Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
How is Mindscape different from other ketamine therapy options?
Mindscape helps you access the safest and most flexible options for at-home ketamine therapy. We connect you with a trusted, independent provider who has expertise at all levels, from microdosing to higher-dose ketamine treatments. Your customized, adaptable treatment plan fits your unique needs, wherever you are in your healing journey.
We make at-home ketamine therapy as easy and seamless as it gets. Our platform provides comprehensive care and pharmacy coordination, along with tools and guidance to help you get the most out of every session. Throughout your journey, we’re here to ensure your treatment stays targeted and effective.
What conditions can ketamine therapy address?
Ketamine therapy is most commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain mood disorders. Ketamine therapy also improves cognitive skills and enhances creativity and problem-solving in many individuals.
How does ketamine therapy work?
Ketamine targets the neurotransmitter glutamate, acting quickly on the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It also enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections, reframe negative thought patterns, and improve overall mental well-being, leading to long-lasting benefits.
How does ketamine achieve long-term results?
Repeated use of ketamine promotes positive changes in the brain. These changes can increase clarity and flexibility in how you think, feel, and behave, improving self-awareness and emotional resilience. Over time, many people experience a renewed sense of passion and purpose, as well as deeper, more authentic connections with others. Practices such as journaling and meditation can help integrate the insights provided during ketamine treatments, supporting lasting change.
What dose range is available?
Mindscape’s clinical partners work across the full spectrum of at-home ketamine dosing, from subtle microdoses to more robust levels. When you sign up, you’ll choose your medication tier: Ground, Flow, or Rise. After provider approval, most members receive a 30-day supply of oral ketamine totaling roughly 1,500–6,000 mg. Your monthly supply is divided into individualized doses based on your goals, your history with ketamine, and your provider’s treatment plan.
You’ll continue working with your provider to identify the best dosing structure for your needs, and you can request a tier change via the member portal at any point in your journey.
Learn more about our medication tiers and forms on our Program page.
About the Medication
Do I need supervision during my ketamine treatments?
Because Mindscape utilizes mid-dose ketamine, the effects are subtle, and there is no need for a sitter or guide during your session. You can safely administer the treatment on your own.
What should I expect during ketamine treatments?
Most people notice a gentle relaxation and a subtle shift in perspective shortly after taking their medication. Low and moderate doses typically don’t produce hallucinations or overwhelming effects. Many users feel more centered, less anxious, and more mentally clear, but some people say they feel tipsy or have a light “buzz.” You can manage the effects of your treatment comfortably at home, but make sure you don’t have to drive anywhere for at least 2 hours. Higher doses may have stronger effects. Once approved for ketamine therapy, you’ll receive specific instructions and support before beginning treatment.
How quickly will I feel the effects of a ketamine dose?
Oral troches provide a slower, steadier release taking effect over 15-30 minutes. Nasal spray is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa, taking effect in about 5-10 minutes.
How long do the effects of ketamine last?
The effects of ketamine typically peak in 30-45 minutes after administration and may last between 1-2 hours overall.
Do you offer Spravato?
No, we do not provide prescriptions for Spravato.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that contains esketamine, a medication that is chemically related to ketamine but has a distinct chemical structure. Mindscape provides oral and intranasal ketamine only
Does ketamine have a taste?
Ketamine troches can be flavored to mask the bitter taste. Troches are tropical fruit flavored by default, but you can request a different flavor or unflavored troches. Nasal sprays are unflavored.
Some users describe the taste of nasal ketamine as bitter. Reports generally indicate it is an acquired taste which they become accustomed to with more frequent use.
Does ketamine have side effects?
At low and moderate doses, ketamine side effects are rare. However, side effects such as mild dizziness, nausea, or fatigue may occur. These typically resolve quickly. If you do experience any side effects during ketamine treatment, please contact our support team.
Can you build a tolerance to ketamine?
With regular use over time, raising your ketamine dose may be required to achieve therapeutic effects. If you think you’re developing a tolerance, you can discuss this with your medical provider. Your provider may recommend a change in your dosing schedule or raise your ketamine dose if appropriate. Dosages can only be changed by the prescribing provider.
