IV Ketamine Therapy
in Palm Coast, FL
IV ketamine therapy at Sunshine Psych Care provides an advanced interventional option for adults facing severe or persistent mood symptoms. Treatments are administered in a clinical setting with medical monitoring, precise dosing, and a structured evaluation process. This approach supports individuals who have not improved with traditional therapies and require a higher level of psychiatric intervention.
Table of Contents
What IV Ketamine Therapy Is
IV ketamine therapy is an interventional psychiatric treatment that uses controlled intravenous administration of ketamine to support rapid symptom improvement. Ketamine interacts with glutamatergic pathways involved in mood regulation and can help reduce severe depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress.
This treatment is delivered in a medical environment with continuous monitoring and individualized dosing protocols. IV ketamine is considered when standard antidepressants, psychotherapy, or other first‑line treatments have not provided sufficient improvement.
Who May Be an Appropriate Candidate
IV ketamine therapy may be considered for adults who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Persistent depressive symptoms despite multiple medication trials
- Severe mood symptoms requiring interventional treatment
- Difficulty tolerating traditional antidepressants
- Recurrent episodes of major depression
- Individuals seeking a medically supervised alternative to standard therapies
A full psychiatric evaluation is required before treatment to determine suitability and ensure safe administration.
Treatment‑Resistant Depression
Treatment‑resistant depression refers to depressive symptoms that continue despite adequate trials of antidepressant medications. IV ketamine offers an interventional pathway for individuals who need a different mechanism of action.
Many patients experience meaningful symptom reduction within a short period, allowing them to engage more effectively in ongoing psychiatric care. IV ketamine is not a replacement for comprehensive treatment planning but can serve as a critical component of a broader strategy for complex mood disorders.
What Patients Can Expect During Treatment
Step 1: Clinical Evaluation
Your visit begins with a detailed psychiatric assessment. Our team reviews your history, current symptoms, and previous treatments to determine whether IV ketamine is appropriate. This evaluation ensures that treatment aligns with your clinical needs.
Step 2: Medical Screening
Before your first infusion, you will complete medical screening to confirm safe eligibility. This may include vital sign review, medication assessment, and relevant medical history.
Step 3: IV Ketamine Infusion
Infusions take place in a private treatment room. A trained clinician administers ketamine through an IV line while monitoring your comfort and physiological responses. Sessions typically last 40 to 60 minutes.
Step 4: Post‑Treatment Monitoring
After the infusion, you remain in the treatment room for observation until your clinician confirms stable recovery. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
Step 5: Ongoing Review
Your progress is evaluated throughout the treatment course. Adjustments may be made to optimize outcomes and support long‑term improvement.
Safety, Screening, and Medical Monitoring
IV ketamine therapy requires careful oversight. At Sunshine Psych Care, safety protocols include:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Medical screening before treatment
- Continuous monitoring during infusions
- Post‑infusion observation
- Review of symptom changes across sessions
Our clinical team supervises every step to ensure safe administration and appropriate response tracking.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
IV Ketamine vs Spravato vs TMS
Each treatment offers a distinct mechanism and may be recommended based on clinical history, symptom profile, and treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is each infusion?
Most sessions last 40 to 60 minutes, followed by observation.
How many treatments are needed?
Treatment plans vary. Many individuals begin with a short series of infusions followed by clinical review.
Will I be awake during treatment?
Yes. You remain awake and monitored throughout the infusion.
Is IV ketamine covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Contact our office for details.
Can I drive after treatment?
No. You will need a responsible adult to take you home.
Why Choose Sunshine Psych Care
Sunshine Psych Care provides interventional psychiatric treatments in a clinical environment designed for safety, precision, and attentive care. Our team evaluates each patient thoroughly, monitors every infusion, and develops individualized plans for complex mood symptoms. We focus on evidence‑based interventions that support meaningful improvement for individuals who require advanced treatment options.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Testimonials
Sunshine Psychiatry has really been vey beneficial for my psychological well being. Rhonda has really showed me that she cares about me as a patient and not just as a number. Rhonda is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Sunshine Psychiatric Care and her knowledge has helped me.
- Bradford V.
Meet Our Providers
Rhonda Richardson, PMHNP-BC
Take Back Control of
Your Mental Health
Your Mental Health
Together, we’ll create a treatment plan
that works for you.
