Ketamine Therapy Types: Which Option Is Right for You?

When I first heard about ketamine therapy, I was skeptical. I had spent years cycling through antidepressants, therapy appointments, yoga retreats- you name it. Some things helped for a while, but the heaviness always crept back in. So when a close friend told me she’d tried ketamine for her depression and felt “light again,” I couldn’t ignore the possibility.

But once I started researching, I quickly realized: ketamine therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are different types—each with its own method, pace, and setting. And figuring out which one is right for you? That can feel overwhelming.

If you’re considering ketamine treatment but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through the most common types of ketamine therapy, what they’re like, who they’re best for, and what to expect. I’ll also share some honest reflections- because healing is personal, and choosing your path deserves more than a checklist.

Why Ketamine?

Before diving into the types, let’s talk about why ketamine is even being used in therapy.

Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has found a second life in mental health care. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to kick in (if they work at all), ketamine can bring relief within hours or days.

How? It works on glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, triggering neuroplasticity and helping “rewire” stuck or negative thought patterns. Think of it like shaking the Etch A Sketch of your mind. For many, that reset is life-changing.

Studies from Yale, Johns Hopkins, and the National Institute of Mental Health have shown ketamine’s promise in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and even chronic pain.

But here’s the thing: how you receive ketamine matters just as much as the medicine itself.

1. IV Infusion Therapy

What it is:

Intravenous (IV) ketamine is administered directly into your bloodstream, usually over 40–60 minutes. You’re in a medical clinic, seated or reclined, with

What it feels like:

Many people describe a “floating” or “out-of-body” experience. You’re aware, yet distant, like observing your thoughts instead of getting lost in them. Afterward, you may feel groggy, but also emotionally lighter.

Best for:

• People with treatment-resistant depression
• Those looking for a fast-acting intervention
• Patients who need close medical supervision

Pros:

• Fast-acting relief (sometimes within 24 hours)
• Controlled dosing and environment
• High bioavailability (you absorb almost all of the medication)

Considerations:

• Often not covered by insurance
• Can be costly (ranges from $400–$800 per infusion)
• Multiple sessions (typically 6) recommended for lasting results

My take:

IV was my introduction to ketamine therapy. The sterile setting felt a little intimidating, but having medical professionals nearby gave me peace of mind. I remember crying during my third session, not because I was sad, but because it was the first time I’d felt anything in months.

2. Intramuscular (IM) Injections

What it is:

Ketamine is injected into a muscle (usually the shoulder or thigh), where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream more gradually than IV.

What it feels like:

Similar to IV, though the onset may be slightly slower. The experience can be deeply introspective and often includes vivid imagery or emotional processing.

Best for:

• People seeking a clinic-based experience without IV equipment
• Those looking for a more affordable option
• Clients open to deeper emotional journeys

Pros:

• Less invasive than IV
• Cheaper (generally around $200–$400 per session)
• Can be combined with psychotherapy during the session

Considerations:

• Dosing less adjustable once injected
• Still requires clinic visits and recovery time

3. Sublingual or Oral Lozenges

What it is:

You let a lozenge or tablet dissolve under your tongue, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream through your mucous membranes. This form is often used at home under medical guidance.

What it feels like:

Milder than IV or IM, but still noticeable. You may feel relaxed, dreamy, or emotionally open. It’s often paired with journaling, breathwork, or integration calls afterward.

Best for:

People looking for at-home convenience

Those already working with a therapist or integration coach

Clients focused on ongoing self-reflection

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Less intense, easier to integrate
• Can be part of a long-term care plan

Considerations:

• Effects can vary based on how long you hold it under your tongue
• Less controlled setting (make sure someone is nearby)
• Works best with structured integration support

Tip:

Look for programs that mail lozenges with virtual support. Some platforms even include telehealth check-ins, guided meditations, and integration tools to help you process insights over time.

4. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

What it is:

KAP blends ketamine with talk therapy. The medicine becomes a tool—not the entire focus. You may take ketamine in any of the forms above (often lozenges or IM), with a therapist guiding the session before, during, and after.

What it feels like:

Powerful. You’re not just floating in your own thoughts—you’re actively exploring them with someone you trust. Emotional breakthroughs, healing of trauma, and deep insight are common.

Best for:

People processing trauma or stuck emotions

Clients who value integration and emotional support

Those new to psychedelics and want guidance

Pros:

• You’re not alone; a therapist is with you throughout
• Deep emotional healing with support
• Integration is built into the process

Considerations:

• Can be expensive ($200–$500+ per session)
• Not all therapists are trained in KAP—look for credentials
• Emotional intensity can be high (but also healing)

So, Which Option Is Right for You?

That depends on what you’re looking for. Are you hoping for quick relief? IV or IM might be the way. Want flexibility and reflection? Sublingual lozenges with at-home support could work beautifully. Looking to heal at the root with someone by your side? KAP might be the deepest path forward.

There’s no “best” choice, only the one that fits your needs, comfort level, and goals.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a clinical or home setting?
• How much structure and support do I need?
• Am I more focused on relief or personal transformation?
• What can I afford financially and emotionally?

Final Thoughts

The first step toward healing is often the hardest, I know, because I’ve taken it. Whether you're standing at the edge of burnout, depression, grief, or simply longing to feel like yourself again, ketamine therapy might offer a path you haven’t yet explored.

But healing isn’t just about finding the right medicine. It’s about finding the right container, the right people, the right support, the right space where you can truly reconnect with who you are beneath the pain.

No matter which approach you choose, IV, IM, lozenge, or KAP, please remember: you are not broken. You are not alone. Healing might not unfold exactly the way you expect, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working.

You deserve to feel peace. You deserve clarity, softness, and a sense of self you may have thought was lost.

And if you’re in search of that journey, ketamine therapy in Pennsylvania could be the beginning of something truly life-changing. Take the step. You’re worth it.