What’s the difference between oral and nasal ketamine?
Oral ketamine comes in either a dissolvable tablet that goes under your tongue or a small lozenge that dissolves between the cheek and gums, called a troche. Nasal sprays are inhaled through the nose and contain both ketamine and oxytocin.
For more medication information, see our Program page.
About Ketamine Therapy
Can I take ketamine while on other medications ?
Some medications, including many common antidepressants, are safe to take while using at-home ketamine therapy. You should refrain from taking benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, etc.) and stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) for 24 hours before ketamine treatment.
Certain medications, however, aren’t recommended due to safety concerns. It’s important to discuss any drugs you currently take or might take in the next year during your consultation.
Should I see a therapist while using ketamine?
Ketamine therapy is very effective when combined with psychotherapy. A therapist can help you integrate the insights discovered in your ketamine sessions, so they make a lasting impact on long-term thoughts and behaviors.
That said, ketamine therapy can also be effective for depression and anxiety, even if you don’t work with a therapist. Personal practices such as journaling, drawing, and meditation can also help you integrate your ketamine experiences for long-term success.
At this time, Mindscape does not provide psychotherapy or referrals, but you can find helpful information and resources regarding psychotherapy and integration practices on our blog and in the premium member area. (coming soon!).
How often should I use ketamine?
Low and mid-dose ketamine are safe for daily use. Higher doses may require a less frequent schedule. After your telehealth consultation, your provider will recommend a starting dose and suggest a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals.
How long will I need ketamine therapy?
Some people continue ketamine therapy for years. You and your provider can determine if and when it’s time to discontinue use. Withdrawal symptoms are rare with lower doses.
The only exception would be if you developed a medical condition that’s contraindicated for ketamine treatment, such as pregnancy or epilepsy.
Legal and Safety Information
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine has been used safely in hospitals for decades as an anesthetic. Administered under medical supervision, ketamine therapy is considered safe for at-home use. Mindscape connects you with an experienced, licensed medical provider who tailors your treatment plan to your specific needs.
Read more about ketamine Safety
Important Safety Information
Mindscape connects individuals with licensed clinicians trained to diagnose and treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. If, after a clinical assessment, a licensed clinician determines ketamine to be an appropriate treatment, they may prescribe compounded ketamine troches (oral administration) or nasal sprays, produced by pharmacies under Section 503A of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Compounded drugs under Section 503A do not require FDA approval, and as such, the FDA has not verified the safety or effectiveness of the compounded ketamine for treating anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. However, scientific literature supports the use of ketamine for these conditions.
Potential Side Effects
Ketamine may cause serious side effects, including but not limited to sedation, dissociation, and psychiatric events or worsening of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, and other severe psychiatric disorders. Other risks include dependence, abuse, anxiety; increased blood pressure or heart rate; respiratory depression (a condition causing breathing to become slower and shallower and preventing the lungs from exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen efficiently); urinary tract and bladder issues, such as urinary pain or incontinence, blood in urine, or reduced bladder size; altered time perception; dry mouth; elevated intraocular/intracranial pressure; loss of appetite; confusion, nausea/vomiting; blurred vision; and slurred speech.
The FDA has advised that at-home ketamine administration may present additional risks due to the absence of onsite healthcare providers to monitor for sedation or dissociative side effects.
Mindscape protocols and guidance are designed to minimize the risk of side effects or adverse events, and should be carefully followed. Ketamine should only be taken as directed by your treating clinician.
Contraindications
Avoid ketamine treatment if any of the following apply to you:
- Allergic to ketamine
- Symptoms of psychosis or mania
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Congestive heart failure or other serious heart issues
- Severe respiratory issues
- History of elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
- History of hyperthyroidism
- Other serious medical conditions
- Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
Additional Risks
Ketamine may cause moderate psychological dependency in some users.
In rare cases, frequent, heavy users have reported issues such as frequent urination, incontinence, pain during urination, blood in the urine, or reduced bladder capacity.
