Ketamine Therapy for Phoenix-Area Patients
Advanced Psychiatric Ketamine Treatment for Phoenix-Area Adults
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FAQ section)
Why Phoenix-Area Patients Seek Out Dr. DePalma for Ketamine
Many adults searching for ketamine therapy in Phoenix have already tried antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or combinations of treatments without achieving the level of relief they were hoping for.
When depression, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms continue despite multiple treatment attempts, it is natural to begin looking for alternative treatment options.
At One Psychiatry, Dr. Michael DePalma provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine Therapy for adults throughout Phoenix and the surrounding metropolitan area. Patients frequently travel from Arcadia, Biltmore, Downtown Phoenix, North Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Desert Ridge, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and Glendale seeking a more personalized, psychiatrist-directed approach to ketamine treatment.
Unlike many ketamine clinics that focus primarily on medication administration, ketamine treatment at One Psychiatry is integrated into a broader psychiatric treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication management, ongoing psychiatric follow-up, and long-term treatment planning.
Why More Phoenix Patients Are Considering Ketamine Therapy
Depression remains one of the most common and disabling mental health conditions in the United States.
While traditional antidepressants help many individuals, a significant percentage of patients continue to experience symptoms despite trying multiple medications and treatment approaches.
Common reasons Phoenix-area patients seek ketamine treatment include:
- Depression that has not improved with antidepressants
- Partial improvement followed by relapse
- Persistent lack of motivation or emotional numbness
- Chronic feelings of hopelessness
- Ongoing anxiety despite treatment
- Depression with PTSD symptoms that continue despite therapy
- Difficulty tolerating antidepressant side effects
- Desire for a more comprehensive psychiatric treatment approach
For some individuals, ketamine therapy may offer an additional treatment option when traditional approaches have been insufficient.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely in medical settings for decades.
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has attracted significant interest within psychiatry because of its potential antidepressant effects.
Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) ketamine for the treatment of depression and mood disorders is not currently FDA-approved for these indications and represents an off-label use of the medication. The FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) is a separate treatment not offered at this practice.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily influence serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems, ketamine works through different neurobiological pathways involving glutamate signaling and neuroplasticity.
Research suggests ketamine may help:
- Promote new neural connections
- Improve emotional flexibility
- Reduce depressive symptoms
- Enhance psychological openness
- Improve motivation and engagement
- Support recovery from treatment-resistant depression
One reason ketamine has generated so much attention is that some patients report improvement substantially faster than what is typically seen with conventional antidepressant medications.
Because ketamine treatment is not appropriate for everyone, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is essential before treatment begins.
At One Psychiatry, every patient undergoes a detailed psychiatric assessment reviewing:
- Current symptoms
- Psychiatric diagnoses
- Previous medication trials
- Psychotherapy history
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Treatment goals
- Potential risks and benefits
IM Ketamine Advantages for Phoenix Patients
- Rapid onset — effects begin within 5–10 minutes of injection
- Consistent bioavailability
- No IV required
- Individually dosed by Dr. DePalma
- Supported by clinical research
- Lower cost than IV infusion
Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression in Phoenix
The majority of patients seeking ketamine treatment in Phoenix are experiencing some degree of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).
Treatment Resistant Depression generally refers to depression that has not adequately responded to at least two appropriately prescribed antidepressant medications.
Individuals with TRD often report:
- Years of persistent depression
- Multiple medication trials
- Temporary improvement followed by relapse
- Ongoing emotional suffering despite treatment
- Frustration after seeing multiple providers
Treatment Resistant Depression does not mean recovery is impossible.
Instead, it often indicates that a more individualized treatment strategy is needed.
Potential treatment approaches may include:
- Medication optimization
- Psychotherapy
- Ketamine therapy
- rTMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- Combined treatment approaches
Ketamine has become an important option within this group because its mechanism differs substantially from traditional antidepressants.
For some patients, ketamine may provide meaningful improvement when previous treatment strategies have not been successful.
For more information about Treatment Resistant Depression, visit our dedicated Treatment Resistant Depression Phoenix page.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
At One Psychiatry, ketamine treatment may be combined with psychotherapy through a model known as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
KAP seeks to utilize the unique psychological state that ketamine can create while incorporating therapeutic guidance and integration.
Many patients report experiences such as:
- Increased psychological flexibility
- New perspectives on longstanding problems
- Greater emotional awareness
- Enhanced insight into behavioral patterns
- Reduced psychological defensiveness
The goal is not simply symptom reduction.
The goal is also to help patients translate insights gained during treatment into meaningful changes in daily life.
When appropriate, Dr. DePalma incorporates psychotherapeutic processing and integration into ketamine treatment sessions as part of a comprehensive psychiatric approach.
Why Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine?
Several ketamine delivery methods exist, including:
- Intravenous (IV) infusions
- Oral ketamine
- Sublingual ketamine
- Nasal ketamine
- Intramuscular (IM) ketamine
At One Psychiatry, ketamine is administered intramuscularly.
