PATIENT FAQ’S

IV infusions are a simple and common medical procedure. An IV is started in your arm and a bag of saline is mixed with Ketamine, the amount of which is based on your weight. It will be slowly given to you in a predetermined schedule of 40 to 60 minutes, based on dosage.  

If you suffer from the crippling symptoms of: depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, or bipolar disorder, then Ketamine infusions could be a new option for your care. Studies have only been conducted on treatment resistant patients, those who have failed to find relief from two or more treatments. At this time, we can only offer treatments to treatment resistant patients or patients who have severe symptoms that need immediate intervention. 

Only patients with serious cardiac, cardiovascular, neurological, liver, kidney, or respiratory issues will be excluded from treatment for preexisting medical conditions.

 Unlike other psychiatric medications it typically has no lasting side effects and usually only produces a drowsiness and fatigue for a short period of time. While Ketamine has shown to occasionally cause bladder issues for chronic users, it is typically from higher doses and frequency than what New Pathways offers. 

New Pathways Clinic always prefers to work with your existing mental health and primary care providers. However, we also understand that not all patients are able to easily see a psychiatrist or doctor to get a prescription. Our experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can independently prescribe your ketamine infusions, if you are deemed appropriate for treatment after our mental and physical assessments. 

While we are experts in providing ketamine infusions, we do not provide primary care or other treatments for migraines. We require a referral from the physician overseeing your care for all patients receiving infusions solely for migraines.

Your appointments will be blocked off in 2 hour time slots. While the infusion itself usually only lasts about 45 minutes, we always allow time for preparation and assessment before and 15-30 minutes after to recover.  

Yes, you cannot be treated without a responsible adult to drive you home for your own safety. You cannot drive the day of the infusion after treatment. Your companion for your treatments is welcome to sit in the treatment or waiting room and can also drop you off and pick you up.  

• Avoid negative or stressful situations and content if possible. Your mind state coming into the clinic can shape your Ketamine infusion experience. 
• Avoid eating heavy meals the day of the infusion, we recommend no eating 4 hours before treatment. 
• We recommend staying hydrated, but no fluids 1-2 hours before the infusion. 
• Wear comfortable clothes 
• Please refrain from taking Benzodiazepines, Amphetamines, and Opioids the day of treatment, if possible, without harm. I.E. (Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, Adderall, Percocet and Oxycodone). Any other medication, including SSRI’s and other anti-depressants, can be taken normally. 

You can also read our informative blog post, Preparing for a Ketamine Infusion, for more helpful info that will allow you to maximize the benefits of your ketamine treatment.

• Relax! Ketamine infusions are most therapeutic when your mind is at peace. 
• Don’t Worry! Even if you distracted or anxious, the Ketamine is still healing your brain. 
• Based on patient feedback, we recommend listening to music, without lyrics, that is calming to you.  
• Because Ketamine infusions can provide profound realizations and self-psychotherapy, we do not recommend other uses of electronic devices. 
• We also provide eye masks upon request for enhanced focus. 
• Lastly, enjoy this precious uninterrupted time for healing. 

Most patients report a soothing and therapeutic experience. It is generally reported to provide a loose and abstract state of mind. This allows observations about thought patterns, trauma, and life to be made at higher levels, without the normal accompanying emotions that can be distracting or painful.

While some patients occasionally experience dizziness, nausea, and anxiety during treatments, medications can be given as needed to reduce those effects and your nurse will always be with you to help. If the treatment ever becomes overwhelming it can be immediately stopped and a return to baseline usually happens within minutes.  

Dozens of scientific studies have proved why six infusions is the standard treatment plan for mental health conditions. Each treatment results in more neuron growth and repair in the brain. 

By the end of six infusions, about 20% respond so well that they don’t feel the need for further treatment. Some patients require more than six infusions to get the maximum response. A majority of patients experience significant or complete relief, but require booster infusions to sustain an optimal remission. We offer customized booster infusion plans based on patient response, ranging from every month to once a year. 

With our experience in dealing with insurance companies for Ketamine infusions, we will always do our best to maximize your insurances coverage of the treatments. All you have to do is provide your health insurance card and  we will do the rest! Based experience, we know most patients will have a significant portion covered. 

Insurance coverage varies from patient to patient even if they have the same health insurance plan. Because Ketamine is not an FDA approved treatment for mental health, we cannot guarantee you there will be coverage.

As an independently operated clinic, please understand that we require upfront payment for Co-pays, Co-insurance, Deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. HSA/FSA Cards, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Money Orders, or patient financing with Advanced Care are all acceptable forms of payment.  

See our Insurance and Payments Page for more details.

New Pathways’ Team has over a decade of experience treating psychiatric conditions with Ketamine, including ten years of research at the Cleveland Clinic. With a 70% success rate in significant reduction of depression and other symptoms, Ketamine treatments provide new hope for relief for those suffering from oppressive symptoms. 

FMRI brain scans have shown Ketamine also promotes the growth of new synapses in the prefrontal cortex, resulting in greater connectivity in the brain, while also switching certain connections on and off. This combination of events is thought to be the main reason for the rapid anti-depressant effect. 

Have medications and counseling left you feeling like no treatment works for you? Then we believe you owe yourself an opportunity to see if Ketamine will work for you.

No! Continuing to follow our mission statement to develop new mental health strategies to help more individuals, New Pathways has expanded our services in Ohio in an effort to serve the whole state and now offers Ketamine, Spravato, Semaglutide & Tirzepatide at our Columbus location and Ketamine and Spravato at our Cincinnati Location