Those are the right questions to ask before you ever sit in a treatment chair, and we answer them every day at Renew Ketamine Infusion. Our physician-led team provides ketamine therapy combined with integrative psychotherapy at clinics in Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, and Seal Beach. This guide covers what we tell patients about getting home safely, side effects, how long results last, and how to find us locally.

Do I Need Someone to Drive Me Home After Ketamine Treatment?

Yes. Please arrange a ride before your appointment. Ketamine can leave you tired, and it can alter your judgment and your ability to operate a vehicle for the rest of the day. We would never want a good treatment session to end with an unsafe drive.

Here is how we suggest you plan the rest of your day:

• Line up your ride in advance. A family member or friend who can pick you up works well.
• Keep the evening light. Our physician, Dr. Justin Yanuck, recommends having little to no work obligations after treatment on the day itself. Some patients notice slower thinking or talking for a few hours, and a clear schedule removes the pressure.
• Expect to be back to normal the next day. Most people resume normal activities the next day. Some of our patients are working professionals who return to work the day after treatment without trouble.
• Be gentle with your emotions. You may feel heightened emotions for the next few days. That is a normal part of the process, and it is one reason we pair treatment with psychotherapy.

Before you arrive, we also ask that you eat a meal about 4 hours before your treatment and limit yourself to small sips of water within 2 hours of treatment. Being hydrated and fed helps with nausea, which we cover below.

Your visit itself takes about 1.5 to 2 hours for IV ketamine and 2 to 2.5 hours for Spravato. During that time you stay in our clinic under close observation. You arrive through a private and discreet entrance, you will not see other patients, and you are never alone.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy?

Anytime you take a medicine, you should know the possible side effects. It is a fair question, and it is the one our doctors hear most. Ketamine is a very dose-dependent medicine. At high doses it is used for anesthesia, and at lower doses it is used for mental health. Clinically, side effects tend to show up in line with dose, and the doses we use in an outpatient setting are low and infrequent.

For a deeper look from our physician, you can read his full answer on our page about the side effects of ketamine. Here is a summary of what we see in our clinics.

Nausea

Nausea is the most common side effect we see, and it is usually mild. It is more noticeable for people who are prone to nausea or get motion sickness easily. We give everyone anti-nausea medicine before each treatment, whether it is IV ketamine or the nasal spray Spravato. If you have no nausea after your first treatment, we hold off on the anti-nausea medicine next time.

Nausea is very rarely limiting. Most patients have none, and when it happens it is often mild. A few simple steps help:

• Arrive well hydrated.
• Eat a meal about 4 hours before treatment.
• Keep your eye mask on until the very end if you feel queasy. Under ketamine, what we see and what our head feels can disconnect, and that disconnect can heighten nausea. This simple trick has saved many patients from vomiting.

If nausea is stronger, we have other medicines we can give. Only a couple of patients have ever vomited in our clinic.

Constipation

Constipation can occur. We suspect most of it comes from the anti-nausea medicine rather than ketamine itself. Severe constipation is rare and almost always happens in people with a history of constipation.

Headache

Headache affects fewer than 10% of patients. It lasts only that day and responds well to Tylenol. It does not tend to make migraines worse, though people who get migraines should prepare for the possibility. If you ever have the worst headache of your life, a sudden onset headache, weakness, or vision changes, seek medical care immediately. That has never been the case for our patients to date.

Brain Fog

Some patients feel slower in processing speed, talking, or thinking. It lasts a day at most, and it is rarely disruptive. Many people do not notice it at all. For those who do, we reassure them that it will not last forever. Ketamine expands neural networks, and this brief slowdown is often a sign that your brain is responding to the medicine.

Other Effects You May Notice

During and after treatment, some patients experience impaired coordination, dissociation, or confusion. Ketamine can also temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure.

Bladder Pain

Bladder pain is very rare. We have seen it only twice, and both times it was unclear whether ketamine was the cause. A ketamine metabolite can irritate the bladder as it leaves the body, but this is typically seen with recreational use, daily high doses, or very high-dose IV treatment over several days in a hospital. Our doses are low and no more frequent than twice weekly. If you already have bladder problems, we encourage you to hydrate well before and after treatment and to empty your bladder several times in the hours that follow.

How We Reduce Risk Before You Start

Our job is to reduce the risk of rare side effects to near zero, and most of that work happens before treatment. We conduct an extensive consultation with a series of questions to assess your risk factors. For people with underlying heart disease, we take extra care. That can mean premedication, clearance from a cardiologist, or, if the risk is too high, not proceeding with ketamine therapy at all.

We also do not treat everyone. Ketamine is not appropriate for people with uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, active substance abuse where withdrawal could be deadly, a history of brain bleed, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation, psychosis or active mania, acute suicidal ideation, a ketamine allergy, untreated thyroid disease, or glaucoma. You can find more answers in our frequently asked questions.

We also take addiction and misuse seriously. The existing data does not show evidence of ketamine being addictive, and our staff monitors you throughout treatment. We reserve the right to withhold treatment if we suspect signs of addiction or misuse.

How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Therapy Last?

There are two timelines to understand: how quickly you may feel something, and how long relief may last.

How fast. Many people notice effects within hours. For depression, ketamine can reduce symptoms within 2 to 8 hours, while traditional antidepressants often take weeks to months. For PTSD, some patients notice a sense of lightness and joy almost immediately.

