FAQ's About Our Practice and Services
Click any of the links below to review FAQ's on other related topics.
Click any of the links below to review FAQ's on other related topics.
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine produced by Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson. Spravato is only available in a nasal spray form, and is approved by the FDA for treating patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.
Spravato is FDA approved exclusively for adults suffering from Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) may be a good candidate for Spravato treatments. TRD is a form of depression that doesn't improve with standard treatments such as antidepressants and therapy. It's typically defined as not responding adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications. To determine if Spravato is right for you, contact the team at Palo Alto Mind Body to discuss your specific situation and treatment options. Click here to contact us.
Although Spravato esketamine is administered as a nasal spray, people will not be permitted to purchase it for home use. To guard against abuse, patients will need to use Spravato under medical supervision at a clinic or doctor’s office that has been certified by the maker of Spravato as an authorized provider. Palo Alto Mind Body is a certified authorized provider of Spravato.
You will present twice a week for at least the first four weeks of treatment. After that, you may transition to weekly and then eventually every-other-week maintenance treatments depending on your provider's recommendation. Both Ketamine and Spravato require ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain your improvements.
You should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before and drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes before Spravato treatments to reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing headphones if you prefer to listen to your own music during treatment. Follow any specific instructions from your provider regarding adjustments to your medications. You should also arrange to have someone drive you home after treatment. And feel free to have a friend or loved one join you for company and support.
The standard starting dose for Spravato is 56mg. From there, patients may be advised to advance their dosage to the maximum dose of Spravato 84mg. There are situations in which your provider may deviate from this dosing schedule based on your unique situation. Your provider will determine your recommended dosage based on factors such as how you are responding to treatments and how you are tolerating treatments.
A provider will meet with you at each treatment to discuss how you are tolerating treatments and any changes you are noticing. We will also monitor your progress standardized, validated rating scales to measure the severity and improvement of your symptoms over time. Some patients report experiencing an abrupt and dramatic improvement in their symptoms, while others will experience cumulative, gradual changes over time.
Spravato nasal spray is only available through a restricted distribution program called Spravato REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). This program requires that patients be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least two hours after administration of the medication. Most patients feel back to normal by the end of this two hour period (or sooner) but some patients may require additional recovery time, which we can gladly accommodate.Spravato nasal spray is only available through a restricted distribution program called Spravato REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). This program requires that patients be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least two hours after administration of the medication. Most patients feel back to normal by the end of this two hour period (or sooner) but some patients may require additional recovery time, which we can gladly accommodate.
Ketamine--like most chemicals--is made up of two different mirror-image molecules: S-ketamine and R-ketamine. Think of the S- and R- molecules like your left and right hands; that is, they are functionally similar but not exactly the same; rather, they are mirrors of each other. Spravato, the FDA-approved medication for depression, is the S-ketamine molecule, and its name is phoneticized as "esketamine" to make it more fluid to read in text. While Ketamine and Spravato are slightly different medications, both are effective for treating depression and other mental health and pain conditions.
We often get the question: well, which one is better? It's not really a matter of better or worse; they're very similar. The main difference comes down to the politics of the drug approval process in the US. As discussed in another question above, Ketamine is approved by the FDA for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Because it's now a generic medication (it was first approved in 1970), no drug company would invest the one billion or so dollars it takes to get it approved for the treatment of depression. Instead, Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a division of Johnson & Johnson) worked on getting S-ketamine (Spravato) approved. Because S-ketamine is technically a "new" molecule in the eyes of the FDA, Janssen was able to secure a patent on the drug, thus protecting the hundreds of millions of dollars they invested to get it through the FDA process and bring it to market.
From a physician standpoint, we don't see medications through the financial lens of large drug companies, but it is the reality of the world in which we all live. The upside for our patients is that because Spravato is FDA-approved for depression, almost all insurance companies will cover it, thus making it more accessible to those who need these advanced treatments for depression.
As an FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression, Spravato has a defined treatment schedule. This includes an initiation phase of twice-weekly treatments for the first four weeks, followed by ongoing weekly or every-other-week maintenance treatments. Your provider may recommend some deviation from this schedule depending on your situation and response to treatment.
Because IV Ketamine is not FDA-approved to treat depression, the guidelines for initiation and maintenance treatments are not as rigid. Our specific protocols are based on evidence-based research as well as many years of clinical experience. We typically recommend an initiation phase of 6-8 infusions in 2-3 weeks. From there, we gradually space out your maintenance interval by 1-2 weeks at a time to find a maintenance regimen that works best for you.
