*The FDA has not approved intravenous ketamine or NAD+ for the treatment of any psychiatric or pain condition. These articles reference off-label use. Like all medical treatments, the discussed therapies carry risks and benefits. Speak with a doctor at Clarus Health to learn if these therapies may be right for you.
Ketamine Therapy San Francisco: Watch Out for these Clinics
San Francisco has many Ketamine Clinics - how do you pick the best one?
Ketamine has revolutionized the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, with Ketamine Therapy in San Francisco and the Bay Area exploding with interest there are significant safety concerns. With increasing options of at-home Ketamine therapy, intranasal, and intramuscular options, it is important to have confidence in selecting a responsible and reputable clinic for your health and safety.
Ketamine Therapy San Francisco: What Are the Options?
Ketamine is available in 4 forms, and it's important to talk with your doctor to find out which one suits you best:
- Intravenous (IV): Ketamine is given through a vein. It works the quickest and is the most effective and personalized therapy for highly effective treatment.
- Intramuscular (IM): Ketamine is injected in a muscle in your arm. This can be effective but is less comfortable and personalized than IV.
- Intranasal: Ketamine is sprayed in the nose. This is convenient to administer but slower and less effective than IV Ketamine.
- Oral: Taking ketamine by mouth has the slowest effect, but is convenient.
You must pick your method of Ketamine Therapy in discussion with a doctor. There are special considerations for each type of Ketamine Therapy method in the Bay Area. Dr. Kaveh specializes in IV Ketamine Therapy in San Francisco to provide the fastest, most effective, and longest-lasting relief from symptoms.
Ask About the Doctor Providing Ketamine Therapy in the Bay Area
It’s important to ask about the qualifications and expertise of the doctors doing your Ketamine Therapy in San Francisco. Ideally, IV and IM Ketamine treatments, the doctor should be trained in anesthesiology or emergency medicine. This ensures they have the necessary experience to safely administer this powerful medication in these potent forms.
Additionally, it's very important that the doctor have specialized knowledge in psychedelic medicine. Look for doctors with fellowship-level training and specialized experience in the field of Ketamine healing. This expertise is vital in understanding and guiding the psychological aspects of Ketamine therapy. Ask the clinic:
- Is there a doctor always present?
- What is that doctor's medical and psychological training?
A reputable clinic will have a specialized doctor with you during the treatment and not leave you alone
Who is with you During the Ketamine Treatment?
It is important to know the level of interaction and availability of your doctor during the Ketamine therapy. Check if the doctor will be present during the treatment sessions and whether they are accessible via phone for any concerns or questions. This direct doctor-patient contact can significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, providing peace of mind and personalized care.
Ketamine Therapy Risks - Is Your Clinic Safe?
Ketamine therapy is generally very safe when administered properly, but there are serious risks that emphasize the importance of having a specialist physician oversee the treatment. These risks include:
- Changes in breathing
- Increases in blood pressure
- Sedation and feeling drowsy
- Short-lived hallucinations (called psychotomimetic effects)
- A "bad trip" (sometimes called a "K-hole" in severe form)
The likelihood of these side effects is higher in individuals over 65 or those with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Heart or lung problems, including high blood pressure
- Chronic pain
- Any history of seizures or strokes
- Kidney problems
- Bipolar disorder or Schizophrenia
Always ask how your clinic is prepared to handle these side effects so you can be confident in your physical and psychological safety during your Ketamine Experience.
Your confidence in your clinic and doctors plays a big role in how effective your treatment will be
Integration After Your Ketamine Therapy in San Francisco
A key part of your Ketamine Therapy in the Bay Area will be your integration therapy after every treatment.
Integration is the processing of the Ketamine treatment during the "critical window" of brain changes that opens up in the days after each treatment. During this period, the mind is particularly receptive to making lasting changes. This is why it's essential for every ketamine clinic to focus on this phase, often involving a trained therapist to guide the patient through the process. A responsible clinic will emphasize the importance of this integration, aiming to reduce the need for booster therapy. Instead, the focus is on fostering the patient's inner healing potential. This approach is not just about managing symptoms in the short term but is aimed at facilitating long-term well-being and mental health resilience.
A responsible clinic will emphasize the importance of this integration, aiming to reduce the need for booster therapy.
Are You Working with a Dedicated Ketamine Specialist in San Francisco?
You should seek a specialized doctor who uses a patient-centered approach to Ketamine infusion therapy. Specifically, look for doctors that emphasize:
- Direct access to your doctor by phone or text
- Dedicated preparation to form a personalized treatment plan (instead of a one-size-fits-all approach)
- Monitoring progress and making adjustments along the way
Be sure to select a clinic where doctors are available to you on the days before and after your ketamine therapy
Bay Area Ketamine Clinics Should Focus on Healing Potential, Not Boosters
While it's tempting to discuss boosters, make sure the Ketamine centers in San Francisco you are evaluating are emphasizing sustainable mental health and not just "booster sessions." You want your doctor to be emphasizing reducing doses of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, for example, instead of replacing them with Ketamine.
- Is the Ketamine clinic really emphasizing sustained healing with fewer medications moving forward?
You Deserve an Expert to Find Healing from Ketamine in the Bay Area
When seeking ketamine therapy in the Bay Area, it's essential to choose a clinic with experts knowledgeable in psychedelic medicine and experienced in providing integrative, holistic care. These professionals are at the forefront of ketamine's therapeutic use and can ensure a supportive and informed treatment process. Look for a clinic led by board-certified doctors skilled in critical care and adept in collaborating with mental health professionals, to maximize the benefits of ketamine therapy for conditions like depression and anxiety.
You can learn more by scheduling a free consultation with Clarus Health today.
Anthony Kaveh MD
Dr. Kaveh is a Stanford and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist. He has over 800,000 followers on social media and has guided hundreds of patients throughout transformative healing experiences. He is an authority on Ketamine, NAD, and SGB therapies. He is a registered continuing education lecturer in the Bay Area.
