Nearly one-third of people diagnosed with major depressive disorder do not achieve adequate relief from standard antidepressant medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. That reality is what drives many patients across New York to seek out alternatives—and why we established Albany Ketamine Infusions to offer a pathway that conventional psychiatry has not always provided. IV ketamine therapy has emerged as one of the most significant advances in the treatment of depression in decades, and we want to explain clearly how it works and who it may help.
The Science Behind Ketamine’s Effect on the Brain
Ketamine is not a traditional antidepressant. Most standard antidepressants work by influencing the serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems in the brain—and they typically require weeks of daily dosing before a patient notices any shift in mood. Ketamine operates on a different pathway entirely. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks a specific receptor for glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. This mechanism appears to trigger a rapid increase in the release of another chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which supports the growth and repair of synaptic connections.
The functional result is something researchers describe as rapid synaptogenesis—the formation of new synaptic pathways in brain regions associated with mood regulation, including the prefrontal cortex. To understand this process in greater depth, our post on what ketamine infusion therapy does to your brain walks through the neuroscience in accessible detail. Patients who have lived with depression for years, many of whom have felt disconnected from themselves and from the people they love, sometimes report a shift within hours of their first infusion. We always remind patients that results vary by individual, and not everyone experiences the same timeline or degree of response.
What Happens During an IV Ketamine Infusion
We administer ketamine intravenously because this route delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream, allowing for precise dosing and immediate medical oversight throughout the session. At our Albany clinic, each infusion is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Philip Hansen, a board-certified anesthesiologist who trained at Albany Medical Center and built this practice on the foundation of his training at NY Ketamine Infusions.
A typical infusion lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Patients recline in a comfortable chair in a private space with dimmed lighting. The dose is carefully calculated based on body weight and individual health history. During the infusion, patients commonly experience mild perceptual shifts—altered sense of time, floating sensations, or vivid imagery—that subside shortly after the drip ends. Most patients are able to leave the clinic within an hour of the infusion concluding, though they require a driver for the remainder of the day.
For most patients treating depression, we recommend a series of six infusions delivered over two to three weeks. This loading protocol is based on the clinical research showing that a structured series produces more durable results than a single session. After the initial series, some patients benefit from periodic maintenance infusions scheduled on an individual basis, which we discuss together in follow-up appointments. For a closer look at how long these effects last, see our guide on how long ketamine treatment lasts.
Who Is a Candidate for IV Ketamine at Albany Ketamine Infusions?
IV ketamine is used off-label for psychiatric conditions, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, OCD, and bipolar depression with depressive episodes. We use the term “off-label” because the FDA has not approved IV ketamine specifically for psychiatric indications—its approved uses relate to anesthesia. However, the body of clinical evidence supporting its use in depression is substantial and growing. The National Institute of Mental Health has funded significant research into ketamine’s antidepressant properties, and it is now widely accepted as an evidence-based option for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.
Patients who come to us typically have tried two or more antidepressant medications without sufficient relief, which is the clinical definition of treatment-resistant depression. Many have also participated in therapy, tried medication adjustments, and in some cases engaged with other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy. They come to us having exhausted a great deal of effort, and we approach every consultation with that context in mind.
There are certain medical conditions that may make ketamine less appropriate, including uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, or certain cardiac conditions. We conduct a thorough medical intake and review your history before recommending treatment. Our commitment is to make sure every patient we accept is genuinely well-suited for this therapy.
Barriers to Starting: Cost and the Path Forward
One of the most common questions we hear involves cost. IV ketamine therapy is not yet covered by most insurance plans for psychiatric indications, which means many patients pay out of pocket. We understand this is a real barrier, and we believe people deserve a straightforward conversation about it. We provide transparent pricing information during our consultation process so there are no surprises, and we discuss options such as health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts that some patients use to manage costs.