Ketamine may also exacerbate issues in people with schizophrenia or severe personality disorders. Individuals with personal or family histories of psychosis should exercise caution with any psychoactive substances, including ketamine, and discuss risks with their clinician.
Safety Guidelines
Ketamine's dissociative effects can increase vulnerability and accident risk. For best outcomes and safety, follow these guidelines during treatment:
- Avoid operating vehicles or heavy machinery following treatment until after a full night's sleep.
- Do not take benzodiazepines or stimulants within 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Continue taking antihypertensive medications as prescribed.
- Do not take ketamine with alcohol or when hungover.
- Avoid solid foods within 3 hours and liquids within 1 hour of treatment.
Research and Effectiveness
A 2022 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Affective Disorders titled "At-home, sublingual ketamine telehealth is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and depression: Findings from a large, prospective, open-label effectiveness trial," showed promising results. The FDA has not conducted head-to-head trials comparing ketamine's safety to other FDA-approved medications for depression, anxiety, or psychiatric conditions. Some clients report better success with ketamine than with FDA-approved therapies, though these results may not be typical.
For more information about the informed consent clients can view and sign prior to treatment, please email us at support@mindscaperx.com.
Is at-home ketamine therapy legal?
Ketamine is a legal medication that’s FDA-approved as an anesthetic. In the U.S., a licensed medical provider can legally prescribe ketamine “off-label” to address anxiety and depression. Prescribing ketamine via telehealth and delivering it for at-home use is legal in all states served by our program. Our licensed clinical and pharmacy partners remain in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Can I travel with my ketamine medication?
Yes, you can legally carry your prescribed ketamine medication anywhere within the U.S. when traveling. Be sure to keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label.
Is mid-dose ketamine FDA-approved?
Ketamine has been FDA-approved for use as an anesthetic for decades. Research into mental health applications is ongoing, so ketamine is not yet approved by the FDA for the treatment of mental health conditions.
Licensed healthcare providers can legally prescribe ketamine for “off-label” use in addressing mental health-related symptoms.
Spravato, a nasal spray containing esketamine, has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal behavior. Esketamine is similar to ketamine, but they’re not the same medication. Our clinical partners prescribe oral and intranasal ketamine. They do not provide prescriptions for Spravato.
Program Details
What states does Mindscape currently operate in?
Mindscape is currently available in the following U.S. states: Arizona, California, Mississippi, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. We are actively working to expand coverage, so if your state isn’t listed, stay tuned or sign up for updates.
How do I get started with Mindscape ?
To begin your journey, simply fill out our online questionnaire and schedule a telehealth consultation with a licensed medical provider. Most people speak with a provider within 24-48 hours.
What happens during the telehealth consultation?
During your consultation, a licensed medical provider will discuss your physical and mental health history, treatment goals, and any concerns you may have. They will then customize your treatment plan to address your specific needs. This consultation is risk-free, meaning you won’t be charged if you are not a suitable candidate for ketamine therapy.
How soon will I receive my ketamine prescription?
Once prescribed, your medication will be delivered directly to your doorstep within 3-5 business days.
Will I have follow-up consultations?
You will be contacted when it’s time for a follow up. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, you can contact your provider via the member portal, where you can also request dose adjustments.
How can I contact Mindscape if I have questions?
You can reach our customer support team via email at support@mindscaperx.com. Members may use the contact information provided in the member area.
How much does the Mindscape program cost?
You can find detailed plan and pricing information on our Program page.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Our provider network doesn’t accept insurance at this time. Currently, most insurers do not cover ketamine therapy. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your subscription any time before your next refill via the member portal.
What is your refund policy?
Your initial consultation is risk-free. At the time of booking, we’ll put a hold on your credit card in the amount of the monthly subscription fee. If, during your consultation, your provider determines that you’re ineligible for ketamine therapy due to a health contraindication, we will release the hold, and your card will not be charged.
Once you’re approved for the program, your card will be charged, and your prescription will be processed. This payment is non-refundable, but you may cancel your subscription, free of charge, before your next refill is processed.
Please visit our Program page for more information.