How long. Effects can last a month or more. The goal of our program is sustained relief after a set treatment plan, not a medication you take for the rest of your life. For IV ketamine, a typical plan is 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks. If you need support later, additional enhancement sessions are available.

What makes relief last longer? We believe the answer is psychotherapy. Ketamine acts as a catalyst, and therapy helps you process your experience and build new ways of responding to your thoughts and triggers. That is why we require an integrated psychotherapy program rather than simply recommending one. Our process also includes workbook exercises, regular check-ins with our clinical team, and free weekly Reset Sessions, which are live, guided practices with meditation and breathwork. Private sessions are available if you prefer.

We also want to be honest. Up to 20% of patients can be non-responders. To track your progress, we encourage you to use the mood assessments through Osmind, a platform we partner with. If treatment is not helping, we work with you to find alternative care. You are never charged up front for sessions, only per session.

Where Can I Find Ketamine Therapy in Tustin, CA?

If you live or work in Tustin, our clinic is at:

Renew Ketamine Infusion, Tustin 17581 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 114 Tustin, California 92780 Phone: 949-503-1414

Our Tustin clinic is a tranquil, quiet, calming environment, designed with intention to support healing. Our founders, Dr. Tanya Dall and Dr. Justin Yanuck, are Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians, and Dr. Yanuck is also a Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician. Both have experience using ketamine in their daily practice.

You will also find a team of licensed therapists who work with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, along with providers including Jasmyn FNP, Susan PMHNP-BC, and Emily PA-C. Our therapists include Maria Lloyd, LMFT, Elizabeth Cappelletti, LMFT, Kai Lewis, LMFT, and Sabrina Owen, LMFT.

If you want to explore treatment in Tustin, you can request a free consultation through the form on our Tustin page, or call us directly.

Where Can I Find Ketamine Therapy in San Juan Capistrano, CA?

Our San Juan Capistrano clinic is where Renew began, and it is open to patients across the area:

Renew Ketamine Infusion, San Juan Capistrano 30230 Rancho Viejo Rd, Ste 134 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Phone: (949) 503-1414

Our San Juan Capistrano clinic offers the same physician-led approach, with a team that includes Sheila PA-C, Riley FNP, and Emily PA-C, along with our licensed therapists. Dr. Lisa Stockdale, a licensed psychologist, also supports our San Juan Capistrano clinic as part of our multidisciplinary team.

We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, or by appointment, at all of our locations. If you are closer to the coast, we also have a clinic in Seal Beach.

What Happens at Your First Visit

If you are still deciding, here is what the path looks like from first contact to treatment:

1. Book a free exploration call. A specialized Renew team member discusses treatment options and eligibility and answers your questions. We offer next-day or same-week intakes.
2. Meet with a physician by video. You receive a thorough medical evaluation, including screening for medical issues such as vitamin and thyroid problems that can mimic depression. We build an individualized treatment plan. You do not need a physician referral.
3. Schedule your sessions. If you work with one of our therapists, we coordinate your sessions so they happen close to your ketamine treatment.
4. Arrive and settle in. Our staff takes your vitals, guides you through a short meditation, and gets you comfortable in a recliner with an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a curated playlist.
5. Receive your treatment. For IV ketamine, you receive an treatment over 40 minutes through a small IV placed by one of our nurses. You can pause or stop at any time if needed.
6. Process and integrate. After treatment, you take time to settle, meet with your psychotherapist, and continue with workbook exercises and check-ins.

Between sessions, we stay in touch by phone or text so you are never left waiting for a callback.

Take the Next Step With Us

Safety, aftercare, and local access are the details that make ketamine therapy feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Plan your ride, prepare with a meal and plenty of water, and give yourself an easy rest of the day. Expect relief that can begin within hours and last a month or more, and know that our team will be with you at every stage.

If you are ready to talk, we would be glad to hear from you. Schedule a free exploration call, call us at 949-503-1414, or email info@renewketamineinfusion.com. Whether you are in Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, or nearby, we are here to help you renew your outlook.

The post Ketamine Therapy Safety, Aftercare, Duration & Local Treatment Options appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “Is IV ketamine safe, and what precautions are taken during my infusion?”

Ketamine was approved by the FDA in 1970 as a surgical anesthetic and is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Its primary safety advantage in emergency and surgical settings is that it does not suppress primary airway reflexes or respiratory drive, unlike opioids or traditional sedatives.

In our clinical environment in Tustin and San Juan Capistrano, we use sub-anesthetic doses—a small fraction of surgical anesthesia levels. Every patient undergoes rigorous medical screening led by our board-certified physicians. During the infusion, we continuously monitor cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and respiratory status.

Side effects during treatment—such as transient blood pressure elevation, mild nausea, or feeling floaty—are temporary and resolve shortly after the infusion pump is turned off. When administered by experienced physicians in a controlled medical setting, sub-anesthetic IV ketamine has an exceptionally high safety profile.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Tanya Dall, MD

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post Is Ketamine Safe? A Dual-Board-Certified Physician’s Perspective appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “I’ve tried three different SSRIs and my depression hasn’t changed. Why are traditional antidepressants failing me?”