A second barrier we encounter is uncertainty about whether ketamine is safe. We understand the hesitation—ketamine has a complex cultural history, and many patients are aware of its recreational use. Our blog post on 3 common myths about ketamine infusion therapy addresses the most frequent misconceptions directly. What we want to clarify is that IV ketamine administered in a clinical setting by a trained anesthesiologist is categorically different from any other context of use. Dr. Hansen provides direct oversight throughout every session, and we are equipped to manage any unexpected responses. Medical safety is not an abstraction here; it is the foundation of how we operate.
Telehealth Ketamine Programs for New York Patients
Beyond in-office IV infusions, we also offer at-home ketamine treatments in Albany, NY for patients across New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. These programs involve sublingual (under the tongue) or other forms of ketamine administered at home under our clinical guidance, with virtual check-ins before and after sessions. This expands access for patients who cannot easily travel to Albany, while maintaining the same standard of physician oversight that defines our in-office care.
FAQ
Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression?
IV ketamine is not FDA-approved for depression or other psychiatric conditions—these are off-label uses supported by clinical research. The FDA has approved ketamine as an anesthetic, and a related nasal spray medication called SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and for MDD with acute suicidal ideation, but that is a distinct drug. We discuss the distinction clearly during every consultation.
How quickly do patients notice results after an IV ketamine infusion?
Some patients report a noticeable shift in mood within hours of their first infusion. Others notice gradual improvement across the first several sessions of the loading series. Results vary by individual, and we monitor your progress throughout the initial series to determine the appropriate path forward.
Can I drive myself home after an infusion?
No. The perceptual effects of ketamine during an infusion subside relatively quickly afterward, but patients are not safe to drive on the day of their session. Please arrange transportation or have a companion with you. This is a firm clinical requirement, not a precaution we make optional.
Do I need a referral from my psychiatrist to start ketamine therapy?
We do not require a formal referral, though we do ask for a summary of your psychiatric and medical history prior to your consultation. We also collaborate with your existing mental health providers when possible, as continuity of care supports better outcomes.
How many infusions are typically needed?
Most patients begin with a loading series of six infusions over two to three weeks. Some patients experience lasting benefit from this initial series alone; others benefit from periodic maintenance infusions scheduled individually. We tailor the plan to your response and discuss options openly.
Key Takeaways
- IV ketamine works through the glutamate system rather than serotonin, producing rapid antidepressant effects for many patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- It is used off-label for psychiatric conditions—IV ketamine is not FDA-approved for depression, though the clinical evidence base is strong.
- A standard initial protocol involves six infusions over two to three weeks, administered under physician supervision.
- Albany Ketamine Infusions also offers telehealth at-home ketamine programs for patients across New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.
- Results vary by individual, and a consultation with Dr. Hansen is the starting point for determining whether you are a candidate.
Conclusion
If you or someone you care about has not found relief through antidepressants alone, IV ketamine therapy may be worth exploring as a next step. We take care with every patient who walks through our doors—starting with a thorough consultation, continuing through the infusion series, and extending to follow-up care. If you are ready to discuss your situation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hansen. Discuss with your provider what treatment options make sense given your full medical and psychiatric history.
About Dr. Philip Hansen
Dr. Philip Hansen is a board-certified anesthesiologist who trained at Albany Medical Center. He established Albany Ketamine Infusions in partnership with Dr. Brooks, building on his training at NY Ketamine Infusions. Dr. Hansen graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and holds membership in the American Society of Anesthesia, the American Medical Association, and the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists. He provides medical oversight for both in-office IV ketamine infusions and at-home telehealth ketamine programs for patients across New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.
References
National Institutes of Mental Health — https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
National Institutes of Health — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5053216/
American Psychiatric Association — https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
Harvard Health Publishing — https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/ketamine-for-major-depression-new-tool-new-questions
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided by Albany Ketamine Infusions for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. IV ketamine for psychiatric conditions is an off-label use. Individual results vary, and not all patients will respond to ketamine therapy. This information should not replace consultation with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.