IM ketamine offers several potential advantages:
Predictable Absorption
Compared with oral and sublingual formulations, IM administration produces more reliable absorption and bioavailability.
No IV Placement Required
Many patients appreciate avoiding intravenous catheter placement while still receiving a highly effective delivery method.
Strong Clinical Evidence
Published studies have demonstrated comparable antidepressant efficacy between IM and IV ketamine for many patients.
Individualized Dosing
Treatment is tailored to each patient’s:
- Body weight
- Symptom profile
- Treatment goals
- Previous response patterns
- Clinical history
Why Choose One Psychiatry for Ketamine Therapy in Phoenix?
Many Phoenix-area ketamine clinics focus primarily on medication administration.
One Psychiatry utilizes a different model.
Direct Psychiatrist Involvement
Dr. DePalma personally:
- Conducts evaluations
- Determines candidacy
- Develops treatment plans
- Administers ketamine
- Provides psychotherapy
- Oversees ongoing care
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Treatment recommendations are made within the broader context of your psychiatric diagnosis and overall treatment history.
Integrated Care Model
Ketamine therapy can be coordinated with:
- Medication management
- Psychotherapy
- Ongoing psychiatric treatment
- Long-term symptom monitoring
Continuity of Care
Patients are not transferred between multiple providers during treatment.
The same psychiatrist remains involved throughout the process.
What to Expect During a Ketamine Therapy Session
Each ketamine treatment session lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Step 1: Ketamine Administration
Dr. DePalma administers an individually calculated intramuscular ketamine dose to the deltoid muscle.
Dosing is based on clinical factors unique to each patient rather than a standardized protocol.
Step 2: Therapeutic Experience
Patients relax comfortably with carefully selected music and professional-quality headphones.
Many individuals describe:
- Deep relaxation
- Enhanced introspection
- Emotional processing
- Increased psychological flexibility
- Novel perspectives on personal challenges
Dr. DePalma remains available throughout the session.
Step 3: Psychotherapeutic Integration
After the primary medication effects begin to subside, treatment shifts toward psychotherapy and integration.
Discussion may focus on:
- Emotional themes
- Insights
- Treatment goals
- Behavioral changes
- Ongoing recovery strategies
Step 4: Discharge Evaluation
Prior to leaving, Dr. DePalma evaluates readiness for discharge.
A responsible adult must drive patients home after every ketamine session.
Treatment Timeline
Initial Intake Evaluation — $350
All new patients begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Current psychiatric patients of Dr. DePalma do not require a separate intake.
Induction Series
Treatment typically begins with six sessions completed over approximately three weeks.
The first two sessions help determine whether a patient is responding favorably.
If treatment appears beneficial, the remaining sessions are completed to finish the induction series.
Maintenance Phase
Many patients experience sustained benefit after induction.
Maintenance schedules vary considerably.
Some patients require periodic booster sessions.
Others may go months without needing additional treatment.
Treatment Course & Pricing
Initial Intake Evaluation — $350 Required for all new patients. A full psychiatric and medical evaluation with Dr. DePalma to determine candidacy and build your treatment plan. Not required for current patients.
Induction Series — 6 Sessions over 3 Weeks — $500/session The first two sessions serve as a trial. If you respond, the remaining four sessions complete the induction series within three weeks. The $500 session fee includes the ketamine medication and in-session psychotherapy — there are no separate charges for those components.
Maintenance — As Needed Most Phoenix-area patients go weeks to months between maintenance sessions. Dr. DePalma monitors your response and recommends maintenance only when clinically indicated.
- HSA cards accepted
- Zero-interest financing available through Advance Care
- Insurance does not typically cover ketamine therapy
Pricing summary
- Intake Evaluation: $350
- Ketamine Sessions: $500 per 90-minute session
- Includes ketamine medication and in-session psychotherapy
Who May Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?
- Major depressive disorder with inadequate medication response
- Tried antidepressants without adequate relief
- Have experienced significant medication side effects
- Depression with persistent PTSD symptoms despite standard treatment
- Depression with severe anxiety not controlled by medication or therapy
- Desired a single provider managing all aspects of their care
- Note that Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) ketamine for the treatment of depression and mood disorders is not currently FDA-approved for these indications and represents an off-label use of the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy in Phoenix
Where do Phoenix patients receive ketamine therapy? Ketamine therapy Phoenix patients receive is administered at One Psychiatry’s Scottsdale location at 5635 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 — minutes from the Phoenix border and accessible from across the metro area.
If I currently have an active Psychiatric prescriber and would like to keep them, do they need to be aware of me having Ketamine Treatment at One Psychiatry? * due to the realities of the dangers, regulations and care standards around this issue, it must be approached carefully as below:
If you have a current Psychiatric prescriber and would like to maintain them as your prescriber during Ketamine Treatment at One Psychiatry, Dr DePalma requires (at a minimum) a short 1-2 sentence letter faxed from this provider to Dr. DePalma (844-965-9613) which indicates that this prescriber is aware of and agrees with the patient receiving Ketamine Treatment at One Psychiatry while this prescriber continues to manage the patients psychotropic medications. Otherwise, this arrangement cannot be allowed due to increased chances of dangerous complications/polypharmacy/interactions/poor coordination of care and in the absence of such letter, the patient will be required to truthfully attest and sign that they are no longer under the prescribing care of the previous prescriber and that they will not be filling medications from said previous prescriber while receiving Ketamine treatment at One Psychiatry.
