How much is ketamine therapy?

Nationally, a session runs $275 to $1,300. At Avesta, insurance can bring it far lower. See real costs by plan below.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, PhD, FAAN. Last modified July 28, 2026

Front desk at an Avesta Ketamine and Wellness clinic where patients review ketamine therapy costs and payment options

Ketamine therapy runs $275 to $1,300 per session nationally. At Avesta, insurance can bring IV ketamine to $0-$450 and Spravato medication to $0. Every number is below, by treatment type and insurance plan.

How much does ketamine therapy cost?  

Ketamine therapy costs $275 to $1,300 per clinical session in the US. The price depends on four things: treatment type (IV, IM, Spravato, oral), your insurance, the facility, and the level of medical supervision. A full 6-session induction typically runs $2,000 to $4,000 before insurance. Ketamine is an evidence-based treatment for several conditions[1], including depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and substance use disorders.

Type of treatment

There are four main methods of administering ketamine therapy: intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), orally, and intranasally. Each route has different associated costs. Intravenous and intramuscular ketamine, where patients are monitored in-clinic by healthcare professionals, are generally more expensive than at-home oral lozenges or intranasal sprays. At-home treatments are more affordable, but unsupervised ketamine therapy comes with potential dependence and overdose risks. Avesta strongly believes that in-clinic ketamine therapy supervised by experienced medical professionals is essential for patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

Ketamine facility

The ketamine clinic location and the type of facility can also significantly influence treatment costs. Ketamine centers in major cities like Washington D.C. and New York typically charge higher prices than those in more remote areas due to higher overhead expenses like rent and staff salaries. Additionally, private clinics often charge more for ketamine therapy than hospitals due to specialized staff, advanced equipment, and a more personalized approach.

Ancillary Services

Ketamine therapy costs generally exceed the medicine itself. That's because protocols include ancillary services that patients must pay for, including psychotherapy sessions, consultations, counseling, and follow-ups.

Staff experience

Ketamine clinics that employ independent licensed practitioners and trained medical assistants generally must charge more than centers with less specialized patient-care technicians. Trained ketamine professionals have a deeper understanding of dosage, risks, safe handling of side effects, patient management, and protocols. This expertise warrants higher salaries and training costs, reflected in the overall treatment fees.

How much does ketamine therapy cost by treatment type?

Per-session costs by treatment type, national ranges vs. what patients pay at Avesta:

Ketamine therapy cost by treatment type, 2026 (national vs. Avesta)
Treatment type National per session At Avesta
IV ketamine (mental health) $400 – $800+ $0 – $450 with insurance; $450 self-pay
IV ketamine (chronic pain) Varies widely $1,400 cash
Spravato (esketamine) $900 – $1,300 uninsured $0 medication + $0 – $250 visit
IM injections $275 – $400+ $450 ($425 each in 6-session package)
Generic ketamine nasal spray $100 – $200 per bottle Ask our team
Oral tablets (troches) $75 – $200 per prescription Ask our team
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) Varies by protocol Ask our team

How much does ketamine infusion (IV) therapy cost?

Nationally, IV ketamine infusions are typically the most expensive treatment type out of pocket. Depending on the provider, one 40-60-minute IV ketamine session can start at around $400 and reach or exceed $1,000, depending on the city and level of care. According to the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners, $400 to $800 per ketamine treatment[2] is reasonable. Any more than that may be “asking too much.”

Most IV ketamine induction protocols consist of four to six treatments over two to three weeks, translating to an average of $2,000 to $4,000 total. Avesta strictly follows research protocols, consisting of at least six treatments over two to three weeks, before moving to a maintenance protocol. See what this costs at Avesta below.

How much does Spravato cost with and without insurance?

The FDA approved the esketamine intranasal spray[3], Spravato, in 2019 and as monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression in 2025.

Medication costs: without insurance, the Spravato medication costs about $800[4] for a 56mg dose and $1,200 for 84mg. With insurance, eligible patients can pay as little as $10 per Spravato treatment[5] for medication costs.

