Mental Health and Ketamine Clinic in Philadelphia

Yes. Voyage Healing does offer IV ketamine infusion therapy as part of its psychiatric treatment services, alongside other forms of ketamine administration.

We specialize in this treatment because IV ketamine is considered one of the most effective and reliable methods, offering precise dosing, rapid absorption, and consistent clinical response.

Each treatment is clinically supervised and tailored to support individuals with treatment-resistant conditions seeking new pathways to relief.

We offer IV, IM, oral and intranasal ketamine services. IV refers to giving the ketamine intravenously, which an infusion nurse helps to prepare. IM refers to injecting ketamine intramuscularly, usually into the upper arm. Oral ketamine is absorbed through your mouth and pairs well with talk therapy. Intranasal refers to a ketamine spray (Spravato) given in the nostrils.  We pride ourselves on understanding the unique aspects of each route of administration, and we are able to recommend a specific treatment program based on your needs and preferences. 

We are currently in network with Aetna, United, Cigna, and Highmark for medication management, talk therapy, and Spravato.  We hope to be in network with BCBS and Medicare in the future.  IV ketamine infusions and ketamine assisted psychotherapy are not covered by insurance.

When used under medical supervision, ketamine is an extremely safe medication. There is often a slight blood pressure and pulse boost, similar to during exercise. Ketamine has been used clinically for over fifty years. It is the anesthesia of choice for children and the elderly due to its extremely safe profile. Ketamine for mental health issues is typically used at much lower doses than for anesthesia. At this point, the evidence does not reveal long-term side effects for low-dose ketamine. However, more research needs to be done on possible long-term side effects. It is known that people who abuse high doses of ketamine (often 100x more than low-dose ketamine – daily) have a 30% risk of bladder damage and cognitive deficits. In contrast, there is some research showing that  lower doses of ketamine may improve cognition and memory.

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, and effects the balance of glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.  Ketamine results in nerves growing and making new connections which translates into an uplift in mood.  In addition, the brain’s default mode network, which is related to negative thinking loops, gets turned down during ketamine. 

No, it is not safe to drive on the day of ketamine treatment. We require you to arrange a ride home for safety reasons.

It is not recommended to return to work or make important decisions the same day as your ketamine treatment.  Taking time to nourish yourself with relaxation and mindfulness can help grow the benefits of ketamine.

Yes, one can choose to have their ketamine experiences with a support nurse or with a therapist.  Patients who are doing ketamine with a therapist, often have a few meetings with the therapist to understand their intentions and prepare for the ketamine experience.  They may also meet with the therapist after to process the ketamine sessions and how they are affecting them.  Having a therapist present may be additional costs and is an added service not a necessity.  Whether you are with a support nurse or are adding therapist, we are committed to offering you the highest level of care.  We never leave a patient alone in a room, and go over many details in preparing you to understand the many ways to get the most out of your ketamine treatments.  All of our staff are highly trained in how to psychologically support patients undergoing the powerful mind altering qualities of ketamine.