Ketamine Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Intramuscular Ketamine— Personally Administered by a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
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FAQ section)
Why Psychiatric Oversight Matters in Ketamine Therapy
If you are struggling with depression that has not improved with traditional antidepressants, ketamine therapy may offer a different approach. At One Psychiatry, Dr. Michael DePalma provides individualized ketamine therapy in Scottsdale for adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders. Patients from Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Carefree, and surrounding Phoenix communities seek ketamine treatment when conventional therapies have not provided adequate relief. Ketamine therapy may help some individuals experience meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms and quality of life when standard treatments have been unsuccessful.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is supported by a growing body of clinical research and has gained significant attention for its potential role in helping individuals with depression, particularly when symptoms have not responded adequately to traditional antidepressant medications. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which often require several weeks to reach full effect, ketamine works through different neurobiological pathways and may produce improvement more rapidly in some patients.
Originally developed and FDA-approved as an anesthetic, ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades. In psychiatric treatment, ketamine is administered at significantly lower doses and is carefully monitored by a qualified medical professional. Research suggests that ketamine may promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections—which may contribute to improvements in mood, motivation, and emotional flexibility.
Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV)ketamine for the treatment of depression and mood disorders is not 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.
Ketamine therapy is most commonly considered for individuals experiencing Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), though it may also be discussed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain patients with other mood-related conditions. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is important to determine whether ketamine therapy may be an appropriate option based on an individual’s symptoms, treatment history, medical background, and treatment goals.
At One Psychiatry, ketamine treatment is provided as part of a comprehensive psychiatric approach that emphasizes careful assessment, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing clinical support. Depending on a patient’s needs, treatment may involve Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine Therapy, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), or a combination of approaches designed to support both symptom improvement and long-term recovery.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine therapy with structured psychotherapy. At One Psychiatry, KAP may be incorporated into a personalized ketamine treatment plan for appropriate Scottsdale-area patients seeking a more comprehensive approach to healing.
During treatment, individuals often experience new perspectives, increased psychological flexibility, and emotional insights that can be explored through therapeutic integration sessions. By combining psychotherapy with ketamine therapy, patients may be able to address long-standing emotional patterns, strengthen self-awareness, and gain greater benefit from the therapeutic process.
For many individuals pursuing ketamine therapy in Scottsdale, KAP provides an opportunity to utilize the unique therapeutic window created by ketamine treatment while engaging in meaningful psychological work and personal growth.
Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression
Many individuals seeking ketamine therapy in Scottsdale have experienced persistent depression despite trying antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, or combinations of these approaches. When depressive symptoms continue despite multiple adequate treatment attempts, the condition is often referred to as Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).
Treatment Resistant Depression is more common than many people realize. Patients frequently describe years of ongoing symptoms, partial responses to medications, temporary improvement followed by relapse, or frustration after working with multiple providers without achieving meaningful relief. While several evidence-based treatments may be considered for TRD—including medication optimization, psychotherapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine therapy—treatment recommendations should always be individualized.
One reason ketamine therapy has generated significant interest is that it works differently than traditional antidepressants. Rather than primarily targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems, ketamine affects glutamate pathways involved in neuroplasticity and neural connectivity. This unique mechanism has made ketamine an important treatment option for some individuals whose depression has not adequately responded to conventional approaches.
At One Psychiatry, ketamine therapy is provided within a broader psychiatric framework that emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment planning, ongoing monitoring, and long-term symptom management. Dr. Michael DePalma carefully reviews each patient’s diagnosis, treatment history, medical background, and treatment goals to determine whether ketamine therapy may be an appropriate option.
To learn more about Treatment Resistant Depression and the full range of available treatment options, visit our dedicated Treatment Resistant Depression Scottsdale page.
Why Choose One Psychiatry for Ketamine Therapy in Scottsdale?
- Direct care from a board-certified psychiatrist
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Individualized treatment planning
- Integration of medication management and psychotherapy
- Convenient access for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley residents
What to Expect at Your Scottsdale Ketamine Session
Each ketamine therapy Scottsdale session at One Psychiatry’s office is 90 minutes and follows a structured protocol developed by Dr. DePalma.
The IM Injection Dr. DePalma administers an individually calculated dose of ketamine intramuscularly to the deltoid. Dosing is determined based on your specific psychiatric profile, body weight, and treatment history.
The Relaxation Period Following the injection, you recline comfortably with professional-grade stereo headphones and carefully selected music. This period is designed to support introspection, reflection, emotional processing, and personal insight. Dr. DePalma remains accessible in the room throughout.
