How often do you get ketamine infusions for depression?

Are you feeling stuck with depression that just won’t lift, no matter what you try? According to the National Institute of Mental Health around 30% of people with depression don’t get enough relief from standard treatments like antidepressants. That’s where ketamine infusion therapy has been making headlines.

Once known mainly as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used in clinics across the country to help people with treatment-resistant depression feel better, sometimes in just hours. But one big question keeps coming up: “How often do I need to get ketamine infusions to keep feeling good?”

In this blog, we’ll break down how ketamine treatment schedules usually work, what affects how often you might need a session, and what you can expect along the way so you can have a clear, simple picture before making any decisions.

How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Works

Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment where a small dose of ketamine is slowly given through an IV, usually in your arm, while you relax in a comfortable chair. The session normally lasts about 40 minutes, and a nurse or doctor is there the whole time to keep an eye on you.

Unlike regular antidepressants, which can take weeks to kick in, ketamine works differently. It targets a chemical in your brain called glutamate, which helps brain cells form new connections. This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s one reason many people start feeling relief within hours or days instead of weeks.

During the infusion, you might feel lightheaded, notice changes in your vision, or feel a bit detached from your body. These effects usually fade shortly after the session ends. Most clinics will keep you for a short recovery period before letting you go home, and you’ll need someone to drive you.

Ketamine can be given in different ways through an IV, as a nasal spray called esketamine (Spravato), or even in lozenge form, but IV infusion is the most common and the one many studies focus on for depression treatment.

What Are The Factors That Influence Ketamine Infusion Frequency?

Not everyone needs ketamine infusions at the same pace. Your treatment plan is usually tailored to you, and several things can change how often you’ll need a session.

1. How Severe Your Depression Is

If your symptoms are strong or have been going on for years, your doctor might suggest more frequent sessions in the beginning to get things under control.

2. How You Respond to the First Few Sessions

Some people feel much better after just one or two infusions, while others need the full initial series to notice a change. Your response will guide how often your follow-up, or “booster,” infusions are scheduled.

3. Your Overall Health

Other health issues like anxiety, chronic pain, or certain medical conditions—can affect how your body responds to ketamine and how often you might need it.

4. Your Doctor’s Protocol

Different clinics have slightly different schedules. Some stick to the standard “six infusions in three weeks” plan, while others may adjust based on your progress.

5. How Long the Benefits Last for You
Ketamine’s effects can last weeks or even months for some people, while others might feel symptoms return sooner. This timing plays a big role in deciding when to come back for another session.

How Long Do the Effects Last Between Ketamine Infusions?

One of the most common questions people have is, “If it works, how long will I feel better?” The answer is it depends on you.

For many people, the relief from depression starts within hours or days after the first few infusions. These effects can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some patients stay symptom-free for 4–6 weeks after their initial series, while others might need a booster much sooner.

How long ketamine lasts for you will depend on things like your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and how your brain responds to treatment. Over time, you and your doctor will figure out the pattern: some people get boosters once a month, while others can go two or three months before feeling symptoms creeping back.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right ketamine infusion schedule isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan, it’s about working with a team that understands your problems and adjusts your treatment as you go. At Mass Mind Center, we’re committed to more than just giving infusions. We focus on listening to your story, tracking your progress closely, and making sure each session moves you closer to long lasting relief.

From your very first consultation, our team walks you through every step explaining the process in plain language, answering all your questions, and tailoring a plan that works for your life. Whether it’s setting the right frequency for boosters, combining your treatment with therapy, or simply making sure you feel supported every time you walk through our doors, we’re here for you.

Your mental health journey is personal, and our mission is to help you take it at a pace that feels right, so you can get back to living fully, with more good days ahead.