Traditional antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) attempt to flood the synaptic cleft with monoamines like serotonin. However, if years of chronic stress have caused significant dendritic pruning, there is no physical architecture left to receive those serotonin signals. It’s like trying to make a phone call when the cell towers are down; adding more signal doesn’t fix missing hardware.

This explains why SSRIs take 6 to 8 weeks to show minimal effects—they rely on slow, indirect downstream gene expression changes to stimulate mild neuroplasticity.

Ketamine bypasses the monoamine system entirely. As an NMDA antagonist, it acts directly on glutamate pathways to trigger immediate synaptogenesis. Instead of waiting two months to see if a chemical tweak works, ketamine begins repairing neural architecture within hours, providing rapid relief even for treatment-resistant depression.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Justin Yanuck, MD

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post Why Traditional Antidepressants (SSRIs) Fail appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

At Renew Ketamine Infusion, we provide physician-led ketamine therapy combined with integrative psychotherapy at our locations in San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach, and Tustin. Below, we take the four questions we hear most and answer each one honestly: can ketamine therapy help with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain?

Can Ketamine Therapy Help With Treatment-Resistant Depression?

For many people, yes. Treatment-resistant depression describes depression that has not improved after two or more antidepressants. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and it does not mean you are out of options.

Ketamine has been shown to be extremely effective and safe for patients with depression, including treatment-resistant depression. One of the biggest differences is speed. Ketamine can reduce depressive symptoms rapidly, within 2 to 8 hours, while traditional antidepressants often take weeks to months to work.

The contrast does not stop at speed. Many traditional antidepressants come with side effects such as reduced libido, weight gain, GI upset, and mood disturbances. They also tend to require daily use for months to years, and even when they work, some people stay on them for the long term. Ketamine is different in how we use it. It is not a medication meant to be taken for the rest of your life. Our goal is sustained relief after a set treatment plan, and in most patients, treatment has been shown to lead to resolution of symptoms without the need for further medications. Additional enhancement sessions are available as needed.

We also pay attention to a gap that many people fall into. A significant subset of patients do not get meaningful relief from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. We think of ketamine as a catalyst. It stimulates a patient’s innate capacity for psychological healing, and when you pair it with therapists trained to work with neuroplastic therapies, it can open the door to deep psychological healing and real breakthroughs.

Before we recommend any treatment, we also look for other explanations. Our physicians screen for vitamin and thyroid problems that can mimic depression, because treating the wrong cause helps no one. If you would like to learn more about our approach, visit our page on ketamine therapy for depression.

Can Ketamine Therapy Help With Anxiety?

Anxiety is often treated with medications that work poorly, carry addictive properties, or cause side effects such as brain fog and drowsiness. Over time, many of those treatments lose their effect and provide only temporary relief. If that has been your experience, it is reasonable to look for something different.

When ketamine is combined with our integrative psychotherapy, it can lead to significant relief of anxiety. The therapy part matters as much as the medicine. During the integration process that follows, patients often gain a better understanding of their anxiety and learn to reframe many of the triggers that provoke it.

There is also a biological side to the story. Ketamine has properties that allow for rewiring of the brain, including new synapse formation and repair of existing synapses. In practical terms, that gives people room to change patterns that felt fixed. We often hear that patients come away feeling they have the power to heal from within and to take control of their relationship with anxiety.

If anxiety is your main concern, our page on ketamine therapy for anxiety goes deeper into what treatment looks like.

Can Ketamine Therapy Help With PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major public health concern. It affects up to 7% of Americans, and as many as half of all Americans with PTSD get inadequate relief from traditional treatments, which include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ketamine combined with psychotherapy has been shown to be very effective at reducing the symptoms of PTSD, and the effects last well beyond its near-immediate relief. Researchers have proposed many mechanisms for how ketamine works in PTSD, and the science continues to develop.

We want to be clear about one point, because it is a common worry. Ketamine will not make you forget your trauma. What it can do is allow you to reacquaint yourself with what happened from an emotionally neutral perspective. You can acknowledge that it occurred without being continually re-traumatized by thinking about it. Depending on the patient, outcomes can be noticed almost immediately, with a sense of lightness and joy. Ketamine followed by psychotherapy has been shown to lead to significant relief from the burdens of PTSD.

That sequence is why we do not treat ketamine as a stand-alone answer. The medication creates an opening, and psychotherapy helps you use it. You can read more on our page about ketamine therapy for PTSD.

Can Ketamine Therapy Help With Chronic Pain?

This is the question where we believe in giving the most careful answer. Our co-founder, Dr. Justin Yanuck, is a Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician. From personal experience, he has had patients with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, who found significant relief of their symptoms with ketamine-assisted therapy. He is equally direct about the limits. Ketamine-assisted therapy will definitely not work for everyone with chronic pain, and each patient needs a thorough evaluation to make sure they are an adequate candidate for a trial.

The research is still growing. The current evidence for ketamine-assisted therapy in chronic pain is fairly mixed, and most studies looked only at ketamine without any assisted psychotherapy. Ketamine can provide relief on its own, and the mechanisms for this have been well studied. Even so, we feel strongly that its real potential, especially for people with chronic pain, comes when it is combined with psychotherapy. Therapy gives you space to process the experience and to build new psychological frameworks for handling both internal and external stimuli.

