Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy for Depression, PTSD, and Beyond.
A clinically administered, fast-acting option for patients with conditions that have not responded to traditional care. Supervised by our medical team in Port Chester, NY.
What is ketamine IV infusion therapy?
Ketamine IV infusion is an intravenous treatment where a carefully measured dose of ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream. It has been used in clinical settings for decades and has an established safety record as an anesthetic. In recent years, it has become one of the most studied and widely used treatments for hard-to-treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
Unlike Spravato, which is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine IV infusion is used off-label for psychiatric conditions based on a strong and growing body of clinical evidence. Many patients who have not responded to antidepressants or other treatments see meaningful improvement within hours of their first infusion.
At PMC Psychedelic, every ketamine IV infusion is administered directly by our clinical team in a controlled, monitored setting. No patient receives treatment unsupervised. Dr. Rueda reviews each patient's history before any infusion begins.
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Administered intravenously under continuous clinical supervision
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Rapid-acting — many patients notice improvement within hours to days
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Effective for multiple conditions including depression, PTSD, OCD, and substance cravings
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No insurance required — paid out of pocket, no referral needed
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Performed in our Port Chester clinic by Dr. Rueda's medical team
How ketamine IV infusion works.
Most antidepressants target the brain's serotonin or dopamine systems, and they can take weeks to produce any measurable effect. Ketamine works through a completely different pathway: it blocks NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, which is the brain's primary excitatory communication network.
When NMDA receptors are briefly blocked, glutamate floods the synaptic space and triggers a rapid surge of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that supports the growth of new neural connections. This process, called neuroplasticity, essentially allows the brain to form new, healthier pathways. For patients stuck in cycles of depression, anxiety, or trauma response, that rewiring can produce relief that feels fundamentally different from anything a traditional antidepressant has offered.
Because it is delivered intravenously, the concentration and timing of ketamine can be precisely controlled throughout the infusion. This makes IV administration the most direct and controllable form of ketamine therapy currently available.
STAGE 1
NMDA receptors briefly quieted
STAGE 2
Glutamate surge across the synapse
STAGE 3
New neural pathways form
Conditions that respond well to ketamine IV infusion.
Clinical research and real-world patient outcomes have demonstrated meaningful improvement across a range of conditions. Below are the primary conditions treated at PMC Psychedelic using ketamine IV infusion.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
For patients who have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief. Ketamine often produces improvement where other treatments have failed.
Major Depressive Disorder
Including cases with suicidal ideation. Ketamine's rapid onset makes it particularly valuable when speed of response matters most.
PTSD
Effective for trauma-related depression and hyperarousal. Particularly relevant for first responders, veterans, 9/11 survivors, and MTA workers who experience occupational trauma.
Anxiety Disorders
Including generalized anxiety and panic disorders. Ketamine helps interrupt the neural patterns that sustain chronic anxiety, often producing rapid relief.
OCD
Research supports ketamine's ability to disrupt obsessive-compulsive neural loops, providing relief for patients who have not responded to SSRIs or behavioral therapy.
Alcohol, Cocaine, and Opiate Cravings
Clinical studies show that ketamine IV infusion can meaningfully reduce the frequency and intensity of cravings for alcohol, cocaine, and opiates, including fentanyl.
What a ketamine IV session looks like.
Each infusion follows a consistent structure. Here is what you can expect from the time you arrive to the time you leave.
01
Arrive and Check In
Blood pressure and vitals are checked. Dr. Rueda's team reviews any updates to your health since your last visit.
02
Receive the Infusion
You rest in a comfortable chair while a controlled dose of ketamine is delivered through an IV line over approximately 40 to 60 minutes. The room is calm and quiet.
03
Rest and Be Cleared
After the infusion, you remain under observation for a period before being cleared to leave. You cannot drive yourself home.
The typical session, including arrival, infusion, and observation, runs approximately one to two hours. Please plan your schedule accordingly and arrange a ride home in advance.
A typical treatment schedule.
