If you’re considering ketamine therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, or suicidality, one of the most common questions you may have is:
“How many infusions will I need, and how long will the benefits last?”
At Ketamine Center of Connecticut, we want every patient to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment plan. This guide explains what you can expect from your ketamine infusion series—based on current research, clinical practice, and the experience of our medical team.
Most patients begin with a series of six intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions given over 2–3 weeks. This schedule is widely recognized as the most effective protocol for achieving strong and lasting improvement.
Here’s why:
Ketamine doesn’t just temporarily boost mood—it helps the brain form new neural connections, improving communication between brain cells. This process, called synaptic plasticity, takes place over repeated treatments.
Studies show that patients receiving a full infusion series experience better and longer-lasting improvement compared to those who receive only one treatment.
Research supporting this includes:
A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly improved treatment-resistant depression, with many patients responding within the first several sessions.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2659329
Yale Medicine research highlights that most patients benefit from a structured multi-infusion protocol rather than a single infusion.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-depression
While the standard protocol is six treatments, every patient is unique. Dr. Gino Ang and our clinical team assess your symptoms, medical history, and response during the first few infusions and adjust if needed.
Many patients begin noticing improvement after the first or second infusion, especially when receiving ketamine for depression, anxiety, or suicidality.
Some early improvements patients report include:
However, the most consistent and lasting results typically appear after the full series of six sessions. Each infusion builds on the last, helping your brain stabilize and maintain the improvements.
The duration of relief varies from person to person based on factors like diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and overall health. However, research and patient experience show the following general patterns:
Patients receiving ketamine for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar depression, suicidality, or PTSD may feel better for:
Many patients experience strong relief for 6–8 weeks after their initial series.
This is supported by clinical research, including:
Patients seeking relief from conditions such as neuropathic pain or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) often experience benefits lasting:
Chronic pain often requires different dosing strategies, and treatment duration may vary more widely.
Many patients choose to return for maintenance infusions to sustain their results. These booster sessions are typically scheduled:
Maintenance is not required for everyone, but for many patients, it is a helpful and proactive way to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
During follow-up, our team will work with you to find a schedule that matches your individual needs, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ketamine therapy. That’s why every patient at Ketamine Center of Connecticut receives a comprehensive evaluation before treatment begins. Dr. Gino Ang. and our medical team assess:
Your response to each infusion is carefully monitored, and we adjust your treatment plan to ensure the safest and most effective results.
Learn how many ketamine treatments are typically recommended, what affects results, and why a medical consultation is important for personalized care.
Learn about the safety and benefits of ketamine therapy at Ketamine CT. Discover how our expert care ensures a safe, effective treatment experience in Connecticut.
Learn about the safety and benefits of ketamine therapy at Ketamine CT. Discover how our expert care ensures a safe, effective treatment experience in Connecticut.
Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment where low doses of ketamine are delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV (intravenous infusion). It’s not the same as the higher doses once known for anesthesia or recreational use this is carefully