Ketamine Therapy

A Revolutionary Approach for Treatment-Resistant Mood Disorders

Overview

Ketamine therapy is an advanced treatment that utilizes carefully controlled low doses of ketamine—an FDA-approved anesthetic—to provide fast relief for individuals who haven’t responded to conventional treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Supported by extensive research, this cutting-edge approach helps restore neural connections and enhance overall well-being.

How It Works

Ketamine targets NMDA receptors in the brain, stimulating a process that enhances synaptic plasticity and fosters new neural connections. Delivered in a safe, clinical setting via intravenous infusions, this therapy works significantly faster than traditional antidepressants, often providing relief within hours.

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

Fast-Acting Relief

Many patients notice positive changes within hours or days.

Strengthened Brain Connections

Supports neural plasticity for lasting mood stability.

Emotional Stability

Helps regulate mood and reduce feelings of distress.

Better Daily Functioning

Quick mood improvements can restore balance and hope.

Backed by Science & Research
This approach is grounded in neuroscience and supported by clinical research. It works by helping the brain strengthen healthier patterns and improve regulation over time. Many patients experience meaningful improvements in mood, emotional balance, and daily functioning, with results that can continue to build with consistency and care.

Treatment Process

1

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough medical and psychological evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you.

2

First Treatment Session

A carefully monitored low-dose infusion or intranasal treatment in a controlled setting.

3

Relaxing Experience

Patients rest in a calm, supervised environment while the medication takes effect.

4

Ongoing Care

Follow-up sessions to track progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.

IV Ketamine FAQ

IV Ketamine is a fast-acting, medically supervised infusion therapy that may help support relief for:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • PTSD

  • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

  • Chronic Pain (including migraines, fibromyalgia)

  • Mood disorders that haven’t improved with traditional treatments

What's the history of ketamine?

Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s and approved as a medical anesthetic in 1970. It has long been used safely in surgical and emergency care. More recently, research has shown that ketamine can have rapid antidepressant effects, leading to its use in controlled clinical settings to help treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.

How quickly does ketamine work for depression or anxiety?

Some patients report feeling improvement within hours to a few days after treatment, though results vary. Many people benefit most after completing a full series.

How many ketamine infusions will I need?

Many protocols start with a series of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, followed by maintenance infusions as needed based on symptom return.

Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression?

IV ketamine is commonly used off-label for depression and mood conditions. A related medication called esketamine (Spravato®) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.

Is ketamine safe?

Ketamine has been used in medicine for decades. When administered in a controlled medical setting with monitoring, it is generally considered safe for appropriate candidates.

Will I feel “high” during treatment?

Some patients experience mild dissociation, dream-like sensations, or changes in perception during the infusion. These effects typically wear off shortly after treatment.

Can ketamine help PTSD?

Ketamine may help reduce PTSD symptoms by supporting brain pathways involved in mood regulation and trauma response. Many patients notice improved emotional resilience after a series.

Can ketamine help with anxiety?

Yes—many patients report reduced anxiety symptoms, fewer intrusive thoughts, and improved calmness. Response depends on your diagnosis and personal history.

Do I need a referral for ketamine therapy?

In many cases, no referral is required. Your clinic will typically complete a medical intake to determine eligibility.

Can I drive after ketamine treatment?

No. You’ll need a ride home. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or make major decisions for the rest of the day.

General Patient FAQs

Patients often have questions about:

  • Conditions treated at SoCal Infusions

  • What to expect during infusion therapy

  • Safety and medical supervision

  • Appointment scheduling and clinic hours

  • Location and accessibility

  • Payment options and financing

What is SoCal Infusions?

 

SoCal Infusions (Southern California Infusion Therapy) is a Pasadena-based clinic specializing in ketamine infusions and advanced infusion therapies for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain conditions.

What conditions do you treat with ketamine infusions?

SoCal Infusions uses ketamine to help adults with complex mood and pain conditions, including major depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and select postpartum mood symptoms.

How does ketamine treatment at SoCal Infusions work?

Patients begin with a medical evaluation. If ketamine is appropriate, the anesthesiology-led team creates a personalized infusion plan—typically a series of IV treatments delivered in a monitored, spa-like setting. Symptoms are closely tracked, and treatment plans are adjusted as needed.

Where is the clinic located, and is it easy to reach?

The clinic is located at 301 S Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 301, Pasadena, CA, in a medical office building near major streets and local hospitals. It is convenient for patients from Pasadena, South Pasadena, and surrounding communities.

What are your hours?

Appointments are typically available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Do you take insurance or offer financing?

SoCal Infusions does not accept insurance for treatments. However, the clinic partners with third-party financing providers, such as CareCredit, to offer flexible payment options.

Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy at SoCal Infusions?

Good candidates are typically adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain who have not responded well to standard treatments. The medical team reviews your health history, medications, and current symptoms to determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate option.

Ready to explore this innovative treatment?