For some people with depression, standard antidepressant medications and therapy don’t provide enough relief. Ketamine — an FDA-approved anesthetic used off-label for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects — is offered at HEALING IN NM as an additional option for treatment-resistant depression, provided in a monitored, in-person clinical setting.

Ketamine treatment is prescribed and supervised by Julie Murphy, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC — a double board-certified, DEA-registered nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe controlled substances in New Mexico.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine works differently than most antidepressants. Rather than gradually adjusting neurotransmitter levels over several weeks, ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system and has been shown to rapidly promote neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. For many people with treatment-resistant depression, this can translate into meaningful symptom relief within hours to days, rather than the weeks typically required for standard antidepressants.

Is Ketamine Right for You?

Ketamine therapy is not a first-line treatment and is not appropriate for everyone. It’s generally considered for adults with treatment-resistant depression — depression that hasn’t responded adequately to standard antidepressant trials and therapy — after a thorough clinical evaluation.

A comprehensive screening is required before treatment begins. This includes a review of your health history, current medications, cardiovascular health, and any psychiatric or medical factors that could affect candidacy or safety. Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone, and your provider will determine together with you whether it’s a safe and suitable option.

Risks & Side Effects

Like any medical treatment, ketamine carries potential risks and side effects, which are reviewed with you in detail before starting. These can include temporary dissociation or altered perception during the session, short-term increases in blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, and dizziness. Ketamine is generally not recommended for people with certain uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, a history of psychosis, or active substance use disorder, and repeated use outside a supervised medical setting carries a risk of misuse or dependence. This is why treatment is provided only in person, under direct supervision, and only after a full evaluation confirms it’s an appropriate and safe option for you.

What to Expect

• In-person, supervised sessions. Treatment takes place in a calm, monitored clinical setting — not at home — for your safety throughout the session.
• Approximately 3 hours per session, allowing time for preparation, medication administration, monitoring, and a full recovery period before you leave.
• Plan for a ride home. You will not be able to drive yourself after treatment, so please arrange transportation in advance.
• An individualized plan. The number of sessions recommended varies by person and is discussed as part of your treatment plan.

Pricing

$650 per session. HEALING IN NM is an out-of-network provider; a receipt (superbill) can be provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement or HSA/FSA use.

Support Between Sessions

Many people find that the benefits of ketamine treatment are supported by dedicated integration work between sessions — processing what comes up, and building the habits and structure that help results last. Our Integration & Wellness Coaching is available as a complement to your medical treatment plan.