Many people feel relaxed or a little detached during the infusion, and that passes soon after it ends. We monitor you throughout and afterward, and someone needs to drive you home.
How is ketamine different from Spravato?
Spravato is esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray that’s often covered by insurance. IV ketamine therapy uses a related medication, given by infusion, off-label and usually paid out of pocket. About Spravato.
Join the IV ketamine waitlist
Call to book your consultation and join the waitlist. We’ll check your insurance for the consultation and brain map, answer your questions, and call you as soon as infusions begin. Our team answers the phone during clinic hours.
What happens when you call
- Tell us who the care is for and what’s been going on. No records needed for the first call.
- We check your benefits with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna or Aetna, or walk you through self-pay pricing. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
- We book your consultation and qEEG brain map at a time that works for you.
Prefer to write? Request a consultation or verify your insurance.