Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at help@catalystketamine.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
General
What conditions does Catalyst Health & Wellness treat?
We treat a wide range of mental health and chronic pain conditions, including depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, addiction, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, migraines, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We also offer specialized programs for adolescent depression.
What treatments does Catalyst offer, and how are they different from each other?
We offer five evidence-based treatments: IV ketamine, IM ketamine, Spravato (esketamine nasal spray), TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). Each works through a different mechanism. Ketamine and Spravato target glutamate receptors to rapidly restore mood. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain regions. SGB resets the sympathetic nervous system to reduce the physical stress response. During your consultation, we'll help you figure out which option — or which combination — fits your situation best.
Is ketamine therapy the same as recreational ketamine use?
Not at all. The ketamine we administer is given in carefully calibrated therapeutic doses in a controlled clinical setting, with continuous monitoring by Dr. Ho throughout every session. The experience and intent are entirely different from recreational misuse. Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years.
I've tried antidepressants for years and nothing has worked. Can ketamine actually help?
Possibly, yes — and that's exactly the kind of patient ketamine tends to help most. Traditional antidepressants work on serotonin and norepinephrine pathways. Ketamine works on glutamate, an entirely different pathway, which is why it can produce rapid relief in people who haven't responded to anything else. Studies show roughly 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to ketamine, often within hours of their first infusion.
What does a ketamine session actually feel like?
Most patients describe a dreamlike, deeply relaxed state — some feel gently disconnected from their surroundings, others notice shifts in perception or visual experiences, and many simply feel calm and at peace. These effects are temporary and wear off as the session ends. The majority of patients find the experience pleasant and even therapeutic on its own. We dim the lights, offer noise-canceling headphones, relaxing music, a lightproof eye mask, and a warm blanket — you're in good hands.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to get started?
No referral is required. You can call us directly to schedule a free consultation. That said, we do encourage coordination with your existing providers whenever possible — it leads to better outcomes and a safer experience overall.
Our Treatment Process
What happens during my first consultation?
Your free consultation is a confidential phone call — no pressure, no sales pitch. We'll talk about your current symptoms, your treatment history, any medications you're taking, and what you're hoping to achieve. You'll get honest answers about what our treatments can and can't do. There's no obligation to move forward, and nothing you share leaves that conversation.
What should I do to prepare before my appointment?
Don't eat for 6 hours before your session, and avoid anything other than a small amount of clear liquids in the 2 hours leading up to it. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You'll also need to arrange a ride home — you won't be able to drive yourself after treatment, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients start with an initial series of 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. Spravato typically begins with two sessions per week. TMS involves daily sessions over 4 to 6 weeks. Stellate ganglion block often requires only 1 to 2 treatments, with effects becoming noticeable within days. After your initial series, we'll assess how you're responding and build a maintenance plan from there.
Can I keep taking my current medications while doing ketamine therapy?
In most cases, yes. Ketamine generally works well alongside other psychiatric medications. We'll review your full medication list during your consultation to check for any contraindications. Never stop prescribed medications without speaking to your prescribing physician first.
Who administers my treatment, and will someone be with me the whole time?
Dr. Ho — a board-certified anesthesiologist and former pediatrician with over 30 years of medical experience — leads every treatment. During your session, we're either in the room with you or right outside the door, monitoring your vital signs throughout. You're never left alone.
Can I combine treatments? For example, ketamine and TMS together?
Yes, and for many patients this produces better, longer-lasting results. Some people pair ketamine with TMS to address both rapid relief and sustained improvement. Others combine stellate ganglion block with ketamine for PTSD. We'll talk through which combinations make sense for your condition during your consultation.
Pricing and Billing
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
It depends on the treatment and your specific plan. IV and IM ketamine for mental health conditions are generally considered off-label use and aren't covered by most insurance plans. Spravato, however, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is often covered after prior authorization — we can help walk you through that process. TMS for depression and OCD is also FDA-approved and is covered by many insurers. We'll provide detailed invoices for any out-of-pocket services that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
How much does treatment cost?
Costs vary by treatment type and number of sessions. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule a free consultation, where we'll walk you through your options and what to expect financially. We believe cost shouldn't be the barrier between you and feeling better, and we'll work with you to find a path forward.
Do you accept HSA or FSA payments?
Yes. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts are accepted for treatment costs. Many patients use these pre-tax dollars to make treatment more affordable, especially for IV and IM ketamine, which are typically not covered by insurance.
What if my insurance denies coverage?
Insurance denials happen, and they don't have to be the end of the road. We can provide detailed itemized invoices for any out-of-pocket services that you can submit directly to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement. If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account), those funds can typically be used toward treatment costs. We can walk you through your options during your consultation.