Having administered thousands of ketamine infusions at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo over the past three years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of ketamine for depression, anxiety, and PTSD especially when complemented by a continuous maintenance plan. After completing the initial 6 to 8 ketamine infusion series, known as the induction phase, many patients benefit from transitioning to a personalized maintenance schedule. These follow-up treatments, often referred to as ketamine booster infusions, can be a powerful tool for sustaining the relief that was achieved during the initial phase.
It's important to note that returning for a booster ketamine infusion should not be seen as a sign of treatment failure but rather as an indication of a positive response to ketamine therapy. With a carefully devised maintenance plan, it is possible to stay symptom-free once the optimal timing for boosters is established.
But what exactly is a booster ketamine infusion, how does it work, and when is the right time to consider one? Whether you’ve already undergone ketamine to treat depression or you're just beginning to explore the potential of ketamine therapy, this in-depth article will walk you through the science, the benefits, and the ideal timing of booster infusions—and help you determine whether they could be part of your treatment plan for lasting relief.
A ketamine booster infusion is a follow-up treatment administered after a patient has completed an initial series of ketamine infusions. These booster sessions are designed to maintain and prolong the therapeutic effects of ketamine on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
While the initial protocol for ketamine therapy treatment typically involves 6-8 infusions over 2-3 weeks, booster infusions are scheduled periodically based on individual needs—sometimes once a month, once every few months, or even on an as-needed basis.
The frequency and necessity of ketamine booster infusions vary significantly based on the individual, their diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and the holistic practices they engage in, such as talk therapy, meditation, diet, and exercise, which can help extend the benefits of ketamine therapy for many individuals.
These ketamine booster sessions aim to:
Originally developed as an anesthetic and still widely used in hospitals around the world—especially in pediatric care—ketamine has gained recognition for its powerful, rapid-acting antidepressant effects when administered at low, sub-anesthetic doses. Unlike traditional antidepressants like SSRIs, which primarily target serotonin and may take weeks to show results, ketamine for depression works within hours or days by acting on a completely different neurotransmitter: glutamate. It modulates NMDA receptors throughout the brain and spinal cord, helping to restore synaptic connections and enhance neuroplasticity.
In addition to its antidepressant properties, ketamine infusion therapy has demonstrated significant promise in treating chronic pain conditions, particularly those involving nerve-related pain, known as neuropathic pain. These include conditions like diabetic neuropathy, sciatica trigeminal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and postherpetic neuralgia.
At our clinic, some patients with fibromyalgia and migraines have expressed that ketamine therapy was the only treatment method that worked. For individuals struggling with both depression and chronic pain, ketamine offers a uniquely effective and fast-acting option when other treatments have failed.
Ketamine is known to:
Knowing when to receive a ketamine booster infusion can vary significantly from one individual to another. For example, some patients come to the clinic for boosters on a monthly basis, while others visit every few months, and some as infrequently as once a year. However, there are key signs that patients and clinicians monitor for:
If you notice the return of depressive symptoms, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or mood instability weeks or months after your last infusion, it may be time for a booster. This doesn’t mean your initial treatments failed; booster infusions are part of an ongoing maintenance regimen plan.
Significant stressors such as breakups, job losses, trauma, or even seasonal transitions can negatively affect mental health. A booster infusion can serve as a protective barrier, helping you maintain stability during challenging periods. Many individuals identify specific times of the year when they are particularly vulnerable to stress and re-emerging symptoms, and they adopt a proactive strategy by seeking a ketamine booster beforehand. For instance, the holiday season may be especially challenging, laden with painful memories or family-related stressors. In such cases, receiving a booster infusion beforehand can enhance resilience and offer relief
If tasks that once felt manageable—like going to work, socializing, or staying motivated—are starting to feel overwhelming again, it may indicate that your ketamine effects are wearing off.
Your mental health provider can assist you in identifying patterns and assessing if your symptoms are reemerging and if a booster is necessary. The input from your healthcare providers and close family members is crucial, as those around you may notice the return of symptoms or maladaptive behaviors before you do.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. At Innerbloom, in 2024, the average frequency for those who return for boosters is every four months. However, the frequency of booster infusions varies depending on individual circumstances on:
Patients with severe depression may receive monthly boosters for the first six months, followed by quarterly or as-needed infusions. Some may only require one to two boosters per year, while others benefit from more frequent sessions.
Booster infusions are typically administered in the same clinical setting as your initial treatments: a calm, supervised environment at a licensed ketamine clinic. Here's what to expect:
When administered by trained medical professionals, ketamine booster infusions are considered safe. However, there are some potential side effects, especially with long-term or frequent use.
Common short-term side effects of treatment may include nausea or dizziness, elevated blood pressure, dissociation or hallucinations, and blurred vision or coordination issues. These effects are typically mild and tend to resolve quickly on their own.
Long-term considerations include the potential for developing tolerance or experiencing bladder irritation, particularly with frequent, high-dose use—risks most commonly associated with recreational ketamine abuse. Ketamine therapy is not recommended for individuals with active psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, or certain substance use disorders, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
That’s why working with a provider who tailors treatments and monitors your physical and mental health throughout the process is essential.
Ketamine is a powerful tool—but not a cure-all. To get the best, long-lasting results, booster infusions should be part of a broader mental wellness plan that includes:
Think of ketamine as a reset button—booster infusions help keep the system calibrated, but it’s the long-term practices that support ongoing stability.
You may be a good candidate for booster infusions if:
On the flip side, ketamine may not be ideal for:
If you’ve experienced the positive effects of ketamine therapy, you already know the value it can bring. But mental health isn’t linear, and sustaining those benefits sometimes requires a gentle nudge in the right direction. That’s exactly what a ketamine booster infusion can provide—a safe, personalized reset to help you stay on track.
"The goal of the initial six ketamine infusion treatment series is to achieve a new, healthy baseline where you feel and function better. The key thing to notice is how you feel after the induction phase—and over time, if symptoms return or you find yourself persistently taking steps backward, it’s important to reach out sooner rather than later for a booster infusion. A single booster infusion can often help you return to that new, higher baseline we worked so hard to achieve, rather than waiting until you bottom out, which may require repeating a full series of treatments.” - Dr. Rivas
Whether you're noticing old symptoms creeping back in, going through a difficult life event, or just feel “off,” a booster might be the key to maintaining a healthy mental state. Of course, every individual is unique. The best way to determine if it's time for a booster infusion is to consult with your ketamine provider and healthcare team.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Rivas, a former general and trauma surgeon with over a decade of experience utilizing ketamine, became a ketamine therapy specialist to treat mental health and pain after witnessing its profound impact on his hospital trauma patients and his own mental health. As the founder and medical director of Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy in San Luis Obispo, California, Dr. Rivas applies his extensive medical expertise to provide safe, evidence-based ketamine treatments for mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. His passion lies in helping patients find relief and rediscover hope through personalized, compassionate care.
Disclaimer: All content on this website, including (but not limited to) this statement, news, blog post, article, testimonial, or FAQ is not medical advice and should not be considered as such. This website cannot diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only a licensed medical professional who is familiar with you and your medical history can do that. Therefore, we cannot be responsible or liable for any actions taken by those who access our website or rely on its content. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for more information.