There is addictive potential with any controlled substance including Ketamine and Spravato. However, when these medications are used as prescribed and under the direct supervision of a provider, that risk is very low. It is also important to never combine Ketamine/Spravato with drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, or illicit substances.
No. Spravato is only FDA-approved for patient administration under the direct observation of a healthcare provider at a Spravato REMS certified facility. It is never dispensed directly to a patient for home use.
Call Palo Alto Mind Body to learn more about Spravato™. For additional information about Spravato™ from Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the maker of Spravato, visit www.spravato.com.
Patient responses to treatment can be highly variable. While some patients will notice immediate improvements after just one treatment, most patients will require a series of treatments before they start to feel better. Feeling better after one or two treatments is the exception, not the rule, so we recommend that you complete the full course of treatment before evaluating efficacy. By comparison, commonly used antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors take weeks to produce symptom relief.
The dissociative sensations experienced during IV Ketamine (and Spravato (esketamine)) treatments are often described as alterations in perception, consciousness, and bodily awareness. These experiences can vary significantly among individuals, ranging from calming and insightful to disorienting or unsettling. Common descriptions are out-of-body experiences, altered time perception, sensory distortions, and emotional detachment. This sensation typically begins shortly after the medication is administered and can last anywhere from several minutes to hours, depending on the individual, type of treatment, and dosage. A trained medical professional is always monitoring you throughout the experience and assisting when needed. We make every effort to ensure you have a pleasant experience while the medicine takes effect.
While there are potential risks with any medication, Ketamine is generally regarded as quite safe when it is used appropriately and under the direct supervision of a medical professional. It interacts with few medications and is a unique anesthetic in that it preserves a person's upper airway tone and protective airway reflexes. While we have extensive emergency equipment and training to manage any serious reaction, we have thankfully never needed to do so in our over 20,000 Ketamine/Spravato treatments.
Our nurses and providers have extensive experience starting IVs, making it as quick and painless as possible. After the initial prick, you should not feel any additional pain.
Because Ketamine is not FDA approved to treat depression or other mental health conditions, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of treatments. However, some insurance plans do. For example, PAMB has a specific contract with the Veterans Health Administration to provide coverage for these treatments if they are recommended by your VA provider. There are also some unique circumstances in which IV Ketamine treatments may be covered (eg, specific insurance plans or if you have tried and failed meds, TMS, and ECT in the past), and we are happy to further explore this with you. If Ketamine treatments are not a financially feasible option for you, Spravato (intranasal esketamine) is also an efficacious option that is covered by almost all insurance plans.
You may notice that treatment protocols vary depending on the clinic. Our specific protocol is based on evidence-based research and years of clinical experience, having delivered over 20,000 Ketamine/Spravato treatments. We may also adjust your specific protocol depending on your unique circumstances.
Your provider will determine your recommended dosage based on factors such as your weight, how you are responding to treatments, and how you are tolerating treatments. There are situations in which your provider may not recommend further increases in your dosage because of a lack of indication or potential safety concerns; similarly, there are times when a higher dose is medically necessary. It all depends on your clinical needs.
While Ketamine and Spravato are controlled substances that carry an addictive potential, when they are used in a clinic under direct medical supervision, the risk of addiction is quite low. However, individuals who have a history of a substance use disorder may be at a greater risk of developing problematic use of these medications and/or reinstatement of a prior addiction. Depending on your specific situation, you may still be a candidate for Ketamine/Spravato treatments even if you have a history of a substance use disorder. A provider can meet with you to thoughtfully weigh the potential risks and benefits of treatment. Interestingly, there is some growing research that Ketamine may actually be helpful for the treatment of addictive disorders such as alcohol use disorder, but more research is needed in this area.
We strongly believe that a psychiatric clinic is the best treatment setting. IV Ketamine treatments are administered under the direct supervision of a medical doctor and the supporting medical staff. It is highly recommended to only receive ketamine treatments at a facility managed by a psychiatrist who is a trained expert in mental health and authorized to manage medications for mental health issues.
Some clinics that offer ketamine infusions are managed by other types of medical professionals who are not mental health experts. Palo Alto Mind Body is managed by Dr. M Rameen Ghorieshi, who holds dual board certifications in psychiatry. He is supported by a team of highly trained and experienced providers who specialize in ketamine infusion treatments.
