Takeaway: Recently, ketamine therapy has been gaining traction in the mental health field as an effective treatment for conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, one of the biggest concerns for people considering this treatment is the cost.

With limited insurance coverage and varying prices at different clinics, it can be difficult to determine the exact cost of ketamine therapy. In this post, I’ll explain the factors that influence ketamine treatment cost and give you insight as to what you can expect to pay.

Breaking down ketamine therapy cost for Colorado residents

Like other medical and mental health treatments, there's no straightforward answer to the question of how much ketamine therapy costs. As a provider of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy myself, I get how frustrating that can be.

With that being said, it's understandable that most people want to know how much they can expect to invest in the process. Here's an estimated cost breakdown, depending on the type of ketamine therapy you receive.

Ketamine infusions: ranges from approximately $200-$500 per infusion
Ketamine intranasal sprays: approximately $800 per treatment
Ketamine cost for sublingual tablets: ranges from approximately $90-$450 per treatment

Keep in mind that these are only estimates based on available cost information from local treatment providers. You may pay more or less depending on your unique situation and a number of other factors. There are also separate costs for the initial assessment, each office visit, and the medicine itself.

Factors that influence the cost of ketamine treatments

As you can see, the cost of ketamine treatment varies widely. There are several factors that can influence how much ketamine therapy costs. While this isn't an exhaustive list, these are a few of the main factors that determine the price of treatment.

Route of administration

The way you receive your medication is one of the main factors that influence the closet of ketamine treatment. For example, IV ketamine infusions typically cost more than oral treatment. With ketamine infusion, a medical provider must be with you the entire time to monitor your vitals. There is also more effort and equipment used in ketamine infusions than with the other routes of administration.

Condition that's being treated

Some ketamine clinics charge more or less depending on the condition that's being treated. Ketamine infusion cost for medical conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraine may be different rates than for mental health conditions like major depressive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is partly due to the different dosing strategies used for each condition.

Length of treatment

The length of your treatment is another factor that will determine how much you need to invest. Studies show that conditions like treatment-resistant depression can improve after a single ketamine infusion. However, if you have complex psychiatric symptoms, you might need more treatments to see results. Some people may even need maintenance treatment, or ongoing ketamine treatments, to maintain their results.

Are ketamine infusions covered by insurance? What about other ketamine treatments?

Unfortunately, ketamine infusions and oral treatments are not often covered by insurance. While research supports the safety and efficacy of ketamine for mental health issues, ketamine treatment is still considered an "off-label" use of the drug, which means that insurance won't cover it.

However, nasal ketamine has FDA approval for treating depression. Therefore, you may be able to use your insurance coverage to help pay for it. It's best to check with your specific insurance provider to make sure.

While insurance may not cover the cost of ketamine itself, you may be able to use your insurance benefits to help pay for the office visits. Additionally, some ketamine clinics offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable. Plus, you may be able to use your HSA or FSA fund to help pay for treatment.

The cost of ketamine therapy can be frustrating and make treatment inaccessible for some people. However, seeking care independently from your insurance company has benefits. It allows you to work directly with your providers to find a treatment plan that's best for you instead of being restricted by your insurance company's limits.

Why the cost of ketamine for depression & other mental health issues is worth it

If ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is financially feasible for you, I highly recommend making the investment. Ketamine treatment is considered a breakthrough therapy for depression and shows promising results for treating other conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and even substance abuse. More clinical trials are underway to determine what other conditions ketamine can help with.

While ketamine infusions on their own can be incredibly helpful, you can receive even more value by engaging in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This form of treatment combines the powerful benefits of ketamine itself with the support of therapy.

In fact, research shows that combining the two can help you achieve greater results and maintain these results for longer than with ketamine infusions alone.

It can be intimidating to make an investment in yourself and your wellness. Opening yourself up to new possibilities takes courage and vulnerability. However, many patients find that it's entirely worth it. Ketamine-assisted therapy can bring you a new perspective that you may have never thought possible.

Discover the transformative effect of ketamine-assisted therapy in Colorado

Hi, I'm Kendall Schauerman, LPCC. I've seen firsthand how powerful psychedelic-assisted therapy can be for folks. The combination of psychedelics and a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship can offer life-changing insights and awareness for many people.

In my practice, I provide ketamine-assisted therapy in Colorado. I specialize in supporting men with issues related to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, fatherhood, and identity. If you're interested in learning more about my approach or feel ready to get started, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to connecting and walking your journey with you.

How Much Does Ketamine Therapy Cost in Colorado?