Frequently Asked Questions
About Ketamine Therapy
What is ketamine therapy?
medically supervised treatment that uses low-dose IV ketamine infusions to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works on the glutamate system — activating new neural pathways and restoring healthy brain function. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within 24–72 hours of their first session. At Ketamine Wellness NYC, all infusions are administered by a board-certified physician and monitored by a registered nurse at our Queens and Long Island clinic locations.
How is ketamine different from traditional antidepressants?
Traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs target the serotonin system and typically take 4–8 weeks to produce results — if they work at all. Ketamine targets the glutamate system, a different brain pathway responsible for mood regulation, learning, and emotional resilience. It stimulates AMPA receptors, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and promotes neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new pathways. This is why ketamine can produce relief within hours to days, and why it works for patients who haven’t responded to other treatments.
Is ketamine FDA-approved?
Ketamine has been FDA-approved as an anesthetic since 1970, and is widely used off-label for depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and other psychiatric conditions — an accepted and common medical practice supported by a growing body of clinical research. A related nasal spray form called esketamine (Spravato) has received specific FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression. IV ketamine infusions, like those offered at Ketamine Wellness NYC, are a well-established clinical practice under the supervision of board-certified physicians.
What conditions does ketamine therapy treat?
Our clinic treats a range of conditions with ketamine-assisted therapy, including:
- Major Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Addiction Recovery Support
If you are unsure whether your condition is a good fit, our team will review your history during a free consultation.
Getting Started
How do I know if I'm a candidate for ketamine therapy?
You may be a good candidate for ketamine therapy if you have: (1) tried at least two or more conventional treatments (antidepressants, therapy, or pain medications) without adequate relief; (2) been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain, or a related condition; or (3) experienced significant side effects from standard medications. The best way to find out is to schedule a free consultation with our medical team. We’ll review your full medical history and create a personalized plan.
What happens during the initial consultation?
Your initial consultation is a comprehensive medical and mental health review conducted by our team. We’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, current medications, and wellness goals. We may also request basic lab work and drug screening before your first infusion. This process typically takes about 60 minutes and ensures that ketamine is safe and appropriate for you before any treatment begins.
Do I need a referral to start ketamine therapy?
No referral is required to book a consultation at Ketamine Wellness NYC. You can schedule directly through our website or by calling (516) 203-1041. However, we do recommend coordinating with your existing psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider where possible, as ketamine works best as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Where are your clinic locations?
We have two in-clinic locations in the New York area:
- Queens (Jackson Heights): 37-20 76th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
- Long Island (Great Neck): 45 Middle Neck Rd, Suite 220, Great Neck, NY 11021
All ketamine infusions are performed in person at one of these two locations. We do not offer at-home ketamine therapy — every session is conducted in our fully equipped, medically supervised clinic environment for your safety.
The Treatment Experience
What does a ketamine infusion feel like?
The experience varies by person, but most patients describe it as a deeply relaxing, slightly dreamlike state. You may notice mild perceptual changes — altered sense of time, visual patterns, or a floating sensation. Some patients experience a sense of emotional release or new perspective on personal challenges. Throughout the session, you’ll be in a private room, wearing an eye mask, with therapeutic music playing. A registered nurse will be with you the entire time. Most people feel calm and reflective — not overwhelmed. The effects fully wear off within a few hours after the session ends.
How long does each session last?
A standard IV ketamine infusion session is 60–90 minutes. After the infusion, you’ll have additional grounded time in the clinic with our staff before you’re cleared to leave. Plan for approximately 2–2.5 hours total for each visit, including check-in, the infusion, and post-session grounding.
Can I eat or drink before my session?
We ask patients to fast for at least 4 hours before their infusion (water is fine). This reduces the risk of nausea during the session. You should also avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Our team will provide complete pre-session preparation instructions during your intake process.
Safety & Side Effects
Is ketamine therapy safe?
When administered by trained, board-certified medical professionals in a clinical setting, IV ketamine therapy has a strong safety profile. At Ketamine Wellness NYC, all sessions are supervised by our Medical Director, Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi, and monitored by a registered nurse throughout. We track vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation — continuously. Dosing is carefully calibrated to each patient’s body weight and response. Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years.
What are the potential side effects?