While Ketamine treatments are generally safe for most people, you may not be a good candidate in a few circumstances: for example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; engaging in active substance use; have uncontrolled hypertension or hyperthyroidism; or have a history of aneurysms, stroke/brain bleed, increased intracranial pressure, severe liver dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, or psychosis. That being said, we always take an individualized approach to your care, weighing the risks and benefits of treatment in your unique situation. If you have a condition that you are concerned about, please call our team to discuss.
While IV ketamine and Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) are thought to have a similar mechanism of action and both are effective treatment options, they are technically different medications. As a result, we have seen that some patients respond better to Spravato and some patients respond better to IV Ketamine. A provider can work with you to determine the best treatment option given your specific situation.
Functional medicine practitioners embark on a comprehensive investigative journey, incorporating detailed health histories, advanced biomarker testing (including metabolic and microbiome analyses), and systems biology frameworks to map each individual’s distinct physiological terrain. By pinpointing how factors such as poor nutrition, blood sugar swings, sleep disruption, chronic stress, and environmental exposures fuel systemic inflammation, they can craft personalized treatment plans that dismantle the underlying inflammatory cascade and reestablish long-term health.
By assessing inflammatory markers, neuroendocrine hormones, nutrient deficiencies, and gut microbiome composition, functional medicine addresses the biological contributors to depression and anxiety and implements targeted interventions to restore physiological balance.
Yes. Functional medicine can uncover contributing factors such as chronic infections, nutrient imbalances, or toxin exposure that may interfere with medication efficacy.
The gut–brain axis facilitates bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. Dysbiosis can promote systemic inflammation, alter neurotransmitter production (e.g., serotonin, GABA), and impair cognitive function.
Individual responses vary, but many patients report measurable improvements in energy, mood, and sleep within 4 - 12 weeks of implementing personalized dietary, lifestyle, and supplement protocols.
Yes. Peer-reviewed studies support the efficacy of anti-inflammatory diets, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D supplementation, probiotic interventions, and sleep optimization in improving mental health outcomes.
No. Functional medicine works collaboratively with your existing treatment plan. Adjustments to medications are made only when clinically indicated and under close supervision.
Functional medicine often utilizes advanced functional assessments such as comprehensive stool analyses, micronutrient panels, advanced hormone profiles, organic acids testing, and specialized inflammatory markers that typically fall outside standard insurance coverage. While these tests offer deep insights into root causes like gut dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposures, and subclinical inflammation, they are not universally required. Your provider will review your specific health history, symptoms, and initial lab findings to recommend only those assessments that will most meaningfully inform and refine your personalized treatment plan, discussing both their clinical value and associated costs.
Typical recommendations include adopting a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet; establishing consistent blood sugar control through balanced meals; incorporating regular movement such as functional exercise and walking; practicing stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga; optimizing sleep hygiene with routine schedules and environment adjustments; and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. We understand making these changes can feel overwhelming, so your functional medicine provider will work closely with you, offering coaching, actionable tools, and ongoing support to gradually implement each step and ensure sustainable, long-term success.
Supplementation recommendations are tailored to the duration of your personalized treatment plan. Your practitioner’s goal is to support your body with targeted nutrients until underlying imbalances are corrected, then gradually wean you off supplements to maintain health through diet, lifestyle, and natural physiological balance. We prioritize sourcing products from reputable companies that utilize third-party testing, since the FDA does not regulate supplement quality or purity.
Common (acute) pain is a healthy symptom of an injury—it is your body's alarm system telling you something is wrong, and the pain subsides as the injury heals. Chronic pain and conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) occur when that alarm system gets stuck in the "on" position. Even after the initial injury or trauma has healed, the central and peripheral nervous systems malfunction and continue to send severe, amplified pain signals to the brain.
When a patient has been in pain for a long time, their nervous system becomes highly sensitized. IV Ketamine works differently than traditional painkillers like opioids or NSAIDs. It binds to and blocks the NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord. By blocking these receptors, ketamine can "reboot" the central nervous system, significantly calm the misfiring pain signals, and lower central sensitization. For many patients, our specialized ketamine pain protocols provide profound relief when all other treatments have failed.
