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Ketamine Service

Mass General Brigham, which includes the renowned McLean Hospital, provides world-class, comprehensive care for all types of mental health and psychiatric concerns. The Ketamine Service offers specialized treatment for adults struggling with depression, especially major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
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Ketamine treatment for depression, OCD, and more

Mass General Brigham is a leader in mental health and psychiatric care, with McLean Hospital serving as a world leader in care, research, and education. Ketamine and esketamine may be used to treat depression that has not improved with at least two prior medications. They may also be recommended for individuals with acute suicidal thoughts who may benefit from a fast-acting treatment. Our care team includes psychiatrists and nurses with specialized training in both medical and psychiatric care. They are experienced in supporting this patient population and focus on delivering treatment safely.
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Part of Mental Health and Psychiatric Services
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Our approach to ketamine therapy

Our data-driven, evidence-based service applies cutting-edge research to clinical practice. We create personalized treatments based on thorough, scientific evaluation of each patient.
Thorough evaluation for treatment

During your consultation, your care team will evaluate whether ketamine infusions, intranasal esketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the best option based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and goals.

If ketamine or esketamine is recommended, you will complete a medical evaluation to ensure the treatment is safe before starting.

Customized, multi-therapy care plan

Our team also offers electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Your treatment plan is customized to meet your needs and may include the options for any of these interventions.

What to expect for IV ketamine treatment

IV ketamine treatment is tailored to your needs and may include a single infusion, a short series of 3 to 4 infusions, or a longer course of about 8 infusions, with follow-up care adjusted based on your response.

Ketamine infusions are delivered through IV over 40 minutes. Patients remain awake during the treatment. Many individuals opt to read, listen to music, or just relax. Patients are monitored before, during, and after the treatment.

What to expect for esketamine treatment

Esketamine treatment follows an FDA-approved schedule, starting with twice-weekly sessions, then weekly treatments, and eventually transitioning to maintenance care every 1 to 3 weeks.

Esketamine is self-administered intranasally under the supervision of a nurse. Patients are also monitored before, during, and after this treatment.

Financial guidance and support

Consultations are typically covered by insurance, but coverage for IV ketamine and intranasal esketamine varies by plan. Check with your insurance provider for details about your benefits.

If you are paying out of pocket and seeking reimbursement, we can provide documentation to support your claim. McLean Hospital accepts Medicare, Massachusetts Medicaid, and many private insurance plans.

For more information, review our billing and financial assistance resources.

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Our approach

Conditions we treat

Ketamine has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for many individuals who struggle with severe depression.
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Conditions and treatments
We offer specialized services and programs for all types of mental health conditions. Depending on your needs, your care plan may include mental health counseling, medications, dedicated programs, or a combination of treatments.

  • Mental Health and Psychiatric Services

    Access compassionate mental health and psychiatric care across Greater Boston at Mass General Brigham, home to world-class experts from McLean Hospital.

  • Depression Service

    Our compassionate behavioral health specialists offer the latest depression treatments and programs for children and adults. Learn how we can help.

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Service

    Get transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Call us today to find out if TMS is right for you.

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Service

    Get electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe psychiatric symptoms when medications haven’t helped or rapid relief is needed. Call us today to find out if ECT is right for you.

  • Anxiety Service

    Access comprehensive services for anxiety disorders, including medications and therapies. Request an appointment.

  • Stress and PTSD Service

    Our stress and PTSD services include therapy, medications, partial hospital programs, and specialized care for children and adults. Learn about PTSD care at Mass General Brigham.

  • Bipolar Disorder Service

    Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood changes that can affect daily life and well-being. Learn more about comprehensive bipolar disorder care at Mass General Brigham.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service

    We offer expert care for children and adults with OCD. Learn how we can help ease the unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that come with OCD.

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Services and programs

Contact the Ketamine Service

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you.
Phone

McLean Hospital

Belmont: 617-855-2364

Middleborough: 508-923-5445

Brigham and Women's Hospital

617-983-7973

Massachusetts General Hospital

617-724-5510

International
International Patient Services
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Contact