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Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy

Everything you need to know about ketamine therapy, metabolic psychiatry, The Seaside Method.
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Ketamine Therapy Basics FAQs

Q1: What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy uses low, controlled doses of ketamine in a medical setting to help interrupt entrenched patterns of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Originally developed as an anesthetic over 50 years ago, ketamine has emerged as one of the most significant breakthroughs in psychiatric treatment in decades. Unlike traditional medications that may take weeks or months to work, ketamine can produce noticeable changes in mood and thought patterns within hours to days. It works through different brain pathways than conventional antidepressants, particularly by promoting neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. At Seaside Ketamine, all treatments are administered in a calm, medical team-monitored environment overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Traditional antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) primarily modulate serotonin and norepinephrine levels, and can take 4–8 weeks before patients notice improvement. Ketamine works through fundamentally different mechanisms: it acts on glutamate, the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, and modulates NMDA receptors. This triggers a cascade that increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting growth and survival of neurons. The result is enhanced neuroplasticity — giving the brain a window to rewire itself. Ketamine is combined with integration work, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to maximize its neuroplastic effects.

  • IV Ketamine Infusions — 40–60 min intravenous sessions with continuous monitoring.

  • IM Ketamine (Intramuscular) — single injection alternative to IV.

  • Spravato® (Esketamine) — FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, administered in-clinic.
    The evaluation with Dr. Gillin determines the best route based on your condition, goals, and history.

Suitable for those with:

  • Treatment-resistant depression

  • Persistent anxiety

  • PTSD or unresolved trauma

  • Chronic pain or migraines

  • OCD not responding to conventional treatments

  • Burnout, adjustment disorders, or existential distress
    A medical evaluation is required; ketamine is not appropriate for everyone.

Initial protocol: typically 6 sessions over 2–3 weeks, then maintenance sessions as needed. The goal is not dependence but to create a therapeutic window for deeper work.

KAP combines ketamine’s neuroplastic effects with guided psychotherapy during or immediately after treatment. It helps patients explore difficult memories or emotions, particularly valuable for trauma or entrenched behavioral patterns.

The Gupta Program uses Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) to calm an overactive threat response. Clinical studies show significant improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It is used as an integration tool within The Seaside Method to rewire habitual nervous system responses.

A 4-phase treatment framework:

  • Phase 1 — Relief: Ketamine therapy

  • Phase 2 — Root Cause: Metabolic psychiatry evaluation

  • Phase 3 — Rewire: Integration work including KAP, Gupta Program, mindfulness, behavioral frameworks

  • Phase 4 — Resilience: Lifestyle medicine, nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management

Metabolic Psychiatry FAQs

Q9: What is metabolic psychiatry?

Metabolic psychiatry recognizes many mental health symptoms arise from metabolic dysfunction (insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies) rather than purely psychological causes.

Includes metabolic panels, hormone panels, nutrient status, gut microbiome, genetic testing, insulin/glucose markers, and mitochondrial function testing. Dr. Gillin recommends the most relevant tests.

  • The brain consumes ~20% of total body energy. Poor metabolic function affects energy production, causing psychiatric symptoms. Dietary interventions addressing metabolic health can lead to significant improvements, sometimes remission.

Gradual, supervised tapering is offered when clinically appropriate. Medication changes prioritize safety and stability.

Seaside Ketamine, Seaside Longevity (functional medicine), and RewindMD (aesthetic medicine) work together for coordinated care across mental, metabolic, and wellness domains.

Safety & Experience FAQs

Q14: Is ketamine therapy safe?

Ketamine has a strong safety record over 50 years. Treatments are administered by a trained medical team with monitoring. Side effects are usually temporary and managed in real-time.

Experiences vary: relaxation, floating, detachment, vivid imagery, emotional insights, mild nausea, light-headedness. Most effects resolve within 1–2 hours.

  • Fast 4–6 hours, arrange transport, wear comfortable clothes, avoid alcohol, set a gentle intention.

Observation for 30–60 minutes. Journaling and rest recommended. Integration work follows to leverage neuroplastic window.

Uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, untreated hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, active substance abuse, and some cardiovascular conditions require evaluation.

Cost & Insurance FAQs

Q19: How much does ketamine therapy cost?

Costs vary by modality. Spravato® may be insurance-covered. IV/IM usually self-pay. Financing options available.

Spravato® is often covered. IV/IM ketamine may be reimbursed out-of-network. Prior authorization handled by staff.

  • Start with a free 15-minute consultation call. If appropriate, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Gillin

Yes. Collaborative care is encouraged, with coordinated communication if permitted.

Many patients have had limited results before ketamine. Addressing metabolic, nervous system, inflammation, and trauma factors enables recovery.