What if I don’t have depression but would really like to pursue ketamine treatment for PTSD or Anxiety without depression?
The current evidence for PTSD is moderate but not first line. If you have not tried other treatments for PTSD and failed you would likely not be a candidate at One Psychiatry for Ketamine Therapy. Ketamine evidence for anxiety treatment alone is fairly weak thus you would likely not be a candidate for anxiety treatment alone without depression.
Do I need to arrange a ride home? Yes. For safety reasons, a responsible adult must drive you home from every ketamine session. Rideshare services may be acceptable and approved on a case by case basis. Transportation is not required for the Initial Intake Evaluation.
If I currently use marijuana/THC am I able to have Ketamine Therapy? If you are currently using marijuana you are not a candidate for Ketamine Therapy at One Psychiatry. This is due to the significantly increase chances of paranoia and negative experience with ketamine treatment as well as decreased anti-depressant response.
How long does each session take? Each ketamine session is 90 minutes. Plan for additional time for arrival, pre-session check-in, and post-session discharge assessment.
Will I need to sign additional forms before undergoing Ketamine Treatment at One Psychiatry?
Yes, during the first evaluation session to assess your symptoms as well as the appropriateness for this treatment vs (or in addition to) other treatments , the risks and benefits of Ketamine treatment as well as treatment options will be discussed. You must sign a form indicating education of these as well as agreement to arrange transportation and agreement to not have multiple psychotropic prescribers (without written prescriber agreement and acknowledgement from current prescriber to Dr DePalma).
Can I continue seeing my current Talk Therapist? Yes. Many patients continue working with their existing Psychologist while pursuing ketamine treatment? When appropriate, ketamine therapy can complement ongoing psychotherapy and other aspects of mental health treatment. This situation does not carry the same complexities regarding a 2 prescriber situation.
If I am not sure whether my symptoms warrant or justify ketamine treatment , or have other questions such as unsure about whether I can continue having a current prescriber during ketamine treatment or whether I can use marijuana should I request an informational call first or should I just request an appointment?
You should absolutely request an informational call first. Otherwise you may be essentially wasting your time and money if you are really hoping for Ketamine Treatment but are not a candidate due to potential complications such as above. Click HERE to request informational call .
What if I am not approved for ketamine after the evaluation? If ketamine therapy is not recommended after the evaluation, Dr. DePalma will discuss alternative treatment options that may be more appropriate for your situation. Patients who choose not to pursue ongoing treatment may be eligible for a partial refund according to current office policies.
How is this different from Phoenix ketamine clinics? Many ketamine treatment settings focus primarily on medication administration. At One Psychiatry, ketamine therapy is integrated into ongoing psychiatric care. Dr. DePalma conducts the evaluation, oversees treatment planning, administers ketamine personally, provides psychotherapy during treatment sessions, and continues managing care afterward when appropriate.
Can I stay on my current antidepressant? In most cases yes — if you feel your current medication is even partially beneficial, you may typically continue it. Some medication types require adjustment. This is reviewed during the Initial Intake Evaluation.
Do I need a referral? No referral is required. New patients begin with an Initial Intake Evaluation directly with Dr. DePalma.
Are HSA cards accepted? Yes.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are searching for ketamine therapy in Phoenix because depression symptoms have continued despite previous treatment efforts, an Initial Intake Evaluation is the first step.
Dr. Michael DePalma will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your situation, and develop an individualized treatment plan designed around your specific needs and goals.
Prefer to talk first? Request an informational phone call →
Getting to One Psychiatry from Phoenix
5635 N Scottsdale Rd Suite #170, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
P: (480) 296-2048
F: (844) 965-9613
The Research Supporting Ketamine for Depression
The antidepressant effects of ketamine therapy Phoenix patients access through One Psychiatry are among the most replicated findings in recent psychiatric research. For Phoenix-area patients considering this treatment, the key findings are:
- Murrough et al. (2013) found repeated ketamine sessions produced response rates exceeding 70% at day 28 in treatment-resistant patients — compared to 15.4% in the control group
- Chilukuri et al. (2014) confirmed IM and IV ketamine produce comparable short-term antidepressant efficacy — directly validating the IM approach used at One Psychiatry
- Phillips et al. (2019) meta-analysis confirmed that 4–6 repeated sessions produce higher response rates and longer-lasting effects than single sessions
- Singh et al. (2016) found more frequent sessions over two weeks produced greater response durability through day 28
The evidence suggests that a series of sessions may produce more durable effects than a single session for some patients. Individual results vary.