• ​Ketamine Infusion and Wellness Specialists offers an evidence-based, intravenous (IV) treatment option with a proven protocol for depression.  We are using our expertise to respond to the alarmingly high rate of depression and suicide on the Western Slope of Colorado.  We offer treatment to patients by referral only. 
  • We do not offer walk-in therapy. 
  • We do not offer oral ketamine therapy...this method is not supported by evidence to treat depression and is not safe to use without the direct supervision of a trained professional. 

• ​We offer therapy for chronic pain patients who are seeking to achieve better control with their existing pain regimen or to wean from opiate therapy.

 

• We are also excited to offer IV vitamin and hydration therapy through our REVeD program to aid in overall health and wellness.  This service does not require a referral.  Please see our REVeD vitamin infusion and product menu to learn more then contact us to make an appointment for an infusion.

​

---

PURPOSE

• Led by experienced anesthesiologists from St Mary's Hospital,  Ketamine Infusion Specialists was established 6 years ago to provide a physician-directed, clinic-based setting for the administration of ketamine hydrochloride. 
• Ketamine is given intravenously (IV)- the best-studied and most reliable method of ketamine delivery to achieve relief from depression. 
• We use protocol based, subanesthetic doses for both  treatment-resistant, major depressive disorder and chronic pain.
  • Treatment-resistant depression is defined  as an inadequate response to treatment with at least two antidepressant medications of different classes with  adequate doses and duration.

PATHWAY

Intravenous (IV) ketamine consistently achieves at least a 75% rate of relief from depression symptoms in patients not responding to oral medication (antidepressants)

1- Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of treatment-resistant, major depressive disorder will be made by a psychiatrist or other qualified practitioner prior to the patient receiving ketamine therapy.  

• Chronic pain patients who wish to achieve better pain control with their current pain regimen or to wean from opiate therapy should seek a referral from their prescriber. 

2-Referral

• Referrals can be initiated with a phone call to our office followed by written documentation sent to us by mail or fax.  They may be made by a patient’s psychiatrist/behavioral health provider, primary care provider or by an emergency department provider.

Ketamine Infusion Specialists
525 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Phone: 970.778.3753
Fax: 970.778.3754

 
3- Phone Consultation

• After we receive the referral, we will contact the patient to review medical history to determine if the patient is a good candidate for ketamine therapy.  Patient goals are reviewed at this time and their support system is identified. 

4-Infusion

• For depression, a series of 6 intravenous (IV) infusions lasting 45 minutes over 2-3 weeks is recommended.  ​​*Please see our "Resources" tab for details on the studies supporting this protocol. 
• For chronic pain, infusions are generally scheduled less frequently and for a longer duration (up to 3 hours).

​5- Suggestions for greatest benefit

• Continuing mental health treatment via their psychiatrist and/or primary provider during the ketamine series. 
• Identifying goals to achieve during therapy to assess their response. 
• Journaling after infusions to help process their infusion experience and observe their response over the following days
• Seeking insight on behavioral changes from significant others
• Completing the PHQ-9 form before beginning infusion therapy and midway through the series

All of the above suggestions contribute to a more complete and long-lasting remission from depressive symptoms.  
​
6-Maintenance

• Some patients will seek additional "maintenance" ketamine sessions after their initial series is complete.  These single sessions might occur weeks to months after the initial series if symptoms begin to worsen.