Effective Esketamine Therapy in San Diego

You’ve likely heard of ketamine, which is a mixture of two molecules, R-ketamine and S-ketamine. Esketamine is a more purified and refined version of ketamine, like picking out the strongest part of a medicine.

Esketamine therapy is a groundbreaking mental health treatment that has been shown to offer rapid relief for those dealing with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain.

Unlike conventional approaches that can take weeks to take effect, esketamine treatment can restore mental health more quickly.

That’s because as an anesthetic with dissociative effects, it blocks NMDA receptors in the brain. This disruption can lead to the formation of new, improved neural connections.

When thinking about how esketamine works for depression and other mental health challenges, it helps your brain rewire itself, improving mood and emotional processing and creating new pathways.

When used to treat mental health concerns, there are two main types: IV infusions and intranasal.

Esketamine IV Infusions

During an IV infusion treatment, esketamine is administered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for precise dosing and rapid absorption. That can allow you to experience relief faster than other methods or treatments.

If you’re interested in learning more about esketamine infusion therapy, there are a few important things to note first:

• Most insurance companies do not cover IV esketamine. That said, we offer some of the most affordable prices in San Diego.
• We don’t administer infusions at our clinic on 4th Avenue. If we prescribe esketamine IV treatment, you’ll receive infusions at our partner clinic located at 6719 Alvarado Road.
• You will not be allowed to drive after your infusion. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from your sessions.

Intranasal

Intranasal esketamine, known as SPRAVATO®, is an FDA-approved nasal spray. Under the supervision of our licensed professionals, you’ll administer the spray yourself.

For those with an aversion to needles or looking for an alternative to IV therapy, esketamine nasal spray may be a good option.

Before exploring SPRAVATO®, please note:

• Most insurance companies cover SPRAVATO®, provided the administering clinic meets local, state, and federal regulations. SD Wellness Group meets such regulations.
• You cannot pick up SPRAVATO®, take it home, and administer it yourself. It must be done at our clinic.
• You may not drive yourself home after receiving this intranasal treatment. You’ll need to arrange transportation beforehand.

Up until now, SPRAVATO® was used in conjunction with other treatments, typically oral medication. However, in an exciting 2025 development, SPRAVATO was approved as the first and only monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression.

This new FDA approval could make it easier for you to be approved for treatment and get on the path to recovery faster.

• Rapid relief, often within hours of treatment
• Shown to be effective for treatment-resistant mental health conditions
• Supports brain healing
• Improves mood, emotional processing, and overall well-being
• Provides a safe alternative to traditional antidepressants
• Helps regulate responses to trauma

Depression

If you’ve tried other forms of treatment for depression without success, you may be a good candidate for esketamine therapy. Many report feeling relief within hours or just a few days.

Anxiety

Because esketamine is believed to help regulate your stress response, it could offer generalized or social anxiety relief.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Esketamine targets trauma-related neural pathways. Therefore, it’s a promising PTSD therapy that could help you regain control.

Chronic Pain

By reducing inflammation and blocking certain receptors in the brain, esketamine infusion therapy could ease your chronic pain.

It’s normal to feel nervous when exploring alternative treatments for mental health in San Diego. Knowing more about the process and what to expect can help put you at ease.

While we’ll review your treatment plan with you in-depth, answering any questions you may have, here’s a general overview of what to expect.

Step 1: Preparation

Regardless of how it’s administered, IV or through a nasal spray, you’ll need to arrange transportation to and from your appointment. You cannot drive immediately after receiving esketamine treatment.

Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine about 24 hours before your treatment, as these could affect how you respond.

On the day of your session, wear comfortable clothing to help you feel more at ease.

Step 2: Administration Process

If you’re receiving an infusion at our partner clinic, you’ll receive a slow infusion over the course of about 45 minutes in a comfortable, monitored setting.

If you’re receiving SPRAVATO®, one of our licensed clinicians will review how to properly use the spray before you self-administer.

Step 3: Follow-Up Care

Ongoing support is crucial for long-term wellness, whether that means additional treatments, therapy, or a more comprehensive approach.

As one of the best esketamine clinics in San Diego (per our patients!), we offer both IV infusions and SPRAVATO®, making it easier to find the right administration for you.

When you allow our team to assist with your mental health or chronic pain through esketamine, you’ll gain access to:

• A team of licensed providers with extensive training, knowledge, and experience.
• Protocols that are backed by peer-reviewed studies to enhance both the safety and efficacy of esketamine therapy.
• Insurance-friendly options for intranasal treatment and affordable packages for IV infusions.
• Treatment that’s compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.