Monitoring costs: Spravato patients also pay monitoring fees, as they receive the medication in clinics under medical supervision. Without coverage, monitoring can cost $200 – $400 per visit; with insurance, eligible patients can pay as little as a standard copay (typically $30 – $50). All in, uninsured Spravato treatments nationally range from about $900 to $1,300 per visit, while patients with coverage can pay $40 – $60 per treatment. See Avesta’s Spravato costs below.

How much does generic ketamine nasal spray cost?

Locally compounded ketamine intranasal sprays cost significantly less than Spravato, about $100–$200 per 30 ml bottle. Patients typically take generic ketamine sprays at home without medical supervision, which can lead to risks. The FDA issued a warning for compounded ketamine nasal sprays[6], citing adverse psychiatric events, misuse, and abuse stemming from a lack of standardization and safety measures.

How much do oral ketamine tablets (troches) cost?

Ketamine oral tablets are the least expensive treatment because they are at-home medications. Tablets, also called troches or lozenges, cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per prescription nationally, with the total amount depending on the number of tablets the patient needs. Like nasal sprays, ketamine tablets should be prescribed carefully and with a complete medical management picture in mind. Learn what insurance does and doesn’t cover on our insurance page.

How much do IM ketamine injections cost?

Nationally, each IM ketamine session generally costs $275 to $300 plus potential monitoring fees. With a therapist or facilitator involved, each IM session typically costs $400+. It is crucial to choose a facilitator with the safety equipment, medical knowledge, and licensing to react in a crisis. Most intramuscular patients receive the same number of injections as IV patients, so a four-to-six session IM protocol generally costs $1,600 to $2,400. See what IM costs at Avesta below.

How much does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) cost?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy pairs ketamine dosing with dedicated psychotherapy, so sessions are longer and include licensed therapist time. That makes per-session costs higher than medication-only ketamine, and totals vary widely with the number of preparation and integration sessions in the protocol. At Avesta, KAP pricing is quoted individually; ask our team during your consultation, and see our KAP page to learn how the treatment works.

How much is ketamine therapy with insurance at Avesta?

With insurance, IV ketamine at Avesta costs $0 to $450 per session depending on your plan. Avesta is in-network with Cigna, the VA, and Workers’ Compensation for IV ketamine, and bills out-of-network plans on your behalf.

IV Ketamine at Avesta (Mental Health)

A standard induction is 6 sessions over 2 to 3 weeks. What you pay per session depends on your insurance:

Veterans Affairs In-network, VA pre-authorizes. $0 per session.
Cigna In-network. $0 to $220 per session depending on plan.
Workers' Compensation In-network. Can be $0 per session.
Aetna Out-of-network, we bill on your behalf. $0 to $300 per session.
United Healthcare Out-of-network, we bill on your behalf. $0 to $450 per session.
BCBS / CareFirst Out-of-network. $450 per session, $425 each in a 6-session package.
No insurance (self-pay) $450 per session, $425 each in a 6-session package.

Your exact cost depends on your individual plan’s deductible and coinsurance. Our insurance specialist gives you a plan-specific estimate before your first session.

IM Ketamine at Avesta

Intramuscular (IM) ketamine at Avesta is cash pay: $450 per session, or $425 per session in a 6-session package. We often recommend IM over IV, as we believe it offers a better experience for many patients; your provider will help you choose the right route during your consultation.

Spravato at Avesta

The standard induction protocol is 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks, then 1 session per week for 4 weeks. Costs have two parts: the medication and the office visit.

  • If we are in-network with your payer (Cigna, Aetna, Workers’ Comp, the VA, Virginia Medicaid, or Maryland Medicaid) and your insurer approves the medication: the medication costs you nothing, and the office visit runs $0 to $250 per session depending on your plan.
  • If your insurer approves the medication but we are not yet in-network with your payer (for example CareFirst and United Healthcare, both in progress): the office visit runs $150 to $250 per session.

A note on full self-pay Spravato: we offer it (full medication cost plus a $250 office visit per session), but we rarely recommend it. Without insurer approval of the medication, Spravato is far more expensive than IV ketamine for a comparable course of treatment. If your insurance does not approve Spravato, other options might be a more sensible path. 

