Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy at Cienega Medical is a 20-40 minute wellness experience designed for busy professionals seeking mental clarity and stress relief. In a calm, spa-like private room with soft music, you relax while a nurse monitors your session. Think of it as a medically supervised reset—like a mini mindfulness journey that helps you step away from daily stress and reconnect with yourself.

Ketamine creates an altered state that varies from person to person—some experience deep relaxation and mental quieting, while others may find it more intense or introspective. During your session, you'll be in a comfortable setting where you can listen to music or simply let your mind wander. The experience allows for reflection and mental reset through a safe, supervised process.

Ketamine is classified as a "dissociative anesthetic," which means you may experience a temporary sense of detachment from your body or surroundings—this is normal and expected. Unlike classic psychedelics, ketamine doesn't typically cause vivid hallucinations. Some describe feeling relaxed, introspective, or like they're floating—though experiences vary widely. Our nursing team is nearby if you need anything, and the effects wear off within about an hour.

Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. A related medication, Spravato (esketamine), is FDA-approved under a special REMS program for treatment-resistant depression in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. Our ketamine service is considered off-label use—meaning it's legally prescribed by our medical team but not FDA-evaluated for wellness or relaxation purposes. All sessions require medical oversight and screening.

Yes, ketamine is a legal Schedule III medication that can be prescribed and administered by licensed clinicians under federal and California regulations. At Cienega Medical, ketamine is prescribed by our medical team and administered under clinical oversight by trained staff. All sessions follow established medical protocols.

Your session takes place in a private room with soft lighting and your choice of music. After your nurse administers ketamine, you'll settle into a comfortable chair and relax. Some people report a floating sensation with mental quieting, while others describe it differently—experiences vary. Our nursing team is nearby if you need anything.

Experiences vary from person to person. Some describe it as deeply relaxing, like a wave of calm. Others may feel a floating sensation, mental quieting, or see colors and patterns with their eyes closed. Some people find the experience more intense than expected—this is normal. Our nursing team is nearby to ensure your safety and comfort.

The entire visit typically lasts 45-60 minutes, including a few minutes to get settled and post-session recovery time. The actual ketamine experience itself lasts about 20-40 minutes. This makes it easy to fit into your day—think of it as a quick wellness reset during your lunch break or between meetings.

Immediately after, you may feel groggy or slightly disoriented—this is normal and typically passes within 15-30 minutes of rest. Once you're grounded, many people report feeling calm and mentally refreshed. Some describe feeling lighter. You'll rest until you feel steady, then you're ready to go (though you can't drive—see below). Many people take the rest of the day off to relax at home.

Your ketamine session includes a private treatment room, nurse supervision, your choice of music or silence, blankets and comfort items, and post-session recovery time. We provide a calm, spa-like environment with attentive care. Think premium wellness experience, not clinical medical office—everything is designed for your comfort and relaxation.

We position ketamine as a wellness reset, not psychiatric treatment. You won't sit in therapy sessions or discuss trauma—this is about relaxation, mental clarity, and self-care in a beautiful environment. Our model is simple: medically supervised, premium experience, in-and-out in under an hour. Many clients add it to their IV therapy visit, making it an easy addition to their existing wellness routine.

Ketamine-assisted therapy involves a therapist guiding you through emotional work during your session—that's not what we do. At Cienega, this is a medically supervised wellness experience where you relax, reflect, and reset on your own terms. No therapy sessions, no trauma processing. If you're looking for therapy-supported ketamine, we can refer you to specialists who offer that model.

When administered by medical professionals in a controlled setting, ketamine has a well-established safety profile. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, dissociation, confusion, and anxiety—these typically resolve within an hour. Less common effects include headache and vomiting. Repeated frequent use carries additional risks. Our medical team screens for contraindications and monitors you throughout. Ketamine has been used in medical settings for over 50 years.

