Head to head
Ketamine IV vs Ketamine IM
A side-by-side look at Ketamine IV infusion and Ketamine IM injection across the factors that actually change your decision: cost, setting, insurance, evidence, and the kind of clinician who runs the room.
Factor
Ketamine IV
Ketamine IM
Legal status
Off-label (state boards + DEA)
Off-label (state boards + DEA)
Setting
Clinic, continuous monitoring
Clinic, on-site observation
Session length
60-90 min
60-90 min
Insurance coverage
Rare (Anthem, Empire BCBS)
Rare
Typical cost / session
$400-$600
$300-$450
Induction / course
6 sessions over 2-3 weeks
6 sessions over 2-3 weeks
Evidence base
Strongest off-label evidence for TRD
Emerging, comparable to IV in small trials
Who administers
Anesthesiologist, psychiatrist or CRNA
Psychiatrist or NP with monitoring
Risk of abuse / dependency
Low in monitored setting
Low in monitored setting
Verified Ketamine IV providers
18
Verified Ketamine IM providers
11
Clinics offering both
- Salience Neuro Health - AustinAustin, TX
- NushamaNew York, NY
- MY Self WellnessBonita Springs, FL
- Explorers InstituteLos Angeles, CA
- Reset KetaminePalm Springs, CA
- KlarisanaSan Antonio, TX