Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) is a ketamine infusion clinic in Los Angeles that also offers TMS, Spravato and psychiatric care. Family-founded and run, it has operated since 2014 under its co-founders, the anaesthesiologist Dr Steven L. Mandel and Sam Mandel.

Approach

Ketamine is given by IV through a digital infusion pump rather than a drip bag, so the rate can be changed within a minute, and an infusion lasts up to 55 minutes in a private room. Heart rhythm (EKG), pulse, oxygen and blood pressure are tracked throughout, and the clinical team keeps watch. Patients get pillows, blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, music and a sleep mask, and most are ready to leave 20 to 30 minutes after the infusion. The team includes psychiatrists, physician assistants, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and nurses, and KCLA reports more than 35,000 treatments for over 6,000 patients.

Who it is for

KCLA treats adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, addiction or suicidality. A clinical diagnosis is required, and people without one can be evaluated or referred on. No referral from a current provider is needed, but the clinic does not take walk-ins or people who are simply curious.

Practical details

An infusion has been listed at $600. Some insurance plans cover ketamine and most cover TMS and psychiatry, and self-pay patients can spread costs over up to 24 months without interest. The clinic is at 6801 Park Terrace and opens Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm. Steps run from a free phone consultation and a virtual evaluation to an in-person intake, the infusions and aftercare.

Care and safety

Current medications are checked for contraindications at the first consultation. Patients fast for four hours beforehand, with clear liquids allowed up to two hours before, and may not drive for the rest of the day.