IV Ketamine for Chronic Pain at Avesta

Pain infusions use different dosing than mental health infusions and are typically not covered by insurance. At Avesta, pain infusions are $1,400 per session, cash, and most patients need 5 consecutive sessions to start. Workers’ Compensation cases are the exception; see our insurance page.

Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?

IV ketamine is usually not covered because it’s administered off-label, though Avesta is in-network for IV ketamine through Cigna, the VA, and Workers’ Compensation. Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by most major plans; Avesta is in-network for Spravato with Cigna, Aetna, the VA, Virginia Medicaid, and Maryland Medicaid. For the full payer list, pre-authorization steps, superbills, and billing codes, see our insurance page.

Military members and veterans: Avesta is in-network with the VA for IV ketamine, Spravato, and KAP, and partners with veteran-focused nonprofits for additional support. See our Veterans page.

How can I pay less for ketamine therapy?

Most patients lower their cost three ways: pre-tax HSA/FSA dollars, interest-free financing, or discount and benefit programs.

HSA/FSA accounts: ketamine therapy is an eligible expense for Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, which lets you pay with pre-tax dollars. Avesta accepts both.

Medical credit: Avesta partners with Advance Care Card to offer 6 or 14 months of interest-free financing with competitive rates. The application takes a few minutes, approval decisions are immediate in most cases, and co-signers may be used.

Veteran and first responder programs: Avesta is in-network with the VA, and partners with nonprofits like Ten Ten Life that fund trauma-informed ketamine therapy for eligible service members, veterans, and first responders. See our Veterans page.

Employer benefits: a growing number of employers cover ketamine therapy through benefits administrators. Avesta partners with Enthea and Tara Mind to offer subsidized care for eligible patients.

FAQs about Ketamine Therapy Cost

How much does ketamine therapy cost with insurance?
At Avesta, $0 to $450 per session for IV ketamine depending on your plan, and $0 medication plus a $0-$250 office visit for Spravato with insurer approval. Our insurance specialist quotes your exact cost before you start.

Does insurance cover ketamine infusions?
Usually not, but Avesta is in-network for IV ketamine with Cigna, the VA, and Workers’ Comp; see our insurance page for every payer.

How much is ketamine therapy near me?
Nationally $275 to $1,300 per session depending on treatment type and city; Avesta’s per-session costs by insurance plan are listed above.

How much does Spravato cost per month?
Induction month (8 sessions) at Avesta: $0 medication with insurer approval plus $0-$250 per office visit. Eligible commercially-insured patients can pay as little as $10 per treatment through the manufacturer program.

Are there additional costs associated with ketamine therapy apart from the treatment itself?
Sometimes: initial consultation, follow-up sessions, and supplementary therapy can add to treatment costs. Avesta quotes your all-in estimate before you start.

Are there low-cost or financing options available for ketamine therapy?
Yes: HSA/FSA and Advance Care Card financing (details above).

Patients should contact Avesta’s Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. clinics to learn about ketamine pricing as well as insurance and other financing options.

References

  1. Walsh, Z., Mollaahmetoglu, O. M., Rootman, J., et al. “Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review.” BJPsych Open, 2022. Accessed July 24, 2026.
  2. American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners. “How to Choose a Ketamine Clinic.” ASKP3. Accessed July 24, 2026.
  3. Johnson & Johnson. “SPRAVATO® (esketamine) Approved in the U.S. as the First and Only Monotherapy for Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression.” PR Newswire, January 2025. Accessed July 24, 2026.
  4. Drugs.com. “Spravato Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs.” Drugs.com Price Guide. Accessed July 24, 2026.
  5. Janssen Pharmaceuticals. “SPRAVATO withMe Savings Program Requirements.” SpravatoHCP. Accessed July 24, 2026.
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Alerts Health Care Professionals of Potential Risks Associated with Compounded Ketamine Nasal Spray.” FDA, 2023. Accessed July 24, 2026.

Have A Question?

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