As an anesthesiologist who also treats patients with ketamine therapy, I’m often asked: How do I find a good ketamine doctor?
That’s a good question—and one you should be asking before treatment.
Ketamine has helped many people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. But like many medical therapies, the outcome of ketamine infusions depend on who administers them. Unfortunately, not every ketamine clinic has the same standards, and the rapid growth of this field adds to confusion about who is truly qualified to offer care.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to find a qualified ketamine doctor in Indiana. As one of the first ketamine clinics in Indiana, we’ve seen both good and bad in this industry. Here are some guidelines of what to look for:
Why Anesthesiologists Administer Ketamine Therapy
It helps to understand a little bit about ketamine itself.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that’s been safely used in operating rooms for over 50 years. It was originally developed for surgical anesthesia—and that’s where anesthesiologists like myself come in. We’ve spent years learning how to administer anesthetic medications like ketamine, monitor patients during infusions, and manage any complications that may arise.
We don’t just know how to start an IV or read vital signs—we’re trained to respond to any medical event, from medication side effects to full-blown emergencies. That level of expertise matters when it comes to patient safety.
Administering ketamine for mental health is different from delivering anesthesia in the OR, of course. Doses are lower and patients remain awake. But the principle remains the same: patient safety must come first. Choosing a provider who is thoroughly trained in every aspect of administering anesthetic medications is a key part of getting safe, effective care.
Many ketamine clinics offload the ketamine infusion procedure to a nurse. Here at KetaKlarity, we don’t do that. I (Dr. Sheffler) administer every infusion personally. I believe patients are entitled to that level of care.
What to Look for in a Ketamine Clinic
There are a few other things you can check when researching a ketamine clinic to determine whether it is reputable:
1. Clinical Background in Anesthesia
While ketamine can be used across several specialties, anesthesiologists are uniquely trained in its administration. Be cautious about clinics where the supervising doctor has little to no experience with ketamine or IV medication delivery. “Medical director” titles can sometimes be honorary or administrative; dig a little deeper to find out who is actually performing or overseeing treatments.
2. Membership in Professional Organizations
Look for clinics who maintain membership in the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3). The ASKP3 is a professional organization for ketamine providers that promotes evidence-based care, ethics, and patient advocacy for ketamine clinics. Membership in ASKP3 isn’t required to run a clinic, but it indicates the clinic has a commitment to best practices, staff training and continuing education in ketamine research.
3. Clear Safety Protocols
A reputable clinic should be upfront about how they monitor patients during infusions, and who is doing the monitoring. At KetaKlarity, Dr. Sheffler monitors patients throughout the infusion, from start to finish. At other clinics, that responsibility may fall to a nurse. Be sure you know who will be administering the ketamine infusion and who will be monitoring you throughout the procedure.
4. A Treatment Plan that Fits You
Ketamine therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. A qualified clinic will tailor the treatment sessions to your specific diagnosis, goals, and response. The number of infusions, time between infusions, and follow-up care should all fit your needs and schedule.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Ketamine Clinic
A reputable clinic will welcome – even encourage – your questions. Here are some questions you might ask during a consultation:
· What is your background in ketamine administration?
· Who supervises the infusions? Is that person onsite in the clinic during treatment?
· How do you monitor patients during infusions?
· What emergency protocols do you have in place?
· Are you a member of any professional ketamine organizations like ASKP3?
A reputable clinic will appreciate these questions and answer them openly. If there is hesitation on their part, or if you don’t like the answers you receive, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Ketamine Clinics in Indiana
KetaKlarity was one of the first ketamine clinics in Indiana. Since then, we’ve seen a number of other clinics open (and some close). Indiana has seen a steady rise in ketamine clinics, especially in Indianapolis. While this is good news for patient access, it also means patients have more options to sift through.
We built our clinic in Greencastle, on the west side of Indiana, to give Indiana residents who live outside of Indianapolis the same ketamine therapy available in Indianapolis. We’ve seen other clinics come and go. In some cases, the clinic had the wrong business model – trying to cut corners, pressure patients into treatment, or provide unnecessary treatment.
If a clinic seems focused more on sales than on your needs, or if you feel rushed or pressured in your decision, pause the discussion and take a step back. You deserve to feel informed, safe, and supported throughout this process.
At KetaKlarity, you’ll receive a thorough consultation with Dr. Sheffler before beginning treatment. All options will be discussed and evaluated in a fair, candid manner. You are a partner in your care, not a customer to be pressured. Patients come to KetaKlarity from Terre Haute, Bloomington, Lafayette, and west of Indianapolis because of the exceptional care we provide.
Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
Ketamine therapy has revolutionized mental health treatment, particularly for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression. We see many patients who feel like they have tried everything else. But it was ketamine therapy at KetaKlarity that finally brought them relief.
As an anesthesiologist, I’m passionate about using ketamine responsibly, safely, and with compassion. If you’re considering this path, take the time to find a clinic that treats you like a person, not a customer. Ask questions. Do your research. And don’t settle for less than the highest standard of care.
We would be thrilled to be your clinic of choice. The standards outlined in this article are standards we follow ourselves. We’re known as the best ketamine clinic in Greencastle for a reason.
To get started, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sheffler by calling us at 765-630-8315 or filling out our contact form. You can also drop us a quick message using the online chat at the bottom of the screen.
We hope to welcome you soon to KetaKlarity!