Ketamine Therapy in Boulder, Supervised by a Psychiatrist
Quick Answer
Ketamine therapy at TMS Boulder is prescribed and supervised by a psychiatrist for adults with depression that has not improved with standard treatment. Ketamine is not FDA-approved for psychiatric conditions and is used off-label; every session is monitored in our downtown clinic, and the cost is explained in writing before you commit.
What ketamine is
An anesthetic that, at doses far lower than those used in surgery, acts on the glutamate system and has been studied for its effects on depressive symptoms. The evidence is still developing, which is exactly why this belongs with a physician who will tell you what is known and what is not.
Off-label, plainly
The FDA has not approved ketamine for depression. Prescribing it off-label is legal and common, but insurance rarely covers it, so it is usually self-pay. We will tell you the per-session and full-course cost before you decide, and whether SPRAVATO® — which many plans cover — is a covered alternative for you.
Who may be a candidate, and who may not
Adults with major depressive disorder who have tried standard treatments without adequate relief. Uncontrolled blood pressure, certain heart conditions, active substance use disorder, and a history of psychosis require careful review and may rule ketamine out.
The session
A private room, vital-sign monitoring, staff present, roughly one to two hours including recovery, and a ride home arranged in advance with no driving until the next day. Session count and spacing are individualized and reviewed as you go.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.