Ketamine FAQ

Everything You Need to Know as You Begin Your Journey With Us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy is a medically supervised treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and other mental health conditions. At Awaken Ketamine Healing Studio, treatment is provided by a solo licensed clinician and is intended to complement, not substitute, ongoing mental health care.

Ketamine has been used medically since the 1960s and is included on the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines. Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, is also FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression alongside an oral antidepressant through a program overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Ketamine is administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection under clinical supervision. When used for mental health conditions via injection, ketamine treatment is considered "off-label." This means the medication is being used for a purpose other than its original FDA-approved use as an anesthetic, a practice supported by extensive research and clinical judgment. Ketamine treatment is legal when used in a therapeutic setting for certain mental health conditions; non-therapeutic use is never advised and can be harmful.
Medically supervised ketamine therapy is available for individuals across New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire, including Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, Bedford, Derry, and surrounding communities. Services are also available to clients in Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
Ketamine acts on the glutamate system, modulating NMDA receptors and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which enhances neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to create new neural pathways. It may influence the HPA axis and increase communication in brain networks linked to emotional processing, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
Integration is the essential process of weaving the insights and shifts experienced during a ketamine session into daily life. It is where the temporary "opening" created by the medicine becomes a permanent change in mindset and behavior.
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The general dose is 0.5mg/kg to 1mg/kg, which research supports as the most effective range. However, every nervous system is unique; at times, a dose of less than 0.5mg/kg or greater than 1mg/kg may be used based on specific clinical needs. Treatment is always patient-specific.
The protocol generally includes six sessions, scheduled twice weekly over three weeks. Occasionally, individuals may benefit from a 7th or 8th session. Some may require booster sessions to maintain symptom relief, and treatment is tailored to each client's unique healing path.
  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Trauma-related symptoms or PTSD
  • Burnout or persistent emotional distress
  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Alcoholism (stable and in recovery)
  • Other symptoms, including Stable Bipolar, OCD, and Grief Reaction.
Ketamine may be safely used alongside many other medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, lithium, and aripiprazole. Certain medications may be requested to be held the morning of treatment (e.g., benzodiazepines); however, this is advised on a case-by-case basis.

Never stop or adjust prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare provider. Specific medications will be discussed during intake.
Absolute contraindications include: Hypersensitivity to ketamine, Uncontrolled hypertension, Severe cardiovascular disease, Hemorrhagic stroke, Severe liver disease, Uncontrolled thyroid disorder, Schizophrenia, Uncontrolled Mania, active psychosis, and Pregnancy.
Some Side effects can include:
  • Confusion, disorientation, or anxiety.
  • Altered perception or dissociation.
  • Dizziness, sedation, or mild tremor.
  • Headache or blurred vision.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Temporary increases in blood pressure/heart rate.
  • Long-term (rare): Cystitis or elevations in liver enzymes.
For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the medication’s prescribing information.
Ketamine is legal when prescribed in a supervised clinical setting after an appropriate screening for qualified individuals intended for mental health relief.

Ketamine therapy may be reimbursed by some insurance plans, while others do not provide coverage. Payment for treatment is accepted upfront by credit card or check. A superbill can be provided, and Robin can also submit it to your insurance carrier on your behalf for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement is never guaranteed. Some individuals may also qualify for financing options through the Advance Care Card.

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Evidence, Ethics, and Your Care

Research on ketamine and depression:

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in eClinicalMedicine evaluated randomized controlled trials examining ketamine formulations for major depressive disorder. The analysis included 49 studies involving 3,299 participants. Ketamine was associated with reductions in depressive symptom severity compared with control conditions. Dose was identified as a relevant factor, with higher doses generally associated with greater reductions in symptom severity. Research findings are based on population-level data and do not predict individual outcomes.

Citation: Nikolin, S., et al. (2023). Ketamine for the treatment of major depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine, 62.

Clinical and Ethical Context:

Ketamine research continues to evolve. Large-scale, long-term studies are ongoing, particularly regarding optimal dosing, durability of effects, and predictors of response. This evolving evidence underscores the importance of medical supervision, psychological support, and informed consent.

Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act, clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining expected costs. If billed charges exceed the estimate by $400 or more, there is a right to dispute the bill.

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T. (603) 404-8705 | F. (603) 818-4358

Hours: Monday: 8 to 7pm, Tuesday 8 to 5pm , Wednesday 8 to 7pm, Thursday and Friday 8 to 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00 to 3:00 

(All by appointment only)

75 Gilcreast Rd. Suite 303 • Londonderry, NH 03053

HIPAA Compliant Email: awaken@awakennh.com

National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

Please note that Awaken does not have an on-call provider. If you need help after hours that is non-emergent, contact your primary care provider or your behavior health provider. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Prevention Line or go to your nearest emergency room.

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Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Friston, K. J. (2010). The default-mode, ego-functions and free-energy: A neurobiological account of Freudian ideas. Brain, 133(4), 1265–1283. View Full Study

Meiering, M. S., et al. (2024). Functional activity and connectivity signatures of ketamine and lamotrigine during negative emotional processing: a double-blind randomized controlled fMRI study. Translational Psychiatry, 14, 436. View Full Study

Yermus, R., et al. (2023). Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy provides lasting and effective results in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months: Findings from a large single-arm retrospective effectiveness trial. Psychedelic Medicine.

Awaken Ketamine Healing Studio | Robin McKinley, FNP-C, PMHNP Providing medically guided Ketamine Therapy and integration support for Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Stable Bipolar Disorder, and SUD in recovery through a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach.

Specialized Services: Ketamine Therapy & Integration • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • NLP • Clinical Hypnosis • Subconscious Mindset Therapy • Guided Meditation • Nervous System Regulation

Serving New Hampshire: Londonderry • Manchester • Nashua • Salem • Windham • Bedford • Derry • Hudson • Concord • Portsmouth • Exeter • Dover • Hampton | Serving Massachusetts: Greater Boston • Lowell • Lawrence • Andover • Methuen • North Shore | Regional Coverage: Rockingham & Hillsborough Counties, NH • Essex & Middlesex Counties, MA