Pain is complex, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our treatment plan gives people with treatment-resistant chronic pain, and even those with opiate dependence, a chance to try a different approach. Because we treat both mental health and chronic pain conditions, we can look at the whole picture, since pain and mood often affect each other. To see how we approach this locally, visit our page on chronic pain treatment in Orange County.

Why Psychotherapy Is Part of Every Treatment Plan

You may have noticed the same idea in every answer above. We believe ketamine is an important tool in the healing process, and that an integrated psychotherapy program is just as important. Many ketamine clinics only recommend working with a therapist. We require it, and we give you access to experts in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

In practice, that means your care does not end when your treatment session does. After treatment, you meet with a psychotherapist, either your own or one we work with, to help process the experience. Our team also provides workbook exercises, free weekly Reset Sessions that focus on gratitude, meditation, and breathwork, and regular check-ins with our clinical team. If you want more support, we offer optional coaching programs. Everything is designed so that the relief you feel can become lasting change.

What Treatment Looks Like at Renew

It helps to know what to expect before you decide. Here is how it works:

1. A free exploration call. You speak with a specialized Renew team member about treatment options and eligibility and get your questions answered.
2. A virtual physician consultation. A specialty-trained Renew physician reviews your medical history, goes through a thorough medical evaluation, and builds an individualized treatment plan. We do not believe in giving everyone the same dose and the same number of treatment sessions.
3. Scheduling your sessions. For IV ketamine, treatment is typically 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks. Spravato follows its own FDA treatment guide.
4. Your treatment session. A nurse places a small IV in your arm, and the treatment runs over 40 minutes. You relax in a recliner in a private, spa-like setting with an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a curated playlist. A staff member stays with you the entire time, and you can pause or stop at any point.
5. Integration. You meet with your psychotherapist and continue with the support described above.

Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours for an IV ketamine visit and 2 to 2.5 hours for Spravato. You will need a ride home, because ketamine can leave you tired and affect your judgment and your ability to drive for the rest of the day. We recommend no food for 4 hours before treatment and only small sips of water within 2 hours. Most people return to normal activities the next day, though heightened emotions can last for a few days.

Many patients notice effects within hours, and those effects can last a month or more. Ketamine is well tolerated, but you may experience nausea, impaired coordination, dissociation, or confusion during treatment.

Is Ketamine Therapy Safe, and Who Should Not Receive It?

We consider ketamine safe for almost everyone, and it is a medicine that has been used widely and daily for its safety profile for pain control. Safety still depends on the right screening, which is why every patient has a physician evaluation first.

Ketamine is not right for people with uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, active substance abuse where withdrawal could be deadly (such as benzodiazepines or alcohol), a history of brain bleed, blood vessel aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation, psychosis, active mania, delusions, or hallucinations, acute suicidal ideation, an allergy to ketamine, untreated thyroid disease, or glaucoma. If you are unsure whether something applies to you, ask us. We review your medications with you in detail, and most can be taken throughout the program.

We also take addiction and misuse seriously. The existing data does not show evidence of ketamine being addictive, and our staff monitors you throughout treatment. We only promote the therapeutic, safe, and legal use of ketamine under the supervision of our medical team.

What If Ketamine Does Not Work for Me?

We would rather tell you the truth than make a promise we cannot keep. Up to 20% of patients can be non-responders. To track your progress together, we encourage the use of mood assessment tools through Osmind, a platform we partner with. It also makes scheduling easier and lets you share your progress with your primary care providers if you choose.

If treatment is not helping, we work with you to find alternative care. You are never charged up front for sessions, only per session.

Your Next Step: Start With a Conversation

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain can make it hard to believe that things can change. Ketamine therapy does not work for everyone, but for many people who have not found relief elsewhere, it opens a path that medication alone did not. The best way to find out whether it can help you is to talk with a physician who looks at your whole situation.

We offer a free exploration call and a free physician consultation, and we offer next-day or same-week intakes because we know that waiting is hard. Our team stays directly reachable between sessions. You can call us at (949) 503-1414 or email info@renewketamineinfusion.com. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, or by appointment.

Schedule your free exploration call today, and let us help you take the next step toward renewing your outlook.

The post Ketamine Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD & Chronic Pain appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “Everyone talks about ‘neuroplasticity’ and BDNF. What is actually happening inside my brain during ketamine treatment?”

For decades, psychiatry focused on the monoamine hypothesis—the idea that depression was simply a deficit in serotonin or norepinephrine. Modern neurobiology shows this is incomplete. Chronic stress, trauma, and depression release excess cortisol, which causes dendritic atrophy—literally shrinking and pruning the synaptic connections between your neurons.

Ketamine works via a completely different pathway. By blocking NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons, it causes a transient surge of glutamate. This glutamate stimulates AMPA receptors, which directly triggers the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF acts like high-grade fertilizer for your neurons.

Within hours, BDNF activates the mTOR pathway, stimulating the rapid growth of new dendritic spines and synaptogenesis—rebuilding the physical connections that stress tore down. Ketamine doesn’t just manage your mood; it physically rebuilds the hardware of your brain.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Tanya Dall, MD

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post How Ketamine Rebuilds the Brain: Understanding BDNF and Neuroplasticity appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

We hear those two questions from nearly every person who contacts our clinics. The answers are usually clearer than people expect. At Renew Ketamine Infusion, we provide physician-led ketamine therapy combined with integrative psychotherapy at our locations in San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach, and Tustin. In this guide, we explain who may be a candidate, how you can tell whether ketamine therapy is right for you, what it costs, and how insurance fits in.

Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

We treat both mental health conditions and chronic pain conditions, and that range shapes who we see. People come to us for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain. We also treat fibromyalgia, CRPS, neuropathy, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, postpartum depression, and addiction.

A few patterns show up often among the people we help:

• Treatment-resistant depression. This describes people who have not found relief from two or more antidepressants. Traditional antidepressants often take weeks to months to work, and many require daily use for months or years. Ketamine can reduce depressive symptoms within 2 to 8 hours.
• PTSD that has not responded to standard care. PTSD affects up to 7% of Americans, and as many as half of those with PTSD get inadequate relief from antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Anxiety that treatments only quiet for a while. Many standard anxiety treatments work poorly, carry addictive properties, or cause side effects such as brain fog and drowsiness.
• OCD that has resisted both medication and therapy.
• Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia. Our co-founder, Dr. Justin Yanuck, is a Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician. He has seen patients with chronic pain find significant relief with ketamine-assisted therapy. He is also clear that it will not work for everyone, and that every patient needs a thorough evaluation first.

A few practical points matter too. You do not need a physician referral to start with us. Your physician consultation is included, and during it we review whether our program is appropriate for you. We do ask that you stay open to psychotherapy. We believe ketamine is an important tool, and that an integrated psychotherapy program is just as important, so unlike many ketamine clinics that only suggest working with a therapist, we require it.

Who Is Not a Candidate?

We consider ketamine safe for almost everyone, but there are exclusions. Ketamine treatment is not right for people with:

• Uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
• Active substance abuse where withdrawal could be deadly, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol
• A history of brain bleed, blood vessel aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation
• Psychosis, active mania, delusions, or hallucinations
• Acute suicidal ideation
• An allergy to ketamine
• Untreated thyroid disease or glaucoma

If anything on this list sounds like you, please do not rule yourself out on your own. Talk with us. Our physicians review your full medical picture, and some of these situations can change with treatment from your primary care team.

How Do I Know if Ketamine Therapy Is Right for Me?

Start by asking yourself three simple questions:

1. Do you live with depressed mood, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, or something similar?
2. Do you feel that Western medical therapies are falling short for you?
3. Are you interested in combining neuroplastic medication with psychotherapy to support your healing?

If you answered yes, ketamine therapy may be worth a closer look. The next step is not a commitment. It is a conversation.

Step One: A Free Exploration Call

You book a free exploration call with a specialized Renew team member. We discuss treatment options and eligibility, and we answer your questions. This is also a good moment to ask about scheduling. We offer next-day or same-week intakes, because we know mental health concerns do not wait politely for an opening.

Step Two: A Virtual Physician Consultation

If ketamine treatment looks like an option, you speak with a specialty-trained Renew physician by video. We go through a thorough medical evaluation to make sure this therapy is right for you, and we build an individualized treatment plan. We do not believe in a model where everyone receives the same dose and the same number of sessions. Everyone responds differently, and we treat you as the unique person you are.

Before we prescribe anything, we also screen for medical issues that can mimic depression, including vitamin and thyroid problems. Ruling those out matters, because treating the wrong cause leaves you no better off.

Our physicians will also review your current medications with you in detail. Most medications can be taken throughout the program. Some may need to be held, and we will tell you which. Many patients go on to taper their psychiatric medications after ketamine treatment, always with the guidance of their prescribing doctor.

Step Three: Honest Expectations

We would rather be straightforward with you than oversell. Up to 20% of patients can be non-responders. For chronic pain, the evidence is fairly mixed, and most studies looked at IV ketamine without any assisted psychotherapy. We believe the real potential for relief comes when ketamine is combined with psychotherapy.

To keep everyone honest about progress, we encourage the use of mood assessment tools through Osmind, a technology platform we partner with. It tracks your progress, makes scheduling easier, and lets you share results with your primary care providers if you wish. If treatment is not helping, we work with you to find alternative care.

What a Typical Treatment Plan Looks Like

Understanding the plan makes the cost conversation easier, so here is what to expect:

• Frequency. For IV ketamine, treatment is typically 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks. Spravato follows its own FDA treatment guide.
• The IV session. Ketamine is delivered through a small IV in your arm, placed by one of our nurses, over 40 minutes. You can also receive ketamine by nasal spray. You can pause or stop a session at any time if you need to.
• Your visit. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours for IV ketamine and 2 to 2.5 hours for Spravato. You stay in our clinic under close observation, and you are never alone.
• Preparation. We recommend no food for 4 hours before your session and only small sips of water within 2 hours.
• Getting home. You will need a ride. Ketamine can leave you tired and affect your judgment and your ability to drive for the rest of the day.
• Afterward. Most people resume normal activities the next day, though heightened emotions can last a few days. You may notice nausea, impaired coordination, dissociation, or confusion during treatment.
• Results. Many people notice effects within hours, and those effects can last a month or more. Additional enhancement sessions are available as needed.

How Much Does Ketamine Therapy Cost?

This is the question people hesitate to ask, so we will answer it plainly. The cost of IV ketamine therapy depends on the length of your session and the number of sessions we recommend. Because we build each plan around the individual, there is no single number that fits every patient. That is why we offer a free exploration call and a free physician consultation, so you can learn what your plan would involve before you decide anything. You can also read more about the reality of ketamine costs and insurance.

