Worth suggesting when most of these are true. If none of them are, a different conversation is more useful than this one.
They have completed an antidepressant trial at a real dose for six to eight weeks without adequate benefit
Their anxiety has persisted through an adequate SSRI or SNRI trial, not just through a stressful few months
They have PTSD and trauma-focused therapy has not been enough, or they cannot currently engage with it
They have chronic pain with depression alongside it, though if the pain is the primary problem an infusion clinic usually fits better
They have said they feel out of options, which is the moment a concrete next step helps most
They have raised ketamine themselves and want somewhere credible to start reading
If you have already had the conversation, this is the link. If you have not, read the section below it first.
They complete the eligibility screening themselves. It is free, takes about five minutes, and is scored in their browser before anyone asks for payment.
If they look like a candidate, they meet Dr. Ben Soffer, DO, by video for a real clinical evaluation, including a full medication review. Some people are declined at this stage, and they are told why.
If approved, medication ships to their door and sessions happen at home. A sober support person is required for every session, which is worth knowing before you suggest it.
Two things worth doing first. Check whether they might be covered through insurance or the VA, since Spravato is covered by many plans and some VA facilities provide ketamine, and if either applies that is the cheaper route. Then lead with what you have noticed rather than with a treatment, because a link lands very differently after someone feels heard.
tovanihealth.com/refer