IV Ketamine Therapy in Chautauqua County — Rapid Relief for Depression, PTSD & Chronic Pain
ABOUT THIS TREATMENT
What Is IV Ketamine Therapy?
IV ketamine therapy delivers ketamine directly into the bloodstream through a carefully controlled intravenous infusion, allowing for precise, individualized dosing and rapid absorption. At subanesthetic doses, ketamine triggers neuroplasticity — helping the brain form new, healthier connections that can lift the weight of depression, ease the grip of PTSD, and interrupt the cycle of chronic pain in ways that oral medications simply can’t replicate.
What makes IV ketamine remarkable is its speed. While traditional antidepressants can take 4–8 weeks to produce results, many patients begin to notice meaningful improvement after their first or second infusion — sometimes within hours. For someone who has spent months or years searching for relief, that timeline is not a small thing.
Our team — including Dr. Cunningham and Alicia Snow — has completed advanced training through the Ketamine Institute. Every infusion is administered in a calm, carefully monitored environment designed for your comfort and safety. This is not a procedure we take lightly, and it’s not one we rush.
THE PROCESS
What to Expect — Step by Step
Consultation & Candidacy Review
A thorough review of your psychiatric and medical history, current medications, and prior treatment responses. We determine whether IV ketamine is appropriate and what protocol makes sense for you.
Pre-Infusion Preparation
Light dietary restrictions apply before each session. A small IV catheter is placed in your arm — most patients find this quick and minimally uncomfortable.
The Infusion
Typically 40–60 minutes. You'll recline in a comfortable chair in a private, calm space. Soft lighting, music, and an eyemask are available. One of our providers remains with you throughout.
Post-Infusion Monitoring
We monitor you briefly after the infusion as the dissociative effects fully resolve before you leave. You will need a driver — plan for a full half-day for your appointment.
Initial Treatment Series
Most protocols involve a series of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks for initial treatment. This series approach produces the most durable results for most patients.
Booster & Maintenance
Many patients benefit from periodic booster infusions after their initial series. Your provider tracks your response and recommends the right interval based on how you're doing.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Lakeside for IV Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine Institute-Trained Team
Dr. Cunningham and Alicia Snow have completed specialized training through the Ketamin Institute — a distinction that reflects a deeper clinical understanding of ketamine's therapeutic use, not just administration.
A Calm, Private Infusion Environment
We've invested in creating a space that feels nothing like a typical clinic. Quiet rooms, comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and music are part of how we approach every session.
Part of a Root-Cause Mental Health Approach
Ketamine isn't a standalone fix — it's most effective as part of a broader plan. We evaluate what's driving your symptoms, pair ketamine with appropriate follow-up care, and stay invested in your long-term wellbeing.
Chautauqua County's Advanced Psychiatric Option
IV ketamine therapy is simply not available at most practices in Western New York outside of Buffalo. We've brought this level of care local — so the drive isn't the reason you don't get treated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
What conditions does IV ketamine treat?
IV ketamine is used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar depression, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder (when co-occurring with depression), OCD, and a range of chronic pain conditions — including fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain. It’s particularly valuable when standard treatments have failed or produced insufficient relief.
How quickly does IV ketamine work?
Many patients notice meaningful improvement after their first or second infusion — sometimes within hours to days. This rapid onset is one of ketamine’s most significant clinical advantages over traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks. That said, most lasting benefit comes from completing a full series of infusions, not a single session.
How is IV ketamine different from Spravato?
Both use forms of ketamine, but IV ketamine delivers it directly into the bloodstream, allowing for more precise, individualized dosing and faster onset. Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is FDA approved and insurance-covered specifically for TRD and MDD with suicidal ideation. IV ketamine may be appropriate for a broader range of conditions — including chronic pain and PTSD — and is sometimes preferred for its dosing flexibility. Your provider can help you understand which option may be a better fit for your situation.
Is IV ketamine covered by insurance?
Currently, IV ketamine for psychiatric indications is not typically covered by insurance. We offer transparent out-of-pocket pricing and will walk you through the full cost at your consultation. Many patients find the investment meaningful relative to years of ineffective treatment and the time, cost, and toll that takes.
What does the infusion experience feel like?
Ketamine produces a mild dissociative state during the infusion — many patients describe it as dreamlike, introspective, deeply relaxing, or even profoundly clarifying. These effects are temporary and fully resolve before you leave. We create a calm environment specifically to support a positive experience, and you are never left alone.
Is IV ketamine safe?
IV ketamine at subanesthetic doses has a well-established safety profile when administered in a supervised clinical setting by trained providers. The most common side effects — mild dissociation, dizziness, nausea — are temporary and managed as part of your session. Your full medical history is reviewed before treatment to identify any contraindications.
If Nothing Has Worked, This Might.
IV ketamine therapy is available now at Lakeside Medical Practice in Chautauqua County. Let’s start with a conversation about whether it’s right for you.