A few things we can tell you with confidence:

• You are charged per session. We never charge you up front for sessions.
• Spravato can cost very little. Most patients pay as little as $10 a treatment.
• Affordability is part of our mission. We set out to give you safe, affordable, patient-centered care, and we describe ourselves as Orange County’s highest-rated and most affordable ketamine clinic.
• Our approach aims to be efficient. We follow what we call a MEDmed approach, which focuses on the minimum effective dose to restore stability with fewer side effects.

When you compare the cost of ketamine therapy with other options, think about the full picture. Ketamine is not meant to be taken for the rest of your life. The goal is sustained relief after a set treatment plan, and many antidepressants require use for years. For many patients, ketamine leads to resolution of symptoms without the need for further medications.

Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?

The answer depends on which treatment you receive, so we separate the two.

Spravato

Spravato (esketamine) is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. For Spravato, most insurances cover the treatment, and we are in network with most major carriers. For most patients, that means minimal out-of-pocket cost, and in many cases as little as $10 a treatment. If you are weighing cost above everything else, Spravato is often the first place we look.

IV Ketamine

IV ketamine is a different story. Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication, but it is considered off-label for depression. Off-label simply means using an approved medication for a use that was not part of its original application. Many medications are used off-label every day. Because ketamine is now a generic drug, new FDA trials are very unlikely, even though extensive evidence supports its effectiveness and safety.

That off-label status is why IV ketamine is not covered by insurance. We do offer IV ketamine treatment with hybrid insurance billing options, and through Osmind we can provide a superbill that you can use for insurance claims. Because every plan is different, we cannot promise what your carrier will do. We can walk you through your options on a call.

Why Insurance Matters to Us

Many boutique and telehealth ketamine clinics are cash-only or out of network. We chose a different path. Our view is simple: if your insurance will pay for care, you should be able to go to the best clinic available to you.

Questions We Hear Often

Do I need to stop my medications?

Not usually. Our physician reviews your medications with you and tells you what to hold and what to continue.

Is ketamine addictive?

We take addiction and misuse seriously. The existing data does not show evidence of ketamine being addictive. Our staff monitors you throughout treatment, and we only promote therapeutic, safe, and legal use under our medical team’s supervision.

Can I receive treatment at home?

Not at this time. Treatment takes place at our clinics, where you arrive through a private and discreet entrance and will not see other patients.

Who will treat me?

Our co-founders, Dr. Justin Yanuck and Dr. Tanya Dall, are Board Certified physicians experienced in ketamine treatment. Dr. David Richter is the Medical Director at our Seal Beach location and is there for every treatment.

Your Next Step: Talk With Us

Eligibility, cost, and insurance can feel like three separate hurdles. In our experience, they are really one conversation. Once we understand your symptoms, your history, and your coverage, we can tell you whether ketamine therapy fits, what it would involve, and what you can expect to pay.

We offer a free exploration call and a free physician consultation, and we respond directly between sessions, so you are not left waiting days for a callback. You can reach us at (949) 503-1414 or info@renewketamineinfusion.com, and we are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, or by appointment.

If you have been wondering whether you could be a candidate for ketamine therapy, how much it would cost, or whether your insurance will help, we would be glad to answer those questions with you. Schedule your free exploration call today, and let us help you take the next step toward renewing your outlook.

The post Ketamine Therapy Eligibility, Cost & Insurance: What Patients Should Know appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “I haven’t slept a full night in months due to racing thoughts and pain. How does ketamine impact sleep architecture?”

Chronic insomnia isn’t just about feeling tired; it is driven by hyperarousal of the central nervous system and high nighttime cortisol levels. Standard sleep medications often rely on sedatives that alter normal sleep architecture, reducing deep slow-wave sleep and REM sleep.

Primary psychiatric and neurological literature highlights ketamine’s unique role in modulating synaptogenesis and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). By transiently reducing activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), ketamine silences the hyperactive nocturnal “mind-wandering” and panic responses that keep the brain awake.

Furthermore, ketamine has been shown in clinical trials to enhance slow-wave sleep delta power—the most restorative stage of sleep. As the brain repairs its synaptic connections, patients experience a natural restoration of their circadian rhythm without relying on habit-forming sedatives.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether  ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Tanya Dall, MD

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post Ketamine for Severe Insomnia and Circadian Restructuring appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “Why does everything hurt with fibromyalgia, and how can an infusion change that?”

Fibromyalgia is the classic model of central sensitization. Functional brain imagining studies reveal that individuals with fibromyalgia experience elevated glutamate levels in key pain-processing regions, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex. The nervous system’s internal volume knob is stuck on maximum.

Because the problem lies in central pain amplification rather than peripheral tissue damage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and traditional opioids fail. Ketamine blocks glutamate from binding to NMDA receptors, immediately dampening the volume of incoming pain signals. 

Combining my background in emergency resuscitation and advanced pain care, our clinic monitors your vitals continuously while delivering precise dosages designed to reset these pathways. Following the infusion, the brain’s heightened neuroplasticity allows us to reintroduce gentle activity, rebuilding normal sensory baseline processing.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether  ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Justin Yanuck

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitization appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

If you are comparing options, that can feel like a lot to untangle. We want to make it simpler. At Renew Ketamine Infusion, we offer both IV ketamine and Spravato at our San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach, and Tustin locations, and we combine each with integrative psychotherapy. In this guide, we explain how the two treatments differ and how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy works, so you can walk into your first conversation with us knowing what to ask.