CRPS is notoriously difficult to treat because it is a complex neurological misfiring, rather than a simple structural problem. Traditional pain medications often fail to address the root cause of this nerve sensitization. Because every patient's nervous system is unique, standard "one-size-fits-all" treatments often fall short. This is why we utilize advanced interventions like IV Ketamine to directly target the neurochemical pathways, combined with functional medicine to address underlying inflammation.
We know your pain is 100% physical and real. However, living with relentless, severe pain takes an unavoidable toll on your mental health. It is incredibly common for chronic pain sufferers to experience secondary depression, severe anxiety, medical trauma, and grief over a changing lifestyle. We offer psychotherapy not because the pain is "in your head," but because the burden of the pain is heavy. Our therapy provides you with emotional support, resilience-building tools, and a safe space to process the trauma of living with chronic pain.
Functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system. Chronic pain is often exacerbated by systemic inflammation, metabolic imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. By taking a functional medicine approach, we look for root causes of inflammation and help optimize your cellular health. Supporting your body from the inside out gives your nervous system the best possible environment to heal and respond effectively to treatments like IV Ketamine.
If you are suffering from treatment-resistant chronic pain, CRPS, or fibromyalgia, and have not found relief through traditional pain management strategies, you may be an excellent candidate for IV Ketamine. Because ketamine for pain requires specialized dosing protocols that differ from depression treatments, we require an initial consultation to review your medical history, discuss your specific pain condition, and determine if this approach is safe and right for you.
While we provide comprehensive interventional treatments (like IV Ketamine), psychotherapy, and functional medicine, we do not manage daily pain prescriptions (such as opioids). Instead, we collaborate closely with your primary care provider or pain medicine physician. This allows us to focus our expertise on advanced, holistic interventions to actively reduce your pain levels, while your referring physician continues to manage your day-to-day medications.
Palo Alto Mind Body offers advanced interventional psychiatry and pain management services. These include IV ketamine infusions, FDA-approved Spravato (esketamine), psychotherapy ("talk therapy"), and functional medicine services. We view mind-body care as the most successful path to overall health and wellness.
Interventional psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry that uses advanced, evidence-based procedures to treat mental health conditions when traditional approaches like oral medications and psychotherapy have not worked well enough to resolve your symptoms entirely. Examples of interventional psychiatric treatments include IV Ketamine, Spravato, TMS, ECT, and more.
Our clinic provides interventional treatments, while your current psychiatrist or mental health providers continue your medication and therapy. This is analogous to a patient's PCP or cardiologist managing their blood pressure and cholesterol medications while an interventional cardiologist does procedures such as angiography or placing a stent.
Interventional psychiatry treatments are minimally invasive and involve cutting-edge technology or techniques to target the brain directly.
There are several ways to approach psychiatric care and support. No two people share the same experience of psychiatric issues, and no two treatment paths are exactly alike. At Palo Alto Mind Body, patients receive highly customized care shaped to meet their unique needs and goals. Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is a great place to begin. Many different forms of talk therapy focus on getting to know your specific strengths and challenges and helping you find ways to achieve better mental and emotional stability.
Medication might also play a role in treating psychiatric conditions. Ketamine is a particularly promising treatment, especially for depression in people who have tried other options without success. Drug therapy is never a stand-alone treatment. You work with your practitioner to create a treatment path that aligns with your needs.
Your treatment planning is tailored to your specific needs and issues. The initial treatment stage focuses on gathering information about your health history and discussing the efforts you have made in the past to manage psychological conditions. Next, your practitioner works closely with you to create a path toward enhanced function and quality of life.
Your feedback is an essential part of the process, so feel free to track and share any changes you notice as you move through treatment. There is no specific timeline for psychiatric care. Some people require more frequent and intensive treatment at the beginning of their journey, then return occasionally for follow-up visits. Others incorporate psychiatric care into their long-term health and wellness planning. When you’re ready to start, reach out to Palo Alto Mind Body online or by phone to find an appointment time that fits your schedule.
Dr. Ghorieshi understands that the best approach to healing psychiatric concerns requires melding evidence-based medicine, clinical experience, and each patient's unique medical and personal history.
With over 20,000 Ketamine/Spravato treatments performed and a commitment to complete patient-centric care, we provide our patients with the best opportunity for mind-body health.
We can often see new patients within one to two days of receiving your electronic new patient documents. However, insurance authorizations for some services can take additional time. We have extended hours to allow treatment appointments at times that fit into your schedule. If you have a special scheduling consideration, just let us know--we always be as flexible and accommodating as possible.
