Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy
Everything you need to know about ketamine therapy, metabolic psychiatry, and The Seaside Method.
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.
Q2: How does ketamine work differently than antidepressants?
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.
Q3: What types of ketamine treatment do you offer?
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.
Q4: Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
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.
Q5: How many sessions will I need?
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.
Q6: What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
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.
Q7: What is The Gupta Program, and how does it complement ketamine?
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.
Q8: What is The Seaside Method?
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
Q9: What is metabolic psychiatry?
Metabolic psychiatry shows that many mood issues do not just start in your mind. Instead, they often come from physical problems with how your body makes and uses energy. For example, things like poor sugar control, deep swelling, and low cell energy can trigger mental struggles. In addition, uneven hormones and missing nutrients can hurt your brain health. Because of this, fixing your physical health is a key step to healing your mind
Q10: What kind of lab work or testing is involved?
Our deep health testing checks your body’s vital signs from the inside out. For example, we look at your basic blood labs, hormone levels, and essential nutrient levels. Next, we check your gut health, your genes, and how your body handles sugar. Finally, we test your cell energy to see how well your system works. Because every person is different, Dr. Gillin will select only the best tests for your needs
Q11: How does nutrition affect mental health?
The brain uses about twenty percent of all your body’s energy. Because of this high demand, poor energy health directly hurts how your brain works. This problem can quickly trigger major mood issues and mental health struggles. Fortunately, changing what you eat to fix your body’s energy can bring great relief. In fact, these simple food choices can sometimes heal your symptoms completely
Q12: Can you help me taper off psychiatric medications?
We can lower your medication doses slowly and safely when it is right for your health. Because of this focus, any change we make to your medicine will always put your safety and stability first
Q13: What does the three-practice ecosystem mean for me?
Seaside Ketamine, Seaside Longevity, and RewindMD work closely as one team. Together, they take care of your mind, your body’s energy, and your outer wellness. Because these clinics share their expert care, you get a single plan that safely covers every part of your health.
Safety & Experience FAQs
Q14: Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine has a clinical safety record spanning over fifty years. In a medical setting, trained professionals provide close observation throughout the duration of a treatment. Potential side effects are typically temporary and are managed by the medical staff in real-time to ensure patient safety.
Q15: What does a ketamine session feel like?
Every session feels a bit different for each person. For instance, you might feel deep rest, a light floating feeling, or a calm distance from your body. In addition, some people see bright pictures or experience deep personal thoughts. On the other hand, you could feel a slight upset stomach or a little dizzy. Fortunately, most of these feelings fade away completely within one to two hours.
Q16: How should I prepare for my first ketamine session?
To prepare for your visit, you must fast for four to six hours. Next, make sure to arrange a safe ride home afterward. It also helps to wear loose, cozy clothes so you can relax. In addition, you should skip alcohol before your care session. Finally, take a brief moment to set a calm goal in your mind.
Q17: What happens after a ketamine session?
Observation for 30–60 minutes. Journaling and rest recommended. Integration work follows to leverage neuroplastic window.
Q18: Are there any medical conditions that prevent ketamine use?
Uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, untreated hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, active substance abuse, and some cardiovascular conditions require evaluation.
Q19: How much does ketamine therapy cost?
Costs vary by modality. Spravato® may be insurance-covered. IV/IM usually self-pay. Financing options available.
Q20: Do you accept insurance?
Spravato® is often covered. IV/IM ketamine may be reimbursed out-of-network. Prior authorization handled by staff.
Q21: How do I get started?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation call. If appropriate, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Gillin
Q22: Can I do ketamine therapy alongside my current therapist or psychiatrist?
Yes. Collaborative care is encouraged, with coordinated communication if permitted.
Q23: I’ve tried everything and nothing has worked. Is there still hope?
Many patients have had limited results before ketamine. Addressing metabolic, nervous system, inflammation, and trauma factors enables recovery.