What Is the Difference Between IV Ketamine and Spravato?

Let’s start with the short version. Ketamine is a medicine that was FDA approved in 1970 and is used widely, every day, for pain control and analgesia for its safety profile. Spravato is esketamine, a version of the medicine that is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. IV ketamine, by contrast, is considered off-label for depression.

Off-label sounds like a warning, but it is a routine part of medicine. It means using an approved medication for a purpose that was not part of its original FDA application. Many medications are used off-label every day. In ketamine’s case, extensive evidence now supports its effectiveness and safety, but new FDA trials are very unlikely because the drug is generic and no longer a brand drug.

Here is how the two treatments compare in practice.

How the Medicine Is Delivered

With IV ketamine, you receive your medicine through a small IV in your arm, placed by one of our expert nurses. The dose runs over 40 minutes. With Spravato, you receive the medicine as a nasal spray. Based on research, we consider these routes the most bioavailable, customizable, and effective ways to administer ketamine.

How the Dose Is Decided

This is where IV ketamine stands out. We do not believe in a model where everyone receives the same dose and the same number of sessions. Our physicians create an individualized treatment plan for you. Everyone responds differently, so the dose, the session length, and the number of sessions are shaped around your needs. For mood and pain, session duration can vary from 40 minutes to 4 hours. You can also pause or stop a session immediately if you need to. That rarely, if ever, has to happen, but we want you to know the option is always there.

If you need extra comfort during a session, we can add medication for symptom control, such as Zofran for nausea, Benadryl for an allergic reaction, or Versed for anxiety.

Spravato follows a regimented FDA treatment guide, so the structure of your plan is set by that guide rather than built session by session.

How Long Each Visit Lasts

Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours for an IV ketamine visit. A Spravato visit runs about 2 to 2.5 hours. In both cases, you stay in our clinic under close observation, and you need a ride home afterward. Ketamine can leave you tired and can affect your judgment and your ability to drive for the rest of the day.

How Often You Come In

For IV ketamine, treatment is typically 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks. For Spravato, we follow the FDA schedule, and our team will walk you through it on your free exploration call.

What It Costs and Whether Insurance Pays

Cost is often the deciding factor, and the two treatments are very different here.

• Spravato: Most insurance plans cover it, and we are in network. Most patients pay as little as $10 a treatment.
• IV ketamine: Pricing depends on the length of the session and the number of sessions we recommend. Insurance does not cover IV ketamine, though we offer hybrid insurance billing options. Through our partner platform, Osmind, we can also provide a superbill for insurance claims.

Because plans vary, we cannot promise what your carrier will do. A free exploration call is the quickest way to get a clear answer for your situation.

What Stays the Same

Some things do not change no matter which treatment you choose:

• Physician oversight. Every treatment plan is overseen by our Board Certified medical directors.
• Screening. We screen for medical issues, such as vitamin and thyroid problems, that can mimic depression before prescribing.
• Safety exclusions. People with uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, active substance abuse where withdrawal could be deadly, a history of brain bleed, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation, psychosis, active mania, delusions, or hallucinations, acute suicidal ideation, an allergy to ketamine, or untreated thyroid disease or glaucoma should not receive ketamine treatment.
• Side effects. Ketamine is well tolerated, but you may notice nausea, impaired coordination, dissociation, or confusion.
• Integrated psychotherapy. We pair either treatment with psychotherapy, which brings us to the second question.

Which One Is Right for You?

The honest answer is that it depends on your diagnosis, your medical history, your goals, and your coverage. Spravato’s FDA approval is for depression, and insurance coverage can make it very affordable. IV ketamine gives our physicians more room to individualize your dose and plan. During your physician consultation, we review all of this with you and recommend a path. You do not need a physician referral to start, and your consultation is included.

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines two things that each help on their own and help more together: ketamine, and structured therapy before and after your session. We feel strongly about this. We believe ketamine is an extremely important tool in the healing process, and that an integrated psychotherapy program is just as important. Unlike many ketamine clinics that might recommend working with a therapist, we require it, and we provide access to true experts in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

What Ketamine Does in the Brain

Ketamine is a molecule that works at many receptors throughout the body. One of its main mechanisms is to block NMDA receptors, which activates the glutamate pathway. That creates new proteins that can help repair and reconnect cells. In plain terms, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, meaning new synapse formation and the repair of existing synapses.

We describe ketamine as a catalyst. It stimulates a person’s innate capacity for psychological healing. That opening is a window of opportunity, and psychotherapy is how you use it.

What Psychotherapy Adds

Psychotherapy gives you a way to process what you experience and build on it. For many people, that leads to new psychological frameworks for understanding both internal and external stimuli. Here is how that plays out across the conditions we treat:

• Depression. There is a significant group of patients who do not get relief from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Ketamine, combined with therapists specifically trained in neuroplastic therapies, can lead to deep psychological healing and help people move past learned behavior and past experiences.
• Anxiety. During treatment and the integration process, patients often gain a better understanding of their anxiety and learn to reframe the triggers that provoke it. It shows people they have the power to heal from within.
• PTSD. Ketamine allows people to reacquaint themselves with a past trauma from an emotionally neutral perspective. It does not make you forget the trauma. It lets you acknowledge it without being continually re-traumatized by thinking about it.
• OCD. Over the course of treatment, neuroplasticity can change or reduce the intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that define OCD, especially when paired with our integration process.
• Chronic pain. Pain is complex. We believe the real potential for relief comes when ketamine is combined with psychotherapy, because therapy lets a person build new ways of processing what they feel.