Common, temporary side effects during or shortly after a ketamine infusion may include: mild nausea, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, perceptual changes (visual, auditory), and drowsiness. These effects typically resolve within a few hours. Less common side effects include headache or brief disorientation. Our clinical team monitors you throughout every session and is trained to manage any adverse responses. We will review your full medical history before treatment to flag any individual risk factors.
Can ketamine be addictive?
At the low, controlled doses used in therapeutic ketamine infusions, the risk of dependence is considered very low. This is very different from recreational abuse of ketamine, which occurs at much higher doses. Our protocol includes a limited number of infusions (typically 6 in the initial series) with booster sessions only as needed. We carefully screen all patients for personal or family history of substance use disorder as part of our intake process.
Are there people who should not receive ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended for individuals with a history of psychosis, active schizophrenia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, active substance use disorder (depending on circumstances), or certain cardiovascular conditions. Our team conducts a thorough medical review during your consultation to assess whether ketamine is safe and appropriate for you.
Results & Expectations
How quickly will I feel results?
Many patients notice meaningful improvement in mood, clarity, and emotional presence within 4–72 hours of their first infusion. This rapid onset is one of ketamine’s most significant advantages over traditional antidepressants, which may take 4–8 weeks. The full benefit typically builds over the course of the 6-infusion series. Patients often report a growing sense of emotional openness, reduced rumination, and renewed connection to daily life.
How long do the results last?
Results vary by patient and condition. Many patients maintain significant improvement for weeks to months after completing the initial 6-infusion series. For some, periodic booster infusions (every 4–8 weeks) help sustain the benefits long-term. Pairing ketamine treatment with integration therapy — working with a therapist to process insights and build coping skills — is associated with longer-lasting outcomes. Our team provides referrals to trusted integration therapists.
What if ketamine doesn't work for me?
While research shows up to 70% of treatment-resistant patients experience improvement with ketamine, it does not work for everyone. If you don’t see meaningful results after the initial series, our medical team will review your response and discuss next steps, which may include adjusted dosing, additional sessions, or alternative treatment referrals. We are committed to your care regardless of outcome.
Pricing & Insurance
How much does ketamine therapy cost at Ketamine Wellness NYC?
Our pricing is straightforward and transparent:
- Introductory Session (new patients): $550
- Single IV Ketamine Infusion: $650
- Package of 6 IV Drips: $3,150
The 6-session package is our most recommended option for sustained results, following the evidence-based treatment protocol. We offer a $100 coupon for new patients — sign up on our website to claim yours.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not currently cover IV ketamine infusions for mental health conditions, as it is considered an off-label use. However, some plans may reimburse a portion under out-of-network mental health benefits. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider. We accept HSA and FSA payments, and we can provide documentation to support any reimbursement claims you submit.
About Ketamine Wellness NYC
Who is leading the medical care at Ketamine Wellness NYC?
Our clinic is led by Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi, a board-certified physician and Medical Director with over 15 years of experience in pain management and integrative wellness. Dr. Qureshi has specialized training in ketamine-assisted therapy and has helped hundreds of patients find relief from treatment-resistant conditions.
Day-to-day clinical supervision is led by Brent Boen, BSN-RN, CEN — a third-generation Registered Nurse and Certified Emergency Nurse with over five years of high-acuity emergency medicine and critical care experience. Brent specializes in IV ketamine, hydration therapy, metabolic health, and wellness treatments, and brings a holistic, patient-centered approach to every session. Together, Dr. Qureshi and Brent ensure every patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care from consultation through completion.
What makes Ketamine Wellness NYC different from other providers?
Several things set us apart: (1) In-clinic, IV infusion-only model — every session is conducted in person at our Queens or Long Island location under full medical supervision, so you’re never alone during treatment. (2) An experienced leadership team — Medical Director Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi brings over 15 years of specialized experience, and clinical supervisor Brent Boen, BSN-RN, CEN brings over five years of emergency medicine and critical care expertise. (3) A calm, private, supportive environment intentionally designed to feel welcoming — not clinical. (4) Transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees. (5) Optional integration therapy referrals to support long-term healing beyond the infusion room.
What are your hours and how do I book?
Our clinics are open Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can book a consultation directly on our website at ketaminewellnessny.com, or call us at (516) 203-1041. Our team typically responds to appointment requests within 12 hours.