Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health disorders in the US. Millions of people struggle with life-impacting symptoms daily because of depression and anxiety.
Traditional treatments for depression and anxiety include antidepressant medication (such as Prozac, Zoloft, or others) and therapy, but for some patients, these treatments either don’t work or don’t provide enough relief.
Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, is a legally available treatment that has gained popularity in recent years due to its impressive ability to quickly alleviate depression and anxiety – even in treatment-resistant cases.
Ketamine has become a potential lifesaver for many patients battling treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. At KetaKlarity, we recommend ketamine as a preferred treatment for depression and anxiety because it is safe, well-tolerated, and effective. We believe it is the right treatment for most patients, especially patients who have tried other approaches without success.
Is Ketamine Therapy Covered by Insurance?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether ketamine is covered by insurance. The short answer is that no, most medical insurance companies do not include ketamine therapy as part of their coverage.
Insurance companies have primarily chosen not to cover ketamine because although ketamine is an FDA-approved drug, ketamine for depression treatment is an off-label use. Because ketamine is a generic drug, there is no financial incentive for a pharmaceutical company to incur the cost of obtaining FDA-approval to use ketamine for depression or anxiety treatment.
Although insurance coverage for treatment is one factor to consider in deciding whether to start ketamine therapy, there are other options to help cover treatment cost (see more below). The biggest factor to consider is whether ketamine actually works and whether it can bring relief for your depression or anxiety.
Does Ketamine Therapy Actually Work?
The most important consideration for any treatment is whether or not the treatment will work. At Ketaklarity, we use ketamine as our treatment of choice for depression and anxiety because of its strong track record at providing patients with real relief. Ketamine’s effectiveness stems from its ability to target the NMDA receptors in the brain. This, in turn, triggers the release of neurotransmitters that facilitate the establishment of new neural pathways and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
By essentially rewiring areas negatively impacted by these mental health conditions, ketamine therapy can lead to significant improvements in mood and anxiety levels.
Ketamine is particularly notable for several key reasons:
Fast-Acting Relief: Clinical studies have consistently shown ketamine’s success as a rapid antidepressant. This allows patients to experience relief from their symptoms within hours, as opposed to the weeks or months traditional antidepressants and talk therapy may take. For those who suffer from depressive episodes or severe anxiety, this swift onset can be life-changing.
Long-Term Remission: While the antidepressant effects of ketamine therapy eventually wear off, follow-up booster treatment sessions can maintain the benefit and provide lasting relief for many individuals. Although each patient is unique, booster treatment is typically recommended at two-to-six-month intervals. We will find the right treatment schedule for you that provides prolonged periods of remission and allows you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Reduced Risk of Side Effects: Traditional antidepressants are associated with several negative side effects, including weight gain, moodiness, sexual dysfunction, and drowsiness. Many patients stop taking antidepressants due to these unwanted side effects. But ketamine therapy delivers significant relief from depression and anxiety without the associated negative side effects. This is a big reason why many patients are choosing ketamine therapy.
Payment Options for Ketamine Treatment
As discussed above, most medical insurance does not cover ketamine therapy. However, there are several other good financing options for patients:
1. HSA or FSA account. HSA and FSA accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money to be used for healthcare costs. Ketamine infusion therapy is a qualified healthcare procedure so you can withdraw money from HSA and FSA accounts to cover treatment. This allows you to use tax-free money for treatment, giving you an overall savings on treatment cost. If you have an HSA or FSA account through your employer, this can be an excellent option. FSA accounts operate on a “use it or lose it” annual basis, meaning you must spend the entire account balance each year or you lose the remaining account balance. Spending tax-free money to invest in your mental health is always a wise choice.
2. Third-party medical financing. We have partnered with Advance Care to help patients receive the care they need now and pay off the balance over time. Advance Care offers patients the most affordable options, including interest-free financing, affordable monthly payments and flexible terms. This can be a great option for patients.
3. Leveraging tax-advantaged accounts. Tax-advantaged accounts, such as 401k and Roth IRA accounts, can be used as a source to pay for treatment. Many 401k accounts allow you to take a loan against your balance. You repay the loan back into your own account over time, effectively paying yourself back. With Roth IRA accounts, you can withdraw contributions you have made into your account at any time with no tax penalty. (If you are not familiar with these options, we suggest you consult a financial advisor prior to taking either action).
Indiana Ketamine Therapy
KetaKlarity, located in Greencastle, Indiana, provides ketamine therapy to Indiana residents in Greencastle, Terre Haute, Lafayette, Bloomington and areas west of Indianapolis. As one of the first ketamine clinics in Indiana, we have years of experience helping patients find real relief through ketamine therapy. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, ketamine therapy at KetaKlarity may be the right solution that finally allows you to feel like yourself again. To see if ketamine treatment is right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.