How Much Does Ketamine Therapy Cost?

The cost of ketamine therapy varies depending on the type of administration, the clinic, and the extent of treatment. However, sessions typically run between $400...

The cost of ketamine therapy varies depending on the type of administration, the clinic, and the extent of treatment. However, sessions typically run between $400 and $900 each. This article will explain the cost structure in more detail.

Key Takeaways

  • Ketamine is an innovative treatment for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders, but cost is a concern.
  • The price of ketamine therapy varies by the clinic, administration route, type of supervision, and whether psychotherapy is included. However, sessions typically cost between $400 and $900.
  • Ketamine therapy can be more affordable with insurance coverage. Payment plans, HSAs, and sliding scale clinics are other cost-saving solutions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ketamine therapy is an innovative method for addressing treatment-resistant depression. It acts on glutamate receptors, rapidly promoting neuroplasticity, working faster than SSRIs to produce response rates of 45% to 65% within 24 hours. In addition to depression, it can also help with anxiety, OCD, chronic pain, and other mood disorders.

Therapist assesses patient, answering the question how much does ketamine therapy cost

When considering ketamine treatment, cost is one of the main concerns. With a market reaching $3.1 billion in revenue in 2022 and expected to more than double to $6.9 billion by 2030, the therapy can be expensive. However, the price varies depending on the treatment type, location, and insurance coverage.

This article will review all aspects so you can determine if it is within your budget.

Types of Ketamine Therapy and Their Average Cost

There are various types of treatments that guide the ketamine therapy experience, and the route of administration affects the cost. They include:

  • IV Ketamine infusions: With intravenous ketamine therapy, the medication is infused directly into the bloodstream. The cost generally ranges from $400 to $800 per session, for a total of $2,400 to $4,800 for a typical 6-session treatment. Follow-up maintenance sessions are often required.
  • Spravato (esketamine): Intranasal ketamine sprays, including the FDA-approved esketamine (Spravato), are administered in clinics under medical supervision and may incur additional monitoring fees, making them more expensive than at-home treatments. The cost is generally $800-$900 without insurance coverage for a total of $6,400 to$7,200 for twice-weekly sessions per month. Once weekly maintenance is generally needed.
  • Oral Tablets: Oral tablets (troches) are among the least expensive options for ketamine therapy, costing between $75 and $200 per prescription, but they come with safety risks when used at home without supervision.

Other Factors Impacting the Cost of Ketamine Therapy

While the type of ketamine therapy treatment may be the biggest expense consideration, other factors influencing cost include:

  • Clinic Location: Ketamine clinics located in metropolitan areas typically charge more than those in rural settings due to higher operational costs such as rent and staff salaries.
  • Physician Supervision and Credentials: You may pay more if you work with highly credentialed mental health practitioners who closely supervise the process.
  • Number of Sessions Including Maintenance: With each session charged separately, prices will increase with more extensive treatments.
  • Mental Health Integration Therapy: When mental health treatment is baked into sessions, they could be as expensive as $500 to $1,500 each. However, they could be a more affordable option compared to separate ketamine and psychotherapy sessions.
  • Clinical Setting: Patients will typically pay more when receiving ketamine in a private clinic as opposed to a community or academic clinic.

Is Ketamine Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy is generally limited, as most forms of treatment are considered off-label for mental health use, leading many patients to pay out-of-pocket. For example:

  • Ketamine infusion therapy is rarely covered by insurance, as it is not FDA-approved. Most commercial insurance providers classify off-label IV ketamine infusions as experimental for psychiatric conditions, resulting in them rarely covering the infusion cost.
  • The same FDA-approved limitations apply to oral tablets, meaning they are rarely covered by insurance.
  • Spravato patients are more likely to be eligible for coverage since the medication’s approval in 2019.

Eligible patients must be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, with proof that they were unable to achieve relief from their mental health condition with two prior treatments.

Plans most likely to offer some coverage include VA/military insurance covers ketamine therapy for veterans. Some ketamine centers accept United Healthcare, Tricare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, though coverage varies significantly by plan. Medicare will also cover 80% of treatment costs after the Plan B deductible is met.

Affordable Payment Options

Therapy is often included in the ketamine therapy process

Individuals without insurance plans may access more affordable care through the following methods:

  • Financing Options: Many providers offer internal payment plans or third-party healthcare financing to help patients manage costs over several months.
  • HSAs/FSAs: Patients often use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for treatments using pre-tax dollars.
  • Sliding Scale Clinics: Some community and nonprofit clinics may offer sliding-scale options so people can pay based on their income.

Get the Help You Need at BNI Clinics, Los Angeles, CA

BNI Clinics is a premier facility for ketamine therapy in Agoura Hills, CA. Our treatments are led by board-certified psychiatrists in a safe, controlled medical environment, guided by personalized plans. We work with most major insurance providers and conduct a complete no-obligation verification process before beginning treatment, so you know exactly what to expect.

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.

FAQs

What are some tips to prepare for ketamine therapy?

Tips to prepare for ketamine therapy include fasting before treatment, arranging transportation in advance, wearing comfortable clothing, preparing for rest afterward, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs in the days leading up to treatment. Your provider should offer pre-treatment protocols and aftercare tips.

How many ketamine therapy sessions will I need?

The number of ketamine therapy sessions needed varies based on the mental health condition. However, most people need 6-8 sessions with additional follow-ups.

How long does a ketamine therapy session last?

Infusion therapy takes 40-60 minutes, while Spravato therapy is relatively quick. However, most clinicians recommend a 2-3 hour observation window following treatment. If psychotherapy is included, sessions may be as long as four hours.