Ketamine IV infusion is usually delivered as a series of sessions rather than a single treatment. The standard protocol gives the brain time to build and consolidate new neural connections across multiple infusions.
| Phase | Frequency | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Phase | 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks | The core series. Three sessions per week for two weeks, or spread over three weeks depending on your schedule and response. |
| Maintenance Phase | As needed | Ongoing sessions scheduled based on how long improvement lasts. Frequency varies widely by patient. |
Schedules are always personalized. Dr. Rueda reviews each patient's response and adjusts the frequency of sessions accordingly.
Who is a good candidate for ketamine IV infusion?
Ketamine IV infusion is a strong fit for patients who are seeking effective treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, or substance cravings and want a directly administered, precisely controlled protocol.
Because ketamine IV infusion is not covered by insurance and is paid out of pocket, it tends to work well for patients who have the flexibility to self-pay and want access to treatment without waiting for prior authorization or insurance approval. There are no packages or discount structures. Pricing information is provided during consultation.
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Specific Conditions
You have depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or substance cravings that have not responded to standard treatments.
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Out of Pocket Pay
You are comfortable paying for treatment out of pocket.
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Precise Treatments
You want a precisely controlled, IV-administered protocol.
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Time Commitment
You are able to attend a series of six infusions over two to three weeks.
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Transportation Needed
You can arrange transportation home after each session.
A note for first responders, veterans, and MTA workers.
Dr. Rueda's team has extensive experience working with patients who carry occupational trauma. First responders, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, military veterans, 9/11 survivors, and Metropolitan Transit Authority workers have all found meaningful improvement through ketamine IV infusion at PMC. Many of these patients arrive having tried other options first. Our team understands the nature of this work and the weight it carries.
Understanding the cost of ketamine IV infusion.
Ketamine IV infusion is not covered by insurance, including PPO plans. Treatment is paid out of pocket. We do not display pricing on this site, as costs are discussed during your consultation based on your specific treatment plan.
We do not offer packages, bundled discounts, or financing programs for ketamine IV infusion. If insurance coverage is a priority, Spravato may be a better fit. Most PPO plans cover Spravato, and our team verifies coverage before your first appointment.
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No insurance accepted for ketamine IV infusion.
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Pricing discussed during your consultation.
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No packages or payment plans available.
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No prior authorization or insurance approval needed.
Common questions about ketamine IV infusion.
Spravato is a nasal spray containing esketamine and is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. It is covered by most PPO insurance plans. Ketamine IV infusion uses intravenous racemic ketamine, is used off-label for a broader range of conditions, and is paid out of pocket. Both treatments work through similar mechanisms, but IV delivery offers more precise control over dosing. Many patients choose Spravato first due to insurance coverage, then add or transition to IV infusion based on their clinical needs.
The infusion itself involves a small IV catheter, similar to a standard blood draw. Once the IV is placed, you rest comfortably in a chair while the medication is delivered over 40 to 60 minutes. Some patients experience mild dissociative sensations during the infusion. These resolve within the monitoring period after the infusion ends.
Ketamine has been used safely as an anesthetic in clinical settings for over 50 years. When administered at subanesthetic doses by a trained medical team in a supervised environment, the safety record is strong. Dr. Rueda reviews each patient's medical history before any infusion begins. Patients with certain cardiovascular conditions or a history of psychosis may not be appropriate candidates.
Many patients notice meaningful improvement within hours of their first infusion. Others notice more gradual changes across the first few sessions. Results vary by individual and by condition. We use the term improvement intentionally, as ketamine IV therapy does not guarantee specific outcomes.
In most cases, yes. Dr. Rueda will review your current medications during your consultation. Some medications may need to be adjusted before or during treatment. You should not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your prescribing provider first.
No referral is required to book a consultation. However, we do coordinate with existing providers when appropriate and welcome communication with your psychiatrist or therapist.
From our patients.
Get Started
Ready to learn more about ketamine IV infusion?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rueda's team. We will review your medical history, discuss which treatment is the right fit for your situation, and walk you through what to expect before you commit to anything.
PMC Psychedelic · 25 South Regent Street, Port Chester, NY 10573 · Serving Westchester & Fairfield County