What the Process Looks Like Step by Step

Before Treatment

You start with a free exploration call, followed by a virtual consultation with one of our physicians. If you decide to proceed, we schedule your sessions. If you are working with one of the therapists we partner with, we coordinate so that your therapy sessions fall close to your ketamine sessions. We also focus on what we call set and setting, which means preparing you with the right mindset before each treatment. We offer an online video and a podcast on how to prepare for your first ketamine treatment.

Optional Preparation Support

You can also sign up for our Personalized Healing Pathways: Foundation Program. This fully optional coaching support helps you prepare for each session, integrate insights afterward, and build sustainable daily habits.

On Treatment Day

You arrive through our private and discreet entrance, so you will not see other patients. Our team greets you, takes your vitals, and answers any last-minute questions. We guide you through meditations to help you move from the outside world into the clinic. Then you relax in a recliner with a personalized eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a curated playlist. Our setting is spa-like, tranquil, and private. We are with you the entire time, and you are never alone.

After Your Session

We give you time to make sense of the experience yourself, along with snacks and refreshments if you want them. Then you meet with your psychotherapist, either your own or one we work with, to process what came up. We also provide workbook exercises crafted by our team, regular check-ins with our clinical team, and free weekly Reset Sessions. Those are live, guided practices focused on sharing wins, practicing gratitude, and grounding with meditation and breathwork. Camera and sharing are always optional, and sessions can be private.

Ongoing Support

If you want coaching to continue after your initial series, our optional Momentum Pathway offers ongoing coaching, advanced mindfulness tools, and deeper accountability. We stay responsive by phone and text throughout, so you are not left waiting for answers.

What Results to Expect

Many people notice effects within hours, and those effects can last a month or more. You can usually resume normal activities the next day, although you may feel heightened emotions for a few days. We do not oversell it. Up to 20% of patients can be non-responders, and the evidence for chronic pain is fairly mixed. To track your progress honestly, we encourage mood assessments through Osmind. If treatment is not helping, we work with you to find alternative care. You are never charged up front for sessions, only per session.

Our goal is sustained relief after a set treatment plan. Ketamine is not meant to be taken for the rest of your life, and additional enhancement sessions are available if you need them.

Questions We Hear Often

Can I do ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with my own therapist?

Yes. You can use your own therapist or one of the therapists we work with. If you use ours, we coordinate scheduling so your sessions are close together.

Do I have to take part in therapy?

Yes. Psychotherapy is a required part of our program, because we believe it is what helps the benefits last.

Do I need to stop my medications?

Not usually. Our physician reviews your medications with you and tells you which to hold and which to continue. Most are fine throughout the program.

Is ketamine addictive?

We take addiction and misuse seriously. The existing data does not show evidence of ketamine being addictive, and our staff monitors you throughout treatment.

Your Next Step: Talk With Us

Choosing between IV ketamine and Spravato does not have to happen alone, and it does not have to happen before you have spoken to a person. Our free exploration call covers your treatment options, your eligibility, and your questions. If ketamine looks like a fit, our physicians then walk you through a thorough medical evaluation and an individualized plan. You can see how it all works on our process page.

We see next-day or same-week intakes, and we offer a free physician consultation. You can reach us at (949) 503-1414 or info@renewketamineinfusion.com. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, or by appointment.

Schedule your free exploration call today, and let us help you find the treatment that fits you.

The post IV Ketamine vs. Spravato & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.

Question: “I’ve tried CGRP inhibitors, triptans, and Botox, but my migraines still paralyze my week. Can IV ketamine help?”

Chronic migraine is not simply a blood vessel headache; it is a complex neurovascular disorder characterized by cortical spreading depression (CSD) and central sensitization of the trigeminovascular system. CSD is a wave of neuronal depolarization that spreads across the cortex, triggering intense inflammation and sensory aura.

Primary clinical literature shows that NMDA receptor activity is required for the propagation of cortical spreading depression. Ketamine, as a lipophilic NMDA antagonist, crosses the blood-brain barrier rapidly to interrupt this wave. It silences hyperactive trigeminal nucleus neurons, effectively interrupting the migraine cascade before it can full-form.

Through controlled, sub-anesthetic intravenous protocols, we give the brain a chance to raise its threshold against migraine triggers. This neurological reset breaks the continuous loop of chronic daily headaches, offering patients a path back to predictable, pain-free days.

Whether you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression or complex chronic pain, we are dedicated to helping you restore function and reclaim your life.

If you have questions about our treatments or want to discuss whether  ketamine is right for you, contact our team at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a consultation at our Tustin or San Juan Capistrano clinics.

Cheers,

Dr. Justin Yanuck

Renew Ketamine Infusion

Tustin & San Juan Capistrano, CA

The post Refractory Chronic Migraines: Halting the Neurological Cascade appeared first on Renew Ketamine Infusion.