Everything You Want to Know

Ketamine therapy is generally most appropriate for people who have tried at least two conventional treatments (medications or therapy) without adequate relief. It is studied for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, and bipolar depression. A free consultation with our team is the best way to determine if you're a good candidate for your specific situation.

No referral is required to schedule a consultation. However, we do request medical records or documentation of prior treatment when possible, and we strongly prefer to communicate with your existing psychiatrist or prescriber before starting treatment. This coordination helps us provide the safest and most effective care.

Yes. We require a confirmed psychiatric diagnosis from a licensed mental health provider before beginning treatment. If you don't currently have a provider, we can discuss options during your consultation.

Your free consultation is a 20–30 minute phone or video call with our clinical team. We'll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, goals, and any questions you have. At the end of the call, we'll give you an honest assessment of whether we think ketamine therapy is appropriate for you. There is no obligation and no fee.

If you're a good candidate and ready to move forward, we can typically schedule your first infusion within 1–2 weeks of your consultation, depending on availability. We'll complete medical intake and any necessary provider coordination before your first session.

Most patients experience a dissociative, dream-like state: a sense of floating, altered perception of time and space, and sometimes vivid visual or sensory imagery. You remain conscious throughout and can communicate with the care team at any time. The experience varies from person to person: some find it deeply peaceful, others find it intense but manageable. The effects are temporary and fade within 30–60 minutes of the infusion ending. Most patients say it was easier than they expected.

The infusion itself runs approximately 45–60 minutes. Plan for 2–2.5 hours total at the clinic, which includes check-in, a pre-infusion assessment, the infusion, and post-infusion recovery before you're cleared to leave with your driver.

Never. A clinical team member is present and monitoring you throughout every infusion. Your vitals are tracked continuously, and you can communicate with staff at any time during your session.

Yes, and we encourage it. Music meaningfully shapes the ketamine experience for many patients. Bring headphones and a playlist of calming, meaningful, or instrumental music. If you'd like suggestions, we're happy to share playlists that patients have found helpful.

A standard initial course is 6 infusions, typically scheduled over 2–3 weeks. Most patients complete the full 6-infusion series. Some conditions, particularly severe or long-standing TRD or PTSD, may benefit from additional sessions. Your provider will assess your response after each infusion and adjust the plan accordingly. After your initial course, many patients maintain results with periodic booster sessions every few months.

The initial course is typically delivered over 2–3 weeks, often 2 sessions per week. Spacing allows your brain time to respond while keeping the treatment series within a therapeutically relevant window. After your initial course, booster sessions are generally scheduled as needed, every few months.

IV ketamine has an extensive safety record as an anesthetic used in medical settings for decades. At the sub-anesthetic doses used for mental health treatment, it is considered safe under proper clinical supervision. All infusions at Mosaic are administered by licensed providers with continuous vital sign monitoring. As with any medical treatment, risks exist and are reviewed with you before you begin.

During the infusion, the most common experiences are dissociation (altered perception), dizziness, nausea, and elevated blood pressure or heart rate, all of which are monitored and typically resolve quickly after the infusion ends. Some patients experience headache or fatigue afterward. Serious adverse events at therapeutic doses are rare.

Ketamine does have abuse potential when used recreationally in high doses or frequently. However, the therapeutic doses used in clinical settings are much lower than recreational doses, sessions are supervised and controlled, and the treatment is time-limited (not ongoing daily use). We screen for substance use history during intake. Patients with active substance use disorder require individual assessment.

Ketamine can exacerbate psychotic symptoms in people with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, which is a firm contraindication. For patients with bipolar disorder, we require an established mood stabilizer and careful monitoring. We do not treat active manic or hypomanic episodes with ketamine. These factors are screened during your consultation.

Most antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiety medications are compatible with ketamine. High-dose benzodiazepines may reduce ketamine's effectiveness. Lamotrigine at high doses may also affect response. Some stimulants and MAOI antidepressants require special consideration. We review your complete medication list during intake and will flag anything that requires adjustment, in coordination with your prescriber.

Ketamine is not appropriate for people with: uncontrolled hypertension or active cardiovascular disease, a personal history of psychosis or schizophrenia, untreated hyperthyroidism, active manic or hypomanic episodes, current pregnancy, or active substance use disorder (assessed case-by-case). Age restrictions and other medical conditions are reviewed individually.

Response varies significantly. Some patients notice a meaningful shift in mood, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts within hours of their first infusion. Others see gradual improvement over 2–3 sessions. For some patients, significant change doesn't arrive until after the full 4–6 session course. We assess your response after each infusion and adjust accordingly.

This varies by person and condition. After a full initial course, many patients experience relief lasting weeks to months. Patients who combine ketamine with ongoing therapy or lifestyle changes often maintain results longer. Booster sessions can extend and sustain results. We work with you to build a maintenance plan based on your response.

Ketamine does not work for everyone. If you don't respond after your initial course, we'll conduct a thorough review, considering dose adjustments, session spacing, or referral to other specialists. We will not encourage continuing treatment that isn't producing results, and we'll be honest with you about next steps.

For many patients, yes. The neuroplasticity window that opens after a ketamine infusion may make therapy more effective because the brain is in a state where new patterns can form more readily. We partner with therapists who specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for patients who want an integrated approach. Even without formal KAP, journaling and integration practices between sessions can significantly enhance outcomes.

Many patients do not. Some find that a single 4–6 session course provides lasting relief, especially when paired with therapy and other lifestyle changes. Others benefit from periodic booster sessions (often once every few months) to maintain results. The goal is to use the minimum treatment needed, not to create dependency on the clinic.

Most commercial insurance plans do not currently cover ketamine infusions for mental health conditions. Coverage for pain-related indications (like CRPS) varies by plan. We can provide itemized superbills that you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan has mental health benefits.

Our pricing is flat and transparent: $450 for an Infusion + Provider Visit (required for your first session and any dose adjustments) and $400 for an Infusion Only session. A typical 4–6 session course runs $1,650–$2,450 total. Your initial consultation is always free.

Yes. Ketamine infusion therapy is a qualified medical expense. HSA and FSA cards can be used directly to pay for your sessions at Mosaic.

We understand that cost is a real consideration for many patients. Please contact us to discuss your situation; we want to make care accessible and will do our best to work with you.

You can drive yourself to the clinic. You absolutely cannot drive yourself home. A responsible adult must be available to drive you after every infusion, as ketamine affects coordination and judgment for several hours. This is a firm requirement we enforce for your safety. Rideshare services are acceptable if accompanied by a trusted person.

Fast for 4 hours before your appointment: no food or drink except water and any essential medications. Fasting reduces the risk of nausea during the infusion. Avoid caffeine the morning of your session, as it can increase heart rate and anxiety.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing; you'll be reclined in a chair for up to an hour. Bring headphones and a music playlist if you have one. An eye mask can be helpful if you'd prefer to minimize visual input. Leave valuables at home where possible.

We're located at 8324 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031, in the Mosaic District, close to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station with free on-site parking. Our clinic hours are Wednesday–Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 8am–12pm.

Yes. Your initial consultation can be done by phone or video call; there's no need to come in until you're ready to schedule your first infusion. Infusions themselves must be conducted in-person at our Fairfax clinic.