Psychotherapeutic Processing Following the primary effects of ketamine, Dr. DePalma conducts a structured psychotherapy session focused on processing the experience, exploring emerging insights, and integrating those insights into your broader treatment plan.
Discharge Assessment Before leaving, Dr. DePalma assesses your readiness for discharge. A responsible adult must be arranged to drive you home from every ketamine therapy Scottsdale session.
Treatment Course — Induction and Maintenance
Step 1 — Initial Intake Evaluation ($350) All new patients begin with a full evaluation before any ketamine therapy session is scheduled. This determines candidacy, reviews current medications, and establishes a personalized treatment plan. Current patients of Dr. DePalma do not require a separate intake evaluation.
Step 2 — The Induction Series (6 Sessions over 3 Weeks) Two initial ketamine therapy Scottsdale sessions are completed first. If you are a responder, all six sessions of the induction series are completed within a three-week period.
Step 3 — Maintenance (As Needed) Many patients who complete ketamine therapy Scottsdale induction go weeks to months without needing maintenance sessions. Some require periodic sessions when symptoms return or are triggered by stressors. Some patients require no maintenance at all.
Pricing summary
- Intake Evaluation: $350
- Ketamine Sessions: $500 per 90-minute session
- Includes ketamine medication and in-session psychotherapy
- HSA cards accepted
- Zero-interest financing available through Advance Care
- Insurance does not typically cover ketamine therapy
Who May Benefit from Ketamine Therapy in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale-area adults who may be candidates for ketamine therapy include those who have:
- Been diagnosed with MDD or TRD
- Tried antidepressants without adequate relief
- Experienced significant medication side effects limiting options
- Adults with treatment-resistant depression
- Been managing symptoms for years without meaningful improvement
- Sought a more integrated, psychiatrist-led approach to ketamine
- Desired a single provider managing all aspects of their care
- Not responded to or been unable to tolerate TMS or ECT
Integrated Psychiatric Care
Because Dr. DePalma provides ongoing psychiatric care, treatment decisions can be made within the broader context of your diagnosis, medication regimen, symptoms, goals, and long-term progress.
This integrated model allows ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, medication management, and psychiatric follow-up to work together as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
The Research Behind Ketamine for Depression
The antidepressant effects of ketamine therapy Scottsdale patients can access through One Psychiatry are among the most replicated findings in recent psychiatric research. Key points from the clinical literature:
- A 2013 randomized controlled trial by Murrough et al. found that repeated ketamine sessions produced response rates exceeding 70% at day 28 in treatment-resistant patients (Results varied across participants, and individual outcomes cannot be predicted. These figures represent research findings and are not a guarantee of results.)
- Phillips et al. (2019) meta-analysis confirmed that 4–6 repeated sessions produced higher response rates and longer-lasting effects than single sessions
- Chilukuri et al. (2014) demonstrated that IM and IV ketamine produce comparable short-term antidepressant efficacy — directly supporting the IM approach used at One Psychiatry
- Singh et al. (2016) found that more frequent sessions over two weeks produced greater response durability through day 28
Research consistently supports a series of treatments rather than a single session for achieving more durable antidepressant effects.
Ketamine Therapy Scottsdale — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Scottsdale office located? One Psychiatry is located at 5635 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Conveniently accessible from most Scottsdale neighborhoods and minutes from the Phoenix border.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Can I continue my current antidepressant during ketamine treatment? In most cases yes — if you feel your current antidepressant is even partially beneficial, you may typically continue it. Some medication types require adjustment. This is reviewed in full during the Initial Intake Evaluation.
Is ketamine addictive? When administered in a supervised clinical setting at therapeutic doses, ketamine is not considered addictive. The doses used for depression treatment are far lower and less frequent than those associated with recreational misuse or dependence.
Do I need a referral? No referral is required. New patients begin with an Initial Intake Evaluation directly with Dr. DePalma.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The Initial Intake Evaluation is where ketamine treatment begins. Dr. DePalma will conduct a full psychiatric and medical assessment to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your situation — and if so, build a personalized treatment plan around your specific needs.
Prefer to talk first? Request an informational phone call →
5635 N Scottsdale Rd Suite #170, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
P: (480) 296-2048
F: (844) 965-9613
For trusted clinical information on ketamine therapy and treatment-resistant depression, visit the American Psychiatric Association at psychiatry.org, the National Institute of Mental Health at nimh.nih.gov, and the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners at askp3.org.