What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been safely used in operating rooms and emergency settings for decades. In lower, controlled doses, IV ketamine has gained strong clinical interest for its ability to rapidly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain chronic pain conditions.At Kloud Health, ketamine is not used as general anesthesia. Instead, it is delivered in carefully measured, sub-anesthetic doses through an IV infusion while you are awake, monitored, and supported the entire time.

How Ketamine Works in the Brain

Unlike typical antidepressants that act primarily on serotonin, ketamine works on the glutamate system — one of the brain’s most important excitatory neurotransmitters.

• Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which changes how glutamate is released.
• This increases activation of AMPA receptors, promoting neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to create and reorganize connections.
• It also reduces activity in brain networks linked to rumination, overthinking, and rigid negative thought patterns.

The result is a short window where the brain becomes more flexible and open to change. Many patients feel a shift in mood, thought patterns, and overall outlook in the days following treatment.

Who Might Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?

You may be a candidate for ketamine therapy if you’ve been diagnosed with, or experience symptoms of:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Treatment-Resistant Depression
• Bipolar I or II (depressive episodes)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Postpartum depression
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Suicidal ideation
• Body image issues or disordered eating patterns

We strongly believe in collaborative care. At Kloud, we work in partnership with your existing mental health provider whenever possible so your ketamine treatment fits into a larger, thoughtful treatment plan.

What Happens During a Ketamine Infusion at Kloud Health?

Every ketamine session at Kloud is done in a private, calming room designed specifically for mental health treatments.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Pre-infusion review

• We review your medical history, medications, goals, and answer questions.
  
• Your physician will confirm dosing based on your weight, history, and prior sessions.

2. IV ketamine infusion

• A carefully calculated dose of ketamine is administered intravenously (IV) over about 40–60 minutes.
  
• During the infusion, you may experience sensations such as lightness, floating, mild visual changes, or emotional distance from your usual thought patterns.

3. Continuous monitoring

• Your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen) are monitored throughout.
  
• An anesthesia-trained physician and clinical staff are on site for your safety and comfort.
  

4. Recovery & integration

• After the infusion, you’ll rest in the room until you feel ready to leave.
  
• You will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
  
• Many patients notice changes in mood or perspective within hours to days.
  

How Many Ketamine Sessions Will I Need?

Based on current research and clinical experience, we typically recommend:

• An initial series of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks
  
• Followed by maintenance or “booster” infusions only as needed
  

Some patients experience lasting benefit after the initial series alone. Others find that occasional booster treatments every few weeks or months help maintain results. Your physician will review your response and help create a plan that makes sense for you.

Is ketamine safe?

When used responsibly under proper medical supervision, IV ketamine therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective option for many patients with treatment-resistant conditions.

At Kloud Health, your safety is our priority:

• Physician-led treatment overseen by anesthesia-trained doctors
  
• Careful screening for medical and psychiatric contraindications
  
• Continuous monitoring during every infusion
  
• Emergency-trained staff and protocols in place
  

Common short-term side effects can include nausea, dizziness, or temporary changes in perception. These usually resolve shortly after the infusion, and you’re monitored until you’re stable and comfortable before leaving.

Is ketamine addictive?

Recreational misuse of ketamine can lead to dependence and other health risks. However, in a controlled medical setting with limited, carefully monitored dosing, ketamine therapy has a low risk of addiction.

At Kloud, we:

• Do not provide take-home ketamine
  
• Use structured treatment protocols
  
• Screen for substance use history
  
• Monitor your response closely over tim
  

Our goal is to use ketamine as a therapeutic tool — not a long-term crutch.

Why Choose Kloud Health for Ketamine Therapy in Los Angeles?

• Physician-led care
  Your treatment is overseen by physicians with anesthesia and perioperative medicine experience — the specialists who use ketamine safely every day.
  
• Modern, calming space
  Our clinic is intentionally designed to feel safe, soothing, and elevated — far from a hospital setting, but with hospital-level standards.
  
• Personalized dosing and protocols
  We tailor dosing, schedule, and environment to your needs, goals, and comfort level.
  
• Collaborative approach
  We’re happy to collaborate with your psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care physician for continuity of care.
  
• Located in the heart of Los Angeles
  ‍Conveniently located at 7938 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Kloud serves patients from Beverly Grove, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the greater LA area.