Ketamine Therapy, Supervised by a Psychiatrist
Quick Answer
Ketamine therapy at Bluebird TMS 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 happens in our clinic with monitoring, and the cost is put in writing before you commit.
What ketamine is and what off-label means
Ketamine is an anesthetic that, at low doses, acts on the glutamate system and has been studied for its effects on depressive symptoms. "Off-label" means the FDA has not specifically approved it for depression: prescribing it that way is legal and common, but insurance rarely covers it, and the decision belongs with a physician who knows your full history. We will explain what the evidence shows, where it is thin, and what each session costs — before you decide.
Who may be a candidate
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 evaluation covers all of it.
The session, planned around your day
A private room, vital-sign monitoring, staff present throughout, roughly one to two hours including recovery, and a ride home arranged in advance — no driving until the next day. The number and spacing of sessions is individualized and reviewed as you go.
Ketamine or SPRAVATO®?
If your insurance covers SPRAVATO® and you meet its criteria, that is usually the first ketamine-based option we discuss. Ketamine therapy remains the off-label alternative for patients who do not qualify or who choose it after an informed conversation.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.