Eligibility depends on your medical history, medications, blood pressure, and mental health background. During your consultation, our medical team reviews these factors to determine if ketamine is appropriate for you. Many adults without specific contraindications can safely receive ketamine, but individual assessment is required—we don't make assumptions based on general health.

Ketamine is not recommended for those with: uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant cardiovascular disease, history of psychosis or bipolar mania, active substance use disorder or history of ketamine abuse, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or certain eye conditions (glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure). Some medications may also interact. During consultation, we review your complete health history and medications—final determination is always clinical and individualized.

The consultation is a quick medical screening to make sure ketamine is safe for you. We review your health history and discuss any contraindications. Think of it as responsible medical oversight—it keeps the experience safe and medically sound. The good news: consultations are fast and can often be done the same day as your first session.

No—this is a wellness service, not a trauma treatment program. If you're seeking treatment for PTSD, severe depression, or trauma, we recommend working with a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. We're happy to provide referrals. Our service is designed for relaxation, mental reset, and stress relief—not therapeutic trauma processing.

We recommend avoiding heavy meals 2-3 hours before your session to reduce nausea risk. Avoid alcohol and recreational substances on the day of treatment. Disclose all medications to our team, especially sedatives, opioids, or blood pressure medications. Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home—you cannot drive yourself.

Bring your ID and any comfort items that help you relax. We suggest noise-cancelling headphones (over-ear if you have them) with a calming playlist, and a sleep mask you're comfortable wearing—both help deepen the experience. We provide blankets and pillows, but feel free to bring your own. And don't forget to arrange a ride home—you won't be able to drive afterward.

We recommend avoiding heavy meals for 2-3 hours before your session to reduce the chance of nausea. A light snack is fine. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment. After your session, eat and drink normally once you feel grounded. These guidelines help ensure a more comfortable experience.

No—you cannot drive for the rest of the day after your session. Ketamine affects coordination and judgment, even after the immediate effects wear off. Plan to have someone pick you up or use a rideshare service. We recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day. Safety first.

Yes, you'll need someone to drive you or plan to use a rideshare service. You can't drive yourself after ketamine. Many people schedule sessions before taking the rest of the day off to enjoy the calm, reflective afterglow. Think of it as building downtime into your wellness routine.

Plan for a low-demand day. No driving, operating machinery, consuming alcohol, or making major decisions for the rest of the day. Light activities at home are fine once you feel grounded. Return to normal activities the next day unless you feel otherwise. Listen to your body and don't rush—some people feel effects longer than others.

Ketamine pricing in Los Angeles typically ranges from $200-$500 per session, depending on the provider and method. At Cienega Medical, our sessions start at $249—designed to be accessible as part of your regular wellness routine. See our pricing section above for current rates.

Our ketamine sessions start at $249, priced to be accessible as part of your wellness routine. Check our pricing menu above for current rates, or call us for package options. We often run specials for first-time clients.

Some clients do combine services for convenience. However, combining treatments may increase fatigue, nausea, or blood pressure changes. Our team will assess whether it's appropriate based on your health history and vitals that day. This decision is made clinically, not assumed to be safe for everyone.

We offer a premium, spa-like experience focused on wellness—not clinical psychiatric treatment. Our model is simple: medically supervised, beautiful private rooms, attentive nurse care, and a calm environment designed for relaxation and mental reset. Plus, you can easily add ketamine to your existing IV therapy visits. We make it effortless to fit wellness into your busy life.

No referral needed—just book a consultation online or call us. We'll do a quick medical screening to make sure you're a good candidate, and if all looks good, you can often have your first session the same day. We keep it simple and frictionless so you can get started right away.

Some clients combine their ketamine session with other services like IV hydration therapy. Your nurse can discuss what options might be appropriate for you based on your individual situation.

Absolutely! There's no commitment to multiple sessions. Some people try ketamine once out of curiosity and love it, others make it a regular part of their wellness routine. You're free to book a single session and see how you feel. If you enjoy it, we're here whenever you'd like to come back. No pressure, no packages required—just wellness on your terms.