The interventional providers at Palo Alto Mind Body take a comprehensive, team approach to your care. You will get the opportunity to meet with a variety of providers, allowing for a diverse, collaborative experience. As the saying goes, "two [or more] heads are better than one," so we offer the full training and experience of our entire team to tailor your treatment to your needs. If you have a preference to meet with a specific provider, we will try our best to accommodate that request. Click here to request an appointment.
As an interventional psychiatry clinic, we value collaboration with your primary mental health provider and prioritize this for all patients. We also welcome and encourage collaboration with other medical and mental health specialties.
Our ketamine clinic provides a safe, calm, and welcoming environment where healing can truly begin. With a focus on comfort and professionalism, our setting is designed to promote relaxation and peace of mind which allows our patients to fully engage in their treatment. We avoid the exam- and surgical-tables you may see in other offices or an anesthesia suite and instead opt for comfortable, homey furnishings.
You may be asked to fill out paperwork regarding your physical/mental health history, personal information, insurance, a release of information to communicate with your providers, and a financial agreement. If you have any questions about these forms, our clinical coordinators and financial counselors are available to assist you throughout the process.
We approach each individual's care with compassion, respect, and clinical integrity and are especially committed to safeguarding your privacy and medical records. Your personal health information is treated with the highest level of confidentiality and care, and we try to go above and beyond for you to receive treatment in a confidential and private setting. For example, while it is not always 100% infallible, our goal is that you never even see another patient while at our clinic, so we only use private rooms, not shared waiting rooms or group treatment settings.
Yes. We welcome and encourage patients to bring a trusted support person to be actively involved in their healing journey. Here's a blog we did referencing the value of a support person: How to Support a Loved One Through PTSD and Helping a Loved One with Chronic Pain.
We are located in Palo Alto's Cal Ave Business District directly on historic California Avenue, with easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Street parking is free for two hours, and there is a large parking garage (free for three hours) immediately behind our building: Palo Alto Mind Body, 206 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Fortunately, Spravato is covered by most insurances, and we work with all insurance plans to gain approval. IV Ketamine is covered for veterans, under our agreement. All other insurances do not provide coverage for IV Ketamine, and it’s an out-of-pocket expense.
We take almost all insurance plans. While we are not technically in-network with any insurance companies except the Veterans Health Administration (VA), we are able to request prior authorization for treatments, often allowing patients to utilize their in-network benefits for treatments at our clinic.
Yes, we work with several finance companies that provide finance options for copays, deductibles, and full treatment costs. Call our office to let us help with the heavy lifting.
Yes - Palo Alto Mind Body has agreements with the Palo Alto VA and other surrounding VAs. We have a long-standing history of working with veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
At this time, Ketamine is only FDA approved for use as a general anesthetic. As such, many insurance providers consider it “experimental” and do not cover the cost of treatment despite extensive research showing that it can be helpful for treating depression and other conditions. However, Spravato (intranasal S-ketamine) is also a very effective option that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. As a result, almost all insurance plans will cover Spravato treatments, and available savings programs allow some patients to pay as little as $10 per treatment. If you're searching for a new path toward relief from depression symptoms, schedule a consultation at Palo Alto Mind Body to explore ketamine/esketamine in greater detail. You can request an appointment online or by calling or texting 650-681-2900.
We understand that financial pressures can often make it difficult for patients to access this type of advanced, interventional care, and it is our mission to make these treatments affordable and accessible to all by billing insurance when possible. For patients who are paying out-of-pocket, we have financial counselors available to discuss costs and available financial aid to make sure you can get the treatments you need.
Yes. We are able to request prior authorization for many patients, often allowing them to utilize their in-network benefits for treatments at our clinic. We also offer a sliding scale for patients who choose to self-pay.
We understand that financial pressures can often make it difficult for patients to access this type of advanced, interventional care, and it is our mission to make these treatments affordable and accessible to all by billing insurance when possible. For patients who are paying out-of-pocket, we have financial counselors available to discuss costs and available financial aid to make sure you can get the treatments you need.
We understand that financial limitations can often make it difficult for patients to access this type of care, and it is our mission to make these treatments affordable and accessible by billing insurance. When that is not possible, we can offer financial assistance and a sliding